The Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas on Kvasir
Contents > Chapter Vi: Bragi
attestation: Kvasir was created from the saliva of both Aesir and Vanir gods when they spat into a vase as a token of peace; he was renowned for wisdom and went about the world answering all questions.
"At the time of the dispute between the Æsir and Vanas, when peace had been agreed upon, a vase was brought into the assembly into which both parties solemnly spat. From this saliva the gods created Kvasir, a being renowned for his wisdom and goodness, who went about the world answering all questions asked him, thus teaching and benefiting mankind."
attestation: The dwarfs Fialar and Galar killed Kvasir in his sleep, draining his blood into the kettle Odhroerir and the bowls Son and Boden, then mixed with honey to create the mead of poetry.
"two of their number, Fialar and Galar, treacherously slew him, and drained every drop of his blood into three vessels--the kettle Od-hroerir (inspiration) and the bowls Son (expiation) and Boden (offering). After duly mixing this blood with honey, they manufactured from it a sort of beverage so inspiring that any one who tasted it immediately became a poet"
attestation: Fialar and Galar also killed the giant Gilling and his wife; Gilling's brother Suttung captured the dwarfs and ransomed them for the mead of poetry.
"Gilling's brother, Suttung, quickly went in search of the dwarfs, determined to avenge him. Seizing them in his mighty grasp, the giant conveyed them to a shoal far out at sea, where they would surely have perished at the next high tide had they not succeeded in redeeming their lives by promising to deliver to the giant their recently brewed mead."
Contents > Chapter Xxii: Loki
- attestation: Kvasir noticed the remains of a burnt fishing net in Loki's empty hut and advised the gods to weave a similar net to search the river for their quarry.
"Kvasir perceived the remains of the burnt net on the hearth. After some thought an inspiration came to him, and he advised the gods to weave a similar implement and use it in searching for their foe in the neighbouring stream"