Kvasir
The wise being made from Aesir and Vanir spittle after peace, whose blood is later brewed into the poetic mead.
Overview
Skaldskaparmal 1 makes Kvasir the wise being whom Aesir and Vanir create together after peace. He travels teaching humankind, able to answer every question, until the dwarves Fjalar and Galar kill him and brew his blood with honey into the poetic mead. The story turns poetry from a token of peace, through death and exchange, into something the gods seek.
Key facts
Token of peace
Aesir and Vanir each spit into one vat, from which the gods make Kvasir.
Blood brewed into mead
After killing Kvasir, the dwarves mix his blood with honey into the poetic mead.
Relationships
- Aesir-Vanir Settlementcreates Kvasir
At the Aesir-Vanir peace-making, shared spittle lets the gods make Kvasir.
- Fjalarkills
Fjalar and Galar call Kvasir into private conversation and kill him.
- Galarkills with Fjalar
Galar is named with Fjalar as a dwarf who kills Kvasir.
Story appearances
- Odin and the Poetic MeadWise being made from peace
Kvasir moves from token of peace to the source of the poetic mead.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.