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Alvíssmál

Alvíssmál is an Eddic poem relating a conversation Þórr had with the dwarf Alvíss ("All-knowing").

Alvíss comes to Þórr to claim Þórr's daughter as his bride. The daughter had apparently be promised to him earlier. Þórr refuses, as he wasn't home, when the deal was done, unless Alvíss can answer any question Þórr poses. The rest of the poem is mainly a list of names, as Alvíss dashes off synonyms in reply to Þórr's questions. But finally the sun rose, and Alvíss, being a dwarf, turned to stone as its rays struck him.

There is no action in the poem, and it stands entirely on its own, but it does contain words not found elsewhere, some doubtlessly the creation of its poet. It is also the only episode on record where Þórr outthinks his adversary. He usually relied on brute force.

Last updated: 05-22-2005 02:15:26
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