When pondering this topic, a phrase came to my mind, "Sacrifice of self to Self". I did a net search on this and eventually found the tale of Odin, who for knowledge of the Runes, sacrificed his self to Self.

137.  I know I hung on that windy Tree nine whole days and nights, stabbed with a spear, offered to Odin, myself to mine own self given, high on that Tree of which none hath heard from what roots it rises to heaven. 138.  None refreshed me ever with food or drink I peered right down in the deep; crying aloud I lifted the Runes, then back I fell from thence. From the Havamal (Bray p 103)

   

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