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A god, probably Odin. In an Icelandic poem this rune is glossed "prince of Asgard and lord of Valhalla." In later Anglo-Saxon runes it comes to mean mouth, and in Scandinavian runes, mouth of a river. These later
meanings accord well with the nature of Odin, who was the wise god, lord of poetry and cunning speech.

Two stories told about Odin reveal this part of his nature. To gain wisdom, Odin begged his uncle Mimir, a water demon whose name means He who Thinks, to allow him a drink from his fountain where all knowledge and wisdom lay hidden. Mimir agreed on condition that Odin tear out his eye and hand it over as a pledge. So desirous  was Odin of obtaining the wisdom of the fountain that he acceded to this condition, and from then on he was known as the One-Eyed. Not content with wisdom, Okdin sought skill in poetry. The giant Sttung possessed the hydromel, a fabulous drink made of blood and honey that caused anyone who sipped even a drop to become a great bard. Through craft and skill, Odin gained the confidence of  Suttung's daughter, Gunnlod, who allowed him to sop the hydromel on three separate nights in return for his amorous favors. In three gulps Odin drank all the hydromel and carried it off, gaining sole possession of all poetry, except for a few drops that fell to the ground during his flight.

That which distinguishes man from the beasts in reasoned speech. The God of the Hebrews created the entire world with a Word. In Teutonic mythology life springs from rivers and fountains, which are analogous to the speaking mouth of God as sources of creative energy. Therefore, this rune presents the opposite to the force of Chaos. The  personification of reason and law in nature, and the giver of human  laws that are in harmony with the will of God. What is kind, benevolent, just. The source of true happiness.

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MEANINGS

 

UPRIGHT:

Harmony, order, peace, loving actions, instruction, direction, wisdom, protection from one in authority, teaching of the arts, eloquent speech, truth revealed, personal insight, valuable messages, communications from a well-wisher. A loving man or woman.

 

REVERSED:

Rigidity of principles, excessive concern, desire to control all events, pomposity, tendency to lecture, love of one's own voice, mother hen, obsession with order neatness, mania for punctuality, fussing, over details, inability to delegate authority.

KEY:

GOOD