The first mead was discovered as a natural phenomenon, probably by bush cultures in Africa. Over the years, different groups have made their own legends surrounding the creation of the honeyed beverage. One of the most interesting originated in the proto-Norse culture. Their explanation was tied in to the story of the first man, Kvasir, who was formed when the gods and goddesses ended years of warfare by spitting in a jar. The result of this mystical expectoration turned out to have all the wisdom of the nine Norse worlds. Kvasir was eventually killed by two dwarves, who added honey to his blood (if you saw that coming, congratulations). This was the first mead, which granted Kvasir’s wisdom and powers of poetry to anyone who drank it. Now who said the ancient Norsemen didn’t have a soft side?