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25.01.2020

The fortification of Asgard

Njord and his children managed to live in relative peace in Asgard. However, the situation was quite different for Hoenir and Mimir in Vanaheim. The Vanir quickly recognized that Hoenir appeared to provide exceptionally wise advice on any matter, seemingly unparalleled in his counsel. What they didn't realize, though, was that Hoenir's wisdom was only apparent when he had Mimir by his side. In truth, Hoenir was a rather slow-witted individual who found himself at a loss for words when Mimir wasn't present to guide him. When Hoenir repeatedly responded to the Vanir's pleas with the unhelpful phrase "Let others decide," the Vanir felt they had been deceived in the hostage exchange. In their frustration, they beheaded Mimir and sent his severed head back to Asgard.

Upon receiving Mimir's head, Odin, filled with grief, performed magical chants and embalmed the head with herbs to preserve it. Even in this severed state, Mimir's head continued to offer invaluable counsel to Odin in times of need.

Despite this tragic misunderstanding, both the Aesir and the Vanir remained weary of the war that had been so evenly matched. Rather than renewing hostilities, they chose a different path toward reconciliation. They came together and collectively spat into a cauldron, using their saliva to create Kvasir, who would become the wisest being of all. This creation symbolized their commitment to maintaining lasting harmony between the two tribes.

This narrative leads into the tale of the Mead of Poetry, which is another significant aspect of Norse mythology.

The fortification of Asgard

That night, the giant and Svadilfari ventured into the snow-draped forest in search of stones. Along their way, a mare, who was none other than Loki in disguise, whinnied to the stallion from a short distance away. When the stallion saw the mare, his heart wasn’t the only organ that was roused by delight and lust, and he snapped his reins and bounded into the woods after her. The mare ran all night, and all night Svadilfari chased after her. When morning came, the giant’s horse was still missing, and the now-despairing giant knew that there was no way that he could now finish the wall in time.

The Aesir then paid the giant the wages they deemed he deserved: a fatal blow from Thor’s hammer, which shattered his head into pieces no bigger than breadcrumbs.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Svadilfari had caught up with Loki, who soon gave birth to a gray, eight-legged horse – Sleipnir, who became the steed of Odin.

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