Editing Vafþrúðnir (section)

==Contest of wits with Odin==
[[File:Odin's last words to Baldr.jpg|thumb|"Odin's last words to [[Baldr]]" (1908) by [[W. G. Collingwood]]]]

The contest of wits is found in the ''Poetic Edda'' poem ''Vafþrúðnismál'' and is in an answer and response format.  Each participant asks the other a series of questions about beings and events in the past, present, and future of the [[Norse cosmology#Nine Worlds|Nine Worlds]].  [[Odin]] defers to Vafþrúðnir, who proceeds to probe his guest's knowledge of the stallions that pull Day and Night across the sky.  Odin correctly answers that [[Skinfaxi]] pulls Day across the world and [[Hrimfaxi]] draws the Night. Odin also offers extra details about the stallions' appearance and characteristics.  Vafþrúðnir continues by testing Odin's knowledge of [[Ífingr|Iving]] and [[Ragnarök]] before allowing his guest the chance to question him.

Odin inquires about the origin of the Earth and heavens.  Vafþrúðnir responds correctly that the heavens and Earth were formed from the flesh of [[Ymir]].  He demonstrates expertise on the topic by specifically listing which parts of Ymir's body created heaven and Earth. Odin then asks about the origin of the Moon and Sun.  The giant correctly answers that the Moon and Sun are the son and daughter of the giant [[Mundilfari]].  They were assigned their place in the sky so that men could tell the passing of time. Odin proceeds to ask about many topics including [[Dellingr]], [[Nór]], the fathers of Winter and Summer, [[Bergelmir]], [[Aurgelmir]], [[Hraesvelg]], [[Njörðr]], the [[Einherjar]], [[Niflheim]], [[Ragnarök]], [[Fenrir]], [[Álfröðull]], and what will happen after the world has ended.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>[[Ursula Dronke|Dronke, U.]] (1997).</ref> Both participants exhibit extensive knowledge of their mythological world.

Odin then breaks the established pattern of questioning and states that Vafþrúðnir, in all his wisdom, should be able to tell his guest what Odin whispered into the ear of his son, [[Baldr]], before he was burned on the funeral pyre. At this point, Vafþrúðnir recognizes his guest for who he really is. He responds that no one except his guest, Odin, would have such knowledge unless Baldr himself reveals the secret. Vafþrúðnir willingly submits to his fate and proclaims that Odin will always be wiser than the wisest.