The God of Eternal Bacon: Lessons from Valhalla and Why We Overeat
“He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.” — Lao Tzu
The Norse had a god for everything. Most of us are familiar with the big names: Thor, the God of Thunder; Loki, the God of Mischief. And, of course, their father Odin, the God of Wisdom. But among these giants of myth stood some lesser-known but equally fascinating gods. That brings us to Sæhrímnir, the Norse God of Eternal Bacon.
Yes, you read that right—a god dedicated to bacon, and not just any bacon, but an endless, replenishing supply of it. And before you think this is some modern meme, let me assure you that Sæhrímnir was the real deal in Norse mythology, representing satiation and sustenance. But his story isn’t just a quirky footnote in Viking lore; it’s a stark reminder of why we, as modern humans, have become hardwired to overeat—and what we can learn from it.
The Story of Sæhrímnir: The Boar Who Fed the Gods
Sæhrímnir, also known as the God of Satiation, was no ordinary boar. Each day, the gods in Valhalla feasted on his flesh, and every night, his body would magically regenerate, ready to be eaten again the next day. The process was simple: Andhrímnir, the God of Cooking, would place Sæhrímnir in a giant cauldron over a roaring fire, roast him, and serve the gods breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
This cycle repeated endlessly—Sæhrímnir was consumed, only to be reborn, providing the gods with exactly what they needed, no more, no less. Despite this never-ending feast, the gods of Valhalla didn’t overeat. They indulged in just the right amount of food to fuel their epic adventures and battles, staying satiated but never overstuffed. There’s an important distinction here: satiation doesn’t mean indulgence. The gods took what they needed and stopped. Gluttony wasn’t part of their divine practice, and that’s where we humans tend to fall off the wagon.
Why We Overeat: Evolution and Excess
Unlike the gods of Valhalla, we humans are biologically wired to overeat. This is where the myth of Sæhrímnir intersects with the harsh realities of evolutionary biology. Our ancestors faced periods of scarcity and famine, and when food was available, they had to make the most of it. Their survival depended on storing as much energy (read: fat) as possible during times of plenty. This instinct for sporadic gluttony has been passed down to us, hardwired into our DNA.
Fast forward to today, and here we are, living in an era where food is more abundant than ever before. We don’t need to hunt for dinner or worry about the next famine. But our brains haven’t caught up with this new reality. Instead, we’re surrounded by endless supplies of food that trigger our ancient instincts to feast. And unlike the gods of Valhalla, who knew when to stop, we often don’t.
Worse, the hyper-palatable, calorie-dense foods of today—think fast food, processed snacks, sugary treats—are designed to override our natural hunger cues. These foods are engineered to taste so good that we can’t help but overeat. They light up the reward centers in our brain, releasing dopamine and making us crave more.
This leaves us in a perpetual state of overconsumption, snacking mindlessly, eating out of habit, or indulging in foods that are delicious but offer little nutritional value. Just like the gods had an endless supply of Sæhrímnir, we too have an endless supply of modern food—but without the restraint of the divine.
The Valhalla Paradox: Overabundance Without Gluttony
In Valhalla, despite their endless bounty, the gods didn’t fall into the trap of gluttony. They ate slowly, mindfully, and to satiation—not beyond it. Contrast that with how we eat today: fast, distracted, and in large quantities. We have food delivered to our doors, snacks at arm’s reach, and buffets that offer more than anyone could reasonably consume. But this abundance isn’t helping us—it’s hurting us.
Here’s the paradox: The more food we have available, the more we consume. But it’s not just about volume; it’s also about variety. Studies show that when we’re presented with more food options, we eat more overall. It’s called the variety effect, and it’s one of the reasons why buffets are so dangerous—they encourage us to try everything, even when we’re already full.
In a world where variety and abundance are the norm, we’re eating far beyond what our bodies need for fuel, leading to overeating, weight gain, and all the health problems that come with it. This is the exact opposite of what the gods of Valhalla practiced.
Mindful Eating: Learning from the Gods
So, what can we learn from the gods of Valhalla? The lesson is simple but profound: eat slowly, eat mindfully, and eat to satiety—not to excess.
Eat slowly: One of the reasons the gods could feast without overeating is that they ate slowly. Eating slowly gives your body time to send signals to your brain that you’re full, reducing the chances of overconsumption. Research shows that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness. If you rush through your meal, you’ll likely eat more than you need before your brain has a chance to catch up.
Eat to satiety: Sæhrímnir provided the gods with what they needed—no more, no less. The concept of 80% fullness, or “hara hachi bu,” practiced in Okinawa (where people often live to 100), mirrors this idea. Eat until you’re no longer hungry, not until you’re stuffed.
Be mindful of variety: The gods had one option: Sæhrímnir. You, on the other hand, have an overwhelming array of choices. Keep your meals simple, and don’t overcomplicate things by loading your plate with too many options. The simpler your meal, the less likely you are to overeat.
Practical Tips for Avoiding the Overeating Trap
To avoid falling into the eternal feast trap, here are a few practical tips you can apply:
Minimize distractions: Put your phone away, turn off the TV, and focus on your food. The gods of Valhalla weren’t scrolling Instagram while feasting, and neither should you. Eating mindfully helps you tune into your body’s signals.
Plan your indulgences: There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite foods, but plan them. Treat indulgences like the gods treated Sæhrímnir—a special experience to be savored, not something to gorge on mindlessly.
Recognize hunger versus appetite: The gods ate when they needed to, not out of boredom or stress. Learn to distinguish between hunger (a physical need) and appetite (a psychological desire). If you’re not genuinely hungry, ask yourself why you’re reaching for that snack.
Final Thoughts: Eat Like a God, Not Like a Glutton
The story of Sæhrímnir, the God of Eternal Bacon, reminds us that abundance doesn’t have to lead to gluttony. The gods of Valhalla feasted, yes—but they knew when to stop. They ate to fuel their adventures, not to fill a void. Today, we’re surrounded by endless food options, but the lesson remains the same: practice restraint, eat mindfully, and know when enough is enough.
If we can channel a little of that divine wisdom, we might just find that our relationship with food becomes healthier, more balanced, and infinitely more satisfying.
