Mimir
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Mímir (Old Norse: [ˈmiːmez̠]) or Mim is a figure in Norse mythology renowned for his wisdom and knowledge. He is decapitated during the Æsir-Vanir War, after which the god Odin carries Mímir's head with him, and it provides him with secret knowledge and counsel.
Mímir is referenced in the Poetic Edda (compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources), the Prose Edda (written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century), and in a euhemerized form in the Heimskringla, also written by Snorri Sturluson. Mímir’s name appears in various contexts, such as the well Mímisbrunnr and names like Mímameiðr and Hoddmímis holt, which scholars often associate with Yggdrasil. Some scholars suggest that Bestla might be Mímir’s sister, making Mímir Odin’s maternal uncle (avunculus).
Etymology
The names Mímir and Mim pose challenges for historical linguists. However, the commonly accepted etymology traces the name to a reduplication of the Proto-Indo-European verb (s)mer-, meaning “to think, remember, ponder, or care.” Examples include Sanskrit smárati, Avestan hi-šmaraiti, Ancient Greek mermaírō, and Gothic maúrnan.
Thus, Mímir's name is often connected to the concept of memory. Scholars like Rudolf Simek interpret the name as “the Rememberer” or “the Wise One.”
Attestations
Poetic Edda
Mímir appears in the poems Völuspá and Sigrdrífumál. In Völuspá, Mímir is mentioned twice:
- Stanza 28 refers to Odin sacrificing his eye to Mímir’s well and Mímir drinking mead every morning from “the wager of the Father of the Slain” (Odin).
- Stanza 46 mentions Mímir's severed head providing counsel to Odin during Ragnarök. The “sons of Mímir” are also mentioned but remain unexplained in detail.
Fjölsvinnsmál describes Yggdrasil as Mímameiðr (Mímir’s tree).
Prose Edda
In Gylfaginning:
- Mímir is the guardian of Mímisbrunnr, the well of wisdom located beneath Yggdrasil. To drink from it, Mímir uses the Gjallarhorn.
- Before Ragnarök, Odin seeks Mímir’s counsel at the well.
- During Ragnarök, Heimdallr blows the Gjallarhorn to awaken the gods. Odin consults Mímir’s head for guidance as the world trembles.
In Skáldskaparmál:
- Mímir’s name is used in kennings, such as “Mímir’s friend” for Odin.
Heimskringla
In the Ynglinga Saga:
- Mímir is sent to the Vanir as a hostage during the Æsir-Vanir War alongside Hœnir. However, the Vanir feel deceived when Hœnir proves incapable of leadership without Mímir’s advice. They behead Mímir and send his head to Asgard. Odin embalms the head with herbs and chants spells over it, enabling it to speak and reveal secrets.
Theories
Familial Connection
Some scholars propose that Mímir is Bestla’s brother, making him Odin’s maternal uncle. This theory is supported by Hávamál stanza 140, where Odin learns nine spells from Bestla’s brother.
Connection to Sinmara
Viktor Rydberg theorized that Mímir’s wife is Sinmara, mentioned in Fjölsvinnsmál. He interprets her name (“Sinew-Maimir”) as referring to her role in commanding the cutting of Völund’s tendons.
Role in Wisdom and Memory
Mímir’s connection to memory and wisdom is reinforced by his association with the well and his decapitated head, which continues to provide counsel.
Cultural Influence
Mímir remains a symbol of profound wisdom and the cost of knowledge. His severed head embodies the permanence of memory and counsel in mythic narratives, representing the ultimate repository of ancient and secret knowledge.