A Battle of Wits with Lives at Stake

Which question could the giant not answer?

In *The Sayings of Vafthrudnir*, Odin visits a giant's hall to test his wisdom. The giant Vafthrudnir tells him that he will not leave unless he proves himself the wiser.

Odin calls himself Gagnrad. He says he has traveled a long way and is thirsty. The giant asks the name of the river dividing the lands of the gods and the giants. Odin gives its name and explains that it never freezes over.

The giant recognizes his visitor's wisdom and invites him to sit on his bench. Now they will stake their heads on their answers. Odin asks where the earth and the high heavens first came from.

His final question is this: what did Odin whisper into his son's ear before his son was laid on the funeral pyre? The giant replies that no one knows that. He recognizes that he has been matching wits with Odin, and says that Odin is always the wiser.

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