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Hávamál from the Elder or Poetic Edda is a collection of wisdom narrated by the Norse god Odin. The poem consists of 164 stanzas, contains valuable life advice on a broad range of subjects, and aims to explain the rules of public behavior and social conduct. The following paper will discuss Odin’s recommendations that are still applicable today or specific to the culture of Viking Age Scandinavia and Medieval Iceland.
Most of the advice given by Odin is universal and can be applied in the modern world. For instance, the lines “the more they drink, the less they think and keep a watch o’er their wits” refer to the negative impact of alcohol consumption (“Hávamál” 12). Considering the problem of alcohol abuse, the piece of advice is relevant today, as it reminds the reader that “a bird of Unmindfulness” affects sanity (“Hávamál” 13). Some examples warn about the dangers of greed and overeating (“a greedy man…eats to his own life’s hurt”) and bad sleeping habits (“the unwise man is awake all night”) (“Hávamál” 20, 23). Thus, the poem refers to the common bad habits and provides appropriate recommendations today.
However, the poem contains some advice exclusive to the Medieval culture of Scandinavia and Iceland and may not be appropriate in contemporary society. The first stanza suggests that “one should spy around, one should pry around” (“Hávamál” 1). Such behavior is considered impolite today, but it might have ensured safety for attentive and resourceful Viking warriors visiting their foes. The sixth stanza supports the idea, as “none can find a more faithful friend than the wealth of mother wit” (“Hávamál” 6). The suggestions to never walk without “weapons of war” and gladden friends with “raiment and arms” refer to the warrior culture of the Viking age (“Hávamál” 38, 41). Therefore, the poem’s wisdom combines the unique instructions from the Medieval Scandinavian tradition with universally applicable guidance.
Work Cited
“Hávamál.” University of Pittsburgh, 2021. Web.
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