Editing Valhalla (section)

==== Vafthrúðnismál ====
In the story of [[Vafþrúðnismál|Vafthrúðnismál]] Odin disguises himself as a man named [[Gagnráðr|Gagnráð]] and visits the all knowing giant, [[Vafþrúðnir|Vafthrúðnir]], to not only test his knowledge, but gain wisdom from the giant as well. Odin and Vafthrúðnir exchange questions and tests Odin on his knowledge of the afterlife and cosmology. Vafthrúðnir asks Odin about the topography of Valhalla in Stanzas 15 and 16<poem>
Vafthrúðnir said: Say this, Gagnráðr,
since you want to test your talent on the floor:
What is the river called that divides the earth
among the sons of giants and among the gods?

Óðinn said: The river is called Ífing,
which divides the earth among the sons 
of giants and among the gods.
</poem><ref name=":3">{{Citation |last=Pettit |first=Edward |title=Vafþrúðnismál |date=2023-03-03 |work=The Poetic Edda |pages=135–164 |place=Cambridge, UK |publisher=Open Book Publishers |doi=10.11647/obp.0308.03 |doi-access=free |isbn=978-1-80064-772-5}}</ref>

Then, it is Odin's turn to ask the giant questions but instead of asking questions on the afterlife, Odin asks more esoteric questions like the fate of the gods and the end of the world. Those that are chosen to live in Valhalla with Odin prepare every day for the end of the world, also known as [[Ragnarök]]. These Vikings prepare for the battle of the end of the world everyday in the eternal battle and is the main characteristic to daily life in Valhalla.<ref name=":2" /> Stanzas 17 & 18 of the poem describe the field in Valhalla where this battle takes place<poem>
Vafþrúðnir said:
Say this, Gagnráðr,
since you want to test your talent on the floor:
What is the field called
where Surtr and the sweet gods
will meet in battle?

Óðinn said:
The field is called Vígríðr,
where Surtr and the sweet gods
will meet in battle.
It is a hundred leagues
in every direction —
that is the field determined for them.
</poem><ref name=":3" />
This poem also describes the picking of slain warriors and their entrance into Valhalla in stanza 41 that states<poem>
Vafþrúðnir said:
All the unique champions
in Óðinn’s enclosed fields
fight each other every day;
they choose the slain
and ride from battle;
thereafter they sit together in peace.
</poem><ref name=":3" />
The last question Odin asks, is what he himself whispered into the ear of his dying son, [[Baldr]], at Baldr's funeral pyre. This question, revealed Odin's true identity since only he can know the answer to that question. Vafthrúðnir realizes he has been tricked, and the story concludes with the All-father, Odin, himself humbling the wise giant who must acknowledge his unparalleled wisdom.