The head that answers when the question is carried down
Warning
The price of the well is paid before the answer arrives
Resonance
Those who come to ask those who have already paid for what they know
Symbols
WellHeadEyeRoot
Mythology Summary
Mimir is the wise being whose well, Mimsbrunnr, lies under the root of Yggdrasil, and Odin leaves an eye there as the pledge for its wisdom (Voluspa; Gylfaginning 15). In the war between the Aesir and the Vanir he is sent as a hostage and beheaded, and Odin keeps the head, which speaks and gives him counsel (Ynglinga saga).
Modern Practice
Mimir is consulted rather than served: modern practice treats his well as a place to put a question and then wait, and the offering is attention and silence rather than a gift. The head that speaks is the oracle, and the counsel is not always kind.