Vafþrúðnismál

The Vafþrúðnismál ( Old Norse for Wafthrudnirlied ) is the third of the 16 Götterlieder the so-called Poetic Edda. It includes the common German broadcasts 55 verses.

Content

The Vafþrúðnismál has a dialogue between the Æsir Odin and the Thursen Wafthrudnir to content. First, Odin's wife Frigg tried this discourage his intentions, a knowledge competition with the considered particularly knowing Wafthrudnir, but he decides to visit the Hall of Giants. There he used the alias Gagnrad to start the contest. First, the giant Odin six questions to the mythical earth and astronomy. Once Odin has this answered correctly, it provides Wafthrudnir 18 questions. His last question, according to the last words of Odin to his dead son Balder before its combustion, the giant but is unable to answer. For Wafthrudnir lost his head a:

Symbolism

Perhaps the number of puzzles includes a certain number symbolism. Odin represents the initial twelve, then again six questions for a total of 18 Twelve is the number of seats mentioned in Grímnismál gods of Asgard and referred to in the Völuspá Asen. 18 is the magic number of songs in the Hávamál. Add to this the six questions Wafthrudnirs, one arrives at 24 puzzles, equal to the number of runes of the ancient runes.

Figures

• Odin
• Wafthrudnir, " the Riddler " the wisest of giants
• Gagnrad, a cover name of Odin
• Frigg, goddess of fertility and wife of Odin