Nine Nights and the Runes

How did Odin gain the runes?

In *Havamal*, Odin tells of hanging from a tree. He spent 9 nights on that windswept tree, his body wounded by a spear. He had offered himself to himself—to Odin. No one knows what roots that tree grows from.

No one gave him bread. No one offered him a drink from a horn. Odin peered down. Then he took up the runes with a cry. After that, he says, he fell from the tree.

He also tells of learning 9 powerful songs from Bolthorn's son. He drank a sip of mead as well. Then Odin grew in wisdom. One word led him to the next, and one deed led to another.

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