könnunnir

Könnunnir, also known as the "Könnunir" or "Könnunir's Saga," is an Old Norse poem that is part of the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems compiled in the 13th century. The poem is attributed to the skald (poet) Bragi Boddason, who is also the author of the Vafþrúðnismál, another famous poem in the Poetic Edda. Könnunnir is notable for its exploration of the nature of knowledge, wisdom, and the divine.

The poem begins with a dialogue between the god Odin and the giant Könnun, who is known for his vast knowledge and wisdom. Odin questions Könnun about the nature of knowledge and whether it can be acquired or is innate. Könnun responds that knowledge is a gift from the gods and that it cannot be taught or learned through human effort alone. Odin then asks Könnun about the nature of the divine and whether it can be understood by humans. Könnun replies that the divine is beyond human comprehension and that humans can only approach it through worship and reverence.

The poem is significant for its exploration of the relationship between humans and the divine, as well as the nature of knowledge and wisdom. It also highlights the importance of reverence and worship in approaching the divine. The poem is written in a poetic style that is characteristic of the Old Norse poetic tradition, with a focus on alliteration, kennings, and other poetic devices. The poem is also notable for its use of the kenning "könnun" to refer to the divine, which is a common feature of Old Norse poetry.