Mimir's words were not entirely accurate; it was the well itself and the World Tree that truly determined whether the fountain would have effect. It was only through a trade of equal value, a fair exchange, that one could be enlightened by wisdom.
As a guardian, Mimir could decide whether to agree to this trade, which was the source of his confidence.
"Before this, many have desired a cup of the Spring of Wisdom, but upon hearing the price of just one cup, they were all frightened away. As the king of Asgard, I wonder if you will be the same?"
"I've known this," said 'Odin' calmly from across Mimir, "I am willing to offer all the gold of Asgard as the price for the water."
Gold, a symbol of wealth, was not just about the metal itself. Clearly, to obtain the power to consolidate his royal authority, 'Odin' was willing to relinquish all his wealth. However, Mimir simply smiled and shook his head at him.
