Vafþrúðnirsmál

Vafþrúðnirsmál is the third poem in the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems. It is a dialogue between Odin, disguised as Gagnráðr, and the giant Vafþrúðnir. The poem presents a series of riddles and questions posed by Vafþrúðnir, which Odin answers, demonstrating his vast knowledge. As the contest progresses, Odin's questions become more challenging, culminating in a question about Odin's own fate. Vafþrúðnir, recognizing the question can only be answered by Odin himself, admits defeat.

The poem explores themes of wisdom, fate, and the cosmic order. Odin's victory over Vafþrúðnir symbolizes the triumph of divine knowledge over primal chaos. The riddles cover a wide range of subjects, including mythology, cosmology, and the nature of existence. Vafþrúðnir's eventual demise, brought about by Odin's superior intellect, highlights the ultimate power of wisdom. The poem is considered an important source for understanding Norse cosmology and the relationship between gods and giants.