Wise giant and Odin's counselor. Guards the well of wisdom at Yggdrasil's root.
Mimir (Old Norse Mímir) is a primordially wise giant who guards the well of wisdom Mímisbrunnr at one of Yggdrasil's roots. Odin sacrificed one eye in this well to drink of its water of wisdom (Völuspá 28). After the war with the Vanir, Mimir was beheaded and Odin preserved his head with herbs and magic so that it continued to give counsel (Ynglinga saga 4, Gylfaginning 15).
Mimir's head counsels Odin before Ragnarok according to Völuspá 46. He represents a knowledge older than the gods themselves. Sigrdrífumál 14 also mentions Mimir in connection with rune-lore.
Sources in the Eddas
- Völuspá 28, 46
- The seeress describes Odin's eye-sacrifice at Mimir's well and how Mimir counsels Odin before Ragnarok.
- Gylfaginning 15
- Snorri describes Mimir's well beneath Yggdrasil's root and that wisdom and understanding reside therein.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Mimir guards the well of wisdom and counsels Odin, attested in Völuspá 28, 46 and Gylfaginning 15.
B What we think we know
Whether Mimir is a giant, a god, or another type of being is unclear in the sources.