The Norse spirit of discovery extends beyond just sailing boats to strange new lands. The Odin described in the Eddas quested ceaselessly for knowledge and wisdom as well.

Odin sought knowledge using all manner of methods to increase his store. Every day his two ravens would search the world for new information, while Odin himself surveyed the affairs of the entire world from his throne, Hlidskialf.

Odin’s quest for wisdom knows no equal. He placed so much value in its attainment that he exchanged one of his eyes for it at the Well of Mimir.

No wonder nowadays he has so little patience for humans who turn their backs on knowledge. When Odin of old wasn’t clobbering giants and stirring up trouble amongst kings, he was being absolutely ruthless in seeking to understand the laws of the universe.