K is for Kvasir

An enigmatic fellow Kvasir. Known both as one of the Vanir, (traded to Asgard when a truce was reached after the feud between the Aesir and Vanir) and a god created from the spit of all the Vanir and Aesir combined.

Whatever his origin, he was well-known and beloved for his wisdom and counsel. Many came from far and wide to share their worries and ask for advice. No one who consulted with him was disappointed. So great was his fame that it reached the ears of two very wicked dwarves, who were jealous of his merit. The dwarves Fjalar and Galar invited Kvasir to their home, fed him well and then killed him with conviction. The blood that poured from his body was collected and brewed with honey to make a special mead. This mead was later called the Mead of Poetry because anyone that drank it became instantly prolific and poetic.

The dwarves continued their reign of terror until they murdered the giant Suttung's parents. Suttung was ready to repay the insult but agreed instead to take the Mead for payment for the misdeed. Suttung was unfortunately a braggard and news got out that he had the mead made from wise Kvasir's blood.

When Odin heard the news it was only a matter of time before he used his powers to take the mead (by not altogether honest means) and keep it in Asgard, mostly for himself.

Blood is a singular fluid, is it not?


Note* My theme for the A-Z challenge is Norse Mythology. Last year I did a Waldorf alphabet book which can still be found on this website under April 2011 postings.