The quest for knowledge

I know that I hung
On the windswept tree
Swung there for nine long nights
Gashed with a blade
Blooded for Odin
Myself an offering to myself

Knotted to that tree
No man knows
Whither the roots of it run
None gave me bread
None gave me drink

Down to the deepest depths I peered
To snatch up the runes
With a roaring scream
I fell in a dizzied swoon
Well being I won and wisdom too

I grew and joyed in my growth
From a word to a word
I was led to a word
From a deed to another deed