Influences of Pre-Christian Mythology and Christianity on Old Norse Poetry

The Eddic poem Vafrúnismál serves as a representation of early pagan beliefs or myths and as a myth itself; the poem performs both of these functions, acting as a poetic framework and functioning as sacred myth. In this study, the author looks closely at the journey of the Norse god Óinn to the hall of the ancient and wise giant Vafrúnir, where Óinn craftily engages his adversary in a life-or-death contest in knowledge.