Draupnir

Draupnir is a golden ring from Norse mythology associated with the god Odin. The name Draupnir comes from Old Norse and is usually translated as “the dripper” or “the dripping one.” According to the myths, the ring was forged by dwarves, often named as Brokkr and Eitri, as part of their renowned smithing of sacred treasures for the gods.

Draupnir has a distinctive magical property: every ninth night eight new rings of equal weight and appearance would drip from it. The copies were identical to the original, allowing Odin and the Æsir to multiply their wealth without the need to cast more gold. The original ring remained in Odin’s possession, serving as a symbol of divine wealth and prestige.

In the surviving Norse sources, Draupnir is cited as an example of dwarven craftsmanship and as a symbol of wealth in mythic economy. It is mentioned in the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century, and is referenced in the material that makes up the Poetic Edda. The tale underscores themes of abundance, exchange, and the power of sacred artifacts within the cosmology of the gods.

Draupnir’s enduring image—an ordinary-looking ring with extraordinary consequences—has influenced later depictions of magical treasure in Norse-inspired literature and contemporary media, where it continues to symbolize wealth, multiplication, and the ingenuity of dwarven smiths.