According to Norse mythology, mead was not just a drink but a symbol of wisdom and poetry. The most famous mythological tale involving mead is that of the Mead of Poetry, also known as “Óðrœrir.” The story tells of the god Odin’s quest to obtain this magical mead brewed from the blood of the wise being Kvasir. It was believed that whoever drank this mead would become a scholar and a poet. Odin succeeded in his quest, and thus, the gift of poetry was believed to have been brought to the gods and, subsequently, to humans.

In the Norse society, mead played a central role in rituals and feasts. It was consumed during important gatherings, such as seasonal festivals, weddings, and funerary rites, serving as a social lubricant and a means of honouring the gods and the deceased. Mead halls, large rooms where the community would gather to drink, socialise, and listen to poetry or sagas being recited, were an integral part of Norse culture.

The tradition of brewing mead continued through the centuries, and although its popularity waned with the advent of beer and wine, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with many craft meaderies reviving ancient recipes and experimenting with new flavours. This renewed interest in mead has brought with it a fascination with its rich history, particularly its storied past among the Norse people.