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[Alexandr Korol]

— Is wisdom mentioned in mythology?

Yes, and in almost all cultures, wisdom is not just a trait but a sacred power,
usually granted by or stolen from gods and spirits, or obtained through terrifying
ordeals. Here are the most striking and ancient mythological stories about wisdom:
1. Ancient Egypt — Thoth (Tehuti) and the “Book of Thoth”

• The god Thoth is the ibis-headed deity of writing, knowledge, and absolute wisdom.
• It was believed that he invented hieroglyphs, magic, the calendar, and
all knowledge.
• There is a myth about the Book of Thoth — 42 (or 78) scrolls containing
all the wisdom of the world. Whoever reads it becomes equal to the gods,
but usually goes mad or dies.

2. Norse Mythology — Odin and Mimir’s Well

The most famous and dramatic story about the price of wisdom:

• Odin came to Mimir’s Well beneath the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil.
The guardian of the well, the giant Mimir, said: “You may drink of wisdom,
but the price is your eye.”
• Odin plucked out his own eye and cast it into the well; he drank the water
and gained limitless wisdom and knowledge of all worlds.
• Since then, he has been one-eyed, but he sees everything.

3. Greek Mythology

• Athena was born fully grown and in full armor from the head of Zeus —
a symbol of absolute, “pure” wisdom (Sophia).
• Metis — the Titaness and mother of Athena; her name literally means
“Wisdom/Cunning.” Zeus swallowed the pregnant Metis so that her
wisdom would become part of himself.