Hávamál

Words of Odin the High One

Proverbs and sayings from the Viking Age,

borne down through the centuries by the Poetic Edda.

 

Our Liturgical Tradition

 

At the Odinsberg Tribe, we honor both the ancient wisdom of the Norse and the rich liturgical heritage of Christianity. Our practice of reading the Hávamál is deeply rooted in this Dual-Faith tradition. We utilize the beauty and solemnity of Anglican Chant, blending Christian liturgical elements with the spiritual essence of Norse tradition. This fusion of forms creates a reverent and meaningful experience, inviting all who listen to reflect on the timeless truths shared between these faiths.

 

Translation by

Odinsberg Tribal Council

 

Contents

1. Guidance for Travelers and the Welcoming of Guests (verses 1-80)

2. Timeless Maxims for Every Man (verses 81-90)

3. Insights into the Ways of Love (verses 91-95)

4. Odin's Pursuits of the Heart (verses 96-103)

5. Odin's Journey for the Mead of Poetry (verses 104-111)

6. The Counsel of the Wandering Singer (verses 112-135)

7. Odin's Journey in Search of the Runes (verses 136-144)

8. The Closing Words

 

 

Guidance for Travelers and the Welcoming of Guests

 

1
Before entering a place, a man should be cautious and take a good look around. He should be on guard because he never knows where an enemy might be hiding, even among those already seated.
2
Greet the host! A guest has arrived; where should the newcomer sit? Those who seek to prove their strength with weapons should act quickly.
3
A man coming in from the cold needs a fire to warm his frozen knees. He needs food and clothing, especially if he has traveled from the mountains.
4
A guest should be offered water, towels, and a warm welcome when he arrives at a feast. If he wants to be well-regarded and invited back, he must behave wisely and courteously.
5
A traveler must be clever and resourceful, though things are simpler at home. The wise will smirk at a fool when he is among them.
6
A man shouldn't brag about his intelligence but keep it to himself. The quiet and wise rarely encounter trouble when visiting others. (For a more reliable companion than proven wisdom, one will never find.)
7
The wise guest at a feast sits quietly, paying close attention. He listens with his ears and watches with his eyes; this is how all wise men stay alert.
8
Fortunate is the one who earns favor and fair praise for himself. Relying on the wisdom found in another’s heart is far less secure.
9
Happy is the man who, while he lives, has both wisdom and praise. For often, a man receives bad advice from another's heart.
10
No man can carry a better burden for his travels than wisdom. It is more valuable than wealth on unfamiliar paths and provides comfort in times of sorrow.

11

No better burden can a man carry on his travels than wisdom. There's no worse provision to take along than too much ale.

12

Ale is less beneficial for men than many think; the more one drinks, the less control he has over his mind.

13

When drinking beer, the bird of forgetfulness hovers and takes away men's minds; I was ensnared by the heron's feathers and held captive in Gunnloth's house.

14

I was drunk, completely intoxicated, when I was with the wise Fjalar. The best kind of drinking is when one can bring their wisdom back home with them.

15

A king's son should be silent and wise, and also courageous in battle. A man should live bravely and joyfully until the day of his death.

16

The lazy man thinks he will live forever if he avoids conflict, but old age will not bring him peace, even if he escapes the spear.

17

The fool is bewildered when he arrives at a feast, either stammering or staying silent. But once he has a drink, his true nature is revealed.

18

Only those who have traveled widely and experienced much understand how powerful a mind is when it is guided by wisdom.

19

Do not avoid mead, but drink it in moderation; speak concisely or remain silent. No one will rightly blame you for being rude if you quickly seek your bed.

20

The greedy man with a wandering mind will eat until he is sick; the coarse man among the wise is brought to shame by his gluttony.

21
Cattle understand when it's time to return home from the pasture, but a foolish person never understands the limits of their own appetite.
22
A shallow and narrow-minded person always makes fun of others. They never realize that they have their own flaws and ignorance.
23
A foolish person stays awake all night, worrying about many things. By morning, he's still burdened with the same troubles as before.
24
A foolish person considers those who laugh at him to be his friends. He doesn't notice when wise people express their disdain for him.
25
A foolish person thinks those who laugh at him are his friends. But when he seeks advice, he realizes that few will speak in his favor.
26
An ignorant person believes he knows everything when he's alone. But he doesn't know how to respond when others ask him questions.
27
A foolish person should remain silent when in the company of others. No one will realize his ignorance if he doesn't speak too much. However, if he talks too much, everyone will see how little he knows.
28
A person appears wise if they can ask good questions and provide good answers. Nothing that people say remains hidden among men.
29
A person who talks constantly often speaks words that no one believes. A babbling tongue, if not controlled, often brings trouble upon itself.
30
No one should mock a person who attends a feast. Someone can often seem wise if they aren't asked questions, and they stay out of trouble by keeping quiet.

31

A wise guest knows when to leave quickly if he mocks someone, because he understands the potential danger. Someone who laughs at a feast without realizing he might be surrounded by enemies is quite foolish.

32

Many people are friendly until they start mocking their friends during a feast. It's always harmful to humanity when guests fight with each other.

33

One should often eat a little before attending a feast; otherwise, he might sit there starving, eating awkwardly, and be unable to engage in conversation.

34

The road to an enemy is long and difficult, even if his house is close by. However, the path to a friend is wide and easy, even if he lives far away.

35

One should not overstay as a guest in one place for too long; love can turn into loathing if one lingers too long by the hearth in someone else's home.

36

It's better to have a house, even if it's just a small hut, where a man is the master of his home. Owning a couple of goats and a patched-up roof is far better than having to beg.

37

It's better to have a house, even if it's just a small hut, where a man is in control. It's deeply painful for someone who has to beg for food when he's hungry.

38

A man should never travel even a short distance without his weapons in the open field, because he never knows when he might need a spear on the road ahead.

39

I've never met anyone so generous with gifts or food that they wouldn't appreciate receiving something in return, nor anyone who gave away their wealth so freely that they ended up hating the idea of repayment.

40

If a man has gained wealth, he should ensure he never goes without. Often, what he saves for a friend might end up benefiting an enemy instead, as things often don't go as planned.

41

Friends should bring joy to each other with weapons and clothes, as much as each can afford. Friendships last the longest when gift-givers are lucky.

42

A man should be a friend to his friend and repay gifts with gifts. However, mockery should be met with mockery, and deceit with deceit.

43

A man should be a friend to his friend and also to the friends of his friend. But he should never befriend the friend of his enemy.

44

If you have a friend you trust completely and wish to benefit from, share your thoughts with him, give him gifts, and visit him often.

45

If you have another friend whom you don't trust fully but still wish to benefit from, speak kindly to him but think deceitfully, and repay deceit with deceit.

46

For someone you don't trust and whose intentions are unknown, laugh with him but keep your thoughts to yourself, and give gifts that are similar to his.

47

I was once young and wandered alone, knowing nothing of the road. I felt rich when I found a companion, for man is a joy to man.

48

The lives of the brave and noble are best, as they seldom dwell on sorrow. But the coward fears everything, and the stingy person gives unwillingly.

49

Once, I gave my clothes to a pair of carved poles in a field. They seemed like heroes when they had clothes, but a naked man is nothing.

50

A fir tree on a desolate hillside dies, its needles and bark useless. It is like a man whom no one loves—why should his life be long?

51

Friendship with false friends burns intensely but briefly, lasting about five days. By the sixth day, the warmth of that friendship fades, and all affection disappears.

52

A man does not need to give much to earn praise. Often, small gifts suffice. With just half a loaf of bread and a half-filled cup, I made a loyal friend.

53

Just as a small amount of sand can form a small sea, the minds of men are often small. Though not everyone is equally wise, all men have limited wisdom.

54

Each man should possess a certain amount of wisdom, but not too much. Those who live the best lives are those whose wisdom has grown wide but not excessive.

55

Each man should have some wisdom, but not too much. A wise man's heart is seldom happy if he has gained too much wisdom.

56

Every man should have a measure of wisdom but not too much. It is better not to see one's fate beforehand, as this spares one from sorrow.

57

Just as one brand can kindle another, fire begets fire. Similarly, a man's words reveal him to others, while a foolish person is known by their silence.

58

He who wishes to acquire the blood or goods of another must rise early. Like a wolf that hunts instead of lying idle, one must be active to succeed, as an idle man achieves little.

59

A man with few workers must rise early and seek out his own work. Much remains unfinished for those who sleep in the morning. For the swift, wealth is half won.

60

One should know the need for seasoned shingles and strips of bark for thatch, and how much wood is required for a month or half a year. Without this knowledge, one may run short.

61 

Make sure you’re washed and fed before attending a gathering, but don’t worry too much about your clothing. Don’t be embarrassed by your shoes or your horse, even if it’s not the best.

62 

When an eagle comes to the ancient sea, it hesitates and lowers its head. Similarly, a man in a crowd without allies feels alone and unsure.

63 

Those who want to be known as wise must be ready to ask and answer questions. Share your thoughts with one person, but be cautious with two; if three know, everyone will soon know.

64 

A wise man uses his strength carefully. Among the brave, he knows he might not always be the boldest.

65 

A man should be cautious and wary, even with friends. Often, words spoken to others can lead to trouble.

66 

I have often arrived too early or too late to gatherings. Sometimes the beer was already drunk, or not yet ready; an unwelcome guest finds little hospitality.

67 

People would invite me to their homes if I didn’t need food at mealtime, or if I hung up two hams where I only ate one.

68 

Fire is the best gift for men, along with the ability to see the sun. Health is also valuable, as is a life free from shame.

69 

No man is completely miserable, no matter how sick he is. Some find joy in their children, some in their relatives, some in their wealth, and others in their good deeds.

70 

It is better to be alive than dead; the living man can still catch a cow. I saw flames rise for a rich man's funeral pyre, and he lay dead at his door.

71

The disabled can still achieve: the lame can ride, the handless can tend livestock, and the deaf can be courageous in battle. A blind man is better off than a dead man, as no good comes from being a corpse.

72

Having a son, even if born late, is better, especially if the father has passed away. Memorials by the roadside are rare unless placed by a kin honoring their kin.

73

Conflicts involve two parties, and words can lead to deadly outcomes. I always expect a hidden weapon in every encounter.

74

He who has enough provisions for the night welcomes its arrival. Autumn nights can be restless, with weather changing frequently over days and weeks.

75

A man who knows nothing doesn’t realize that wealth often corrupts. Some are rich, and some are poor, but no one should be scorned for their status.

76

Livestock die, family members die, and so does one’s own self. However, a noble name and good reputation can live on forever.

77 

Livestock die, family members die, and so does one’s own self. One thing that never dies is the fame of a dead man's deeds.

78

I saw the sons of Fitjung with well-stocked farms, but now they beg. Wealth can vanish as quickly as a blink and is often the most deceitful of friends.

79

An unwise man who gains a maiden’s love or wealth will grow proud but not wiser. He proceeds with arrogance and conceit.

80

The knowledge gained from runes is certain, as they were created by the great gods and crafted by the Master-Poet. The wisdom from the gods’ runes is true; silence is the safest and best course.

 

Timeless Maxims for Every Man

 

81 
The richer you become, the more you worry; wealth doesn't bring peace of mind.
82 
Your body is your greatest asset. Care for it well, as health is more valuable than gold.
83 
Life is short, so live well. Be kind, and others will remember you fondly.
84 
A good reputation is more valuable than wealth, as it outlives you.
85 
Fame and fortune are temporary, but a good name lasts forever.
86 
A person with many friends is never poor; friendship is the greatest wealth.
87 
A wise person gathers knowledge, as it is the greatest treasure.
88 
Generosity begets generosity; give to others and receive in return.
89 
Help others, and you will find help when you need it.
90 
Kindness to others brings kindness back to you.

 

Insights into the Ways of Love

 

91

Love is invaluable; treasure it, for it is uncommon and doesn't last long.

92

A man who loves deeply is never really lonely.

93

Love connects people, bringing both happiness and sorrow, but the experience is worthwhile.

94

A man who loves genuinely will find love reciprocated.

95

Love is like a bright flame; it provides warmth and guidance.

 

Odin's Pursuits of the Heart

 

96
Odin, in his wisdom, sought out both love and knowledge, embarking on extensive travels to find them.
97
Throughout his journey, he encountered numerous women, experiencing love and loss, with each relationship bringing him closer to his ultimate understanding.
98
He realized that true love transcends mere emotion, representing a profound bond between two souls.
99
Moreover, he discovered that wisdom encompasses more than just knowledge; it involves empathy and deep understanding.
100
Odin's pursuit of love and wisdom was a heartfelt journey, shaping him into the deity we revere.
101
Through his experiences, Odin learned that love and wisdom are invaluable treasures, surpassing any material wealth.
102
His romantic endeavors revealed the importance of kindness, compassion, and understanding.
103
Ultimately, Odin came to understand that love and wisdom are essential keys to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

 

Odin's Journey for the Mead of Poetry

 

104
Odin sought out the powerful Mead of Poetry, which gave wisdom and the gift of poetic inspiration.

105
He ventured to the land of giants where this mead was hidden, guarded by the giantess Gunnlod.

106
Using his charm, Odin won Gunnlod's love and drank the valuable mead.

107
With his new wisdom and inspiration, Odin returned to the gods and shared his knowledge.

108
This Mead of Poetry made Odin the wisest of all the gods and an exceptional poet.

109
Odin’s journey for the mead showed him the importance of perseverance and cleverness.

110
He learned that great achievements come from those who strive, and wisdom is worth any sacrifice.

111
Odin’s quest for the Mead of Poetry shaped him into the wise, powerful, and revered god he is.

 

The Counsel of the Wandering Singer

112

Odin advised a wandering poet, who was seeking wisdom and inspiration.

113

He revealed the secrets of the runes, the mysteries of the gods, and the power of words to him.

114

Odin taught that wisdom is the most valuable treasure and that knowledge is power.

115

He told him to stay humble, to listen and learn, because even the wisest can still learn more.

116

Odin advised caution, emphasizing the importance of weighing words carefully, as a single word can bring either ruin or fortune.

117

He stressed the importance of silence, noting that sometimes saying nothing is the wisest choice.

118

Odin reminded him to be brave, as courage is the foundation of all virtues.

119

He taught him to be loyal to his friends and never betray their trust.

120

Odin advised being generous and kind, as these traits endear a person to others.

121

He emphasized patience, since wisdom often takes time to develop.

122

Odin taught him to be diligent, as hard work brings its own rewards.

123

Odin reminded him to always seek knowledge, as the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey.

124

He told him to honor the gods and live in harmony with their will.

125

Odin advised the wandering poet to cherish love, for it is the greatest gift.

126

He taught him to find balance between joy and sorrow, work and rest, love and wisdom.

127

Odin reminded him that life is short, so he should live each day to the fullest.

128

He told the poet to remember his teachings, as they would guide him through life.

129

Odin advised him to seek out wise companions, as they would help him grow in wisdom.

130

He taught him to be wary of false friends, as they could lead him astray.

131

Odin reminded him that wisdom is not just in words but also in actions.

132

He advised the poet to be true to himself and to follow his own path.

133

Odin taught him that every person must find their own way, as no two paths are the same.

134

He told him to be grateful for life and to honor those who have come before him.

135

Odin advised the wandering poet to pass on his knowledge so that others might benefit from his wisdom.

 

Odin's Journey in Search of the Runes

136

Odin hung on the windswept tree for nine nights, wounded by a spear. He sacrificed himself to himself.

137

During that time, he neither ate bread nor drank mead. He gazed downward, grasped the runes, and took them up, screaming as he fell.

138

He learned nine powerful songs from Bolthorn's son, Bestla's father, and obtained a drink of the precious mead from Odrerir.

139

Odin began to flourish, growing wise in both words and actions. He gained knowledge and shared it freely.

140

The hidden things he discovered, he spread to everyone, sharing wise words with the world.

141

You will find runes and readable staves, strong and sturdy, which the wise sage painted, the high powers made, and the runemaster carved.

142

Odin for the Aesir, Dain for the Elves, Dvalin for the Dwarves, Asvid for the Giants, and I carved some myself.

143

Know how to carve them, know how to read them, know how to stain them, and know how to test them.

144

It's better to offer no prayer than to give too big of an offering. Give according to your means; it’s better to give nothing than to sacrifice more than you can afford. This wisdom comes from Thund (Odin) before humanity existed, when he ascended on high and returned home.

 

The Closing Words

Now, the words of Odin have been spoken in the hall, blessings for mankind and curses for the giants. Hail to the speaker, and to him who learns! May those who have them benefit, and hail to those who listen!