Havamal

Below, I have begun work on reading the Havamal in many translations and writing out my basic understanding of it. It may include some opinion and is not to be taken as some “pure” translation of the Havamal. If you want to know the original meaning and context of the writings, I encourage you to learn OIld Norse and read it in its original form.

If you have any questions or comments regarding my explanation, there are contact forms at the bottom of every stanza.

Havamal – Stanza 9

Havamal – Stanza 9

He is happy,
who in himself possesses
fame and wit while living;
for bad counsels
have oft been received
from another’s breast.

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Havamal – Stanza 8

Havamal – Stanza 8

He is happy,
who for himself obtains
fame and kind words:
less sure is that
which a man must have
in another’s breast.

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Havamal – Stanza 7

Havamal – Stanza 7

A way guest
who to refection comes,
keeps a cautious silence,
with his hears listens,
and with his eyes observes:
so explores every prudent man.

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Havamal – Stanza 6

Havamal – Stanza 6

Of his understanding
no one should be proud,
but rather in conduct cautious.
When the prudent and taciturn
come to a dwelling,
harm seldom befalls the cautious;
for a firmer friend
no man ever gets
than great sagacity.

-Thorpe

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Havamal – Stanza 5

Havamal – Stanza 5

Wit is needful
to him who travels far:
at home all is easy.
A laughing-stock is he
who nothing knows,
and with the instructed sits.

-Thorpe

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Havamal – Stanza 4

Havamal – Stanza 4

Water to him is needful
who for refection comes,
a towel and hospitable invitation,
a good reception;
if he can get it,
discourse and answer.

-Thorpe

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Havamal – Stanza 3

Havamal – Stanza 3

Fire is needful
to him who is come in,
and whose knees are frozen;
food and raiment
a man requires,
who o’er the fell has traveled.

-Thorpe

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Havamal – Stanza 2

Havamal – Stanza 2

Givers, hail!
A guest is come in:
where shall he sit?
In much hast is he,
who on the ways has
to try his luck.

-Thorpe

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Havamal – Stanza 1

Havamal – Stanza 1

All door-ways, before going forward,
should be looked to;
for difficult it is to know where foes may sit
within a dwelling.

-Thorpe

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