So, I'm currently reading this book. I should warn you I am not very far. However, I love Gaiman and so far I'm liking this book a lot.

There are a couple of things that intrigue me and I was wondering if anyone had yet to uncover an explanation for what they are about. Perhaps some of it is explained later and if so, please feel free to simply tell me that. I'd like to avoid spoiler is possible.

I just finished reading the section where Shadow goes with Wednesday to the bar and they meet Mad Sweeney.

During the course of this scene two things intrigued me very much.

First, what is the significance of the silence occurring at 11:20. Shadow makes a comment that he has heard something like that can only occur at either 20 after or 20 to the hour. Wednesday says he knows why this is, but leaves it at that.

Secondly, I know that Wednesday is supposed to be Odin. I was therefore wondering what significance mead plays in the deal that Wednesday makes with Shadow?

Is there something here related to Odin and Norse mythology that makes mead important when making a pact?

I'm loving this book so far and I look forward to seeing more of how Gaiman inserts various mythological elements into the book.

Well, for what it is worth, Mead was Odin's drink of choice (some stories say he lived on the stuff). Specifically, he liked the mead of wisdom stolen from the giants who stole it from the dwarves who made it from the blood of the wisest god, whom they murdered.

As for the 20min thing, according to snopes that is an American thing. Legend has it that Abraham Lincoln died at 20 minutes after the hour, and a supernatural silence fell upon all at that time. Now, whenever a room of people hit a lull in conversation, it is always 20 min after . . .

YMMV

Everyone goes silent when an angel flies over a building, and they do that 20 minutes before or after the hour.

neil, you have left us overjoyed but confused as hell with your lovly book. what is the answer!