Wisdom from the dead : the Ljóðatal section of Hávamál.

McKinnell, J.

Abstract

This article analyses the last major section of the Old Norse Eddic poem 'Hávamál', demonstrating that the mythical account of the sacrificial hanging of Óðinn is closely linked to the eighteen magic songs that he learns as a result, concluding that in the received myth pattern these were probably learned from a dead female ancestor, but that the poet has adapted this pattern to make the god appear more heroic.

Citation

McKinnell, J. (2007). Wisdom from the dead : the Ljóðatal section of Hávamál. Medium ævum, 76, 85-115

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2007
• Journal: Medium Ævum
• Print ISSN: 0025-8385
• Electronic ISSN: 2398-1423
• Publisher: Society for the Study of Mediaeval Languages and Literature
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 76
• Pages: 85-115
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1584934