Odin, Grim, Ygg...

 The one with many names, sometimes called All-father of the Norse Gods endured many ordeals in his search for knowledge.

“No better burden can a man carry than wisdom” said he that hung upon the giant tree, binding the nine worlds, to learn the secret runes.

Some call that tree Yggdrasill but Laerad is it’s true name.

The roots of Laerad extend to Asgard where the Gods live, to Niflheim the land of mist and darkness and to Jotunheim where the Giants live. It is there that it’s root draws from a well containing knowledge and wisdom of great depth.

That wellspring is guarded by Mimir who is full of learning because he drinks deep from that well every morning.

No-one craved that knowledge like Odin. Long he pleaded for just one draught of it’s water, but Mimir always demanded an exchange of great worth.

So it came to pass that Grim plucked his own eye from it’s socket and cast it into that pool, as payment for a truer vision.

Even now, on nights when the moon is high and the Gods seem far away,  Odin’s Eye can often be seen glimmering in the depths of dark, still waters.

[Storytelling]