Asatru Folk Assembly - Hávamál, a reading

00:00:00.000 This poem follows the Veluspa in the Codex Regius, but is preserved in no other manuscript.

00:00:30.000 The first stanza is quoted by Snorri, and two lines of stanza 84 appear in one of the sagas.

00:00:36.820 In its present shape, it involves the critique of the text in more puzzles than any other of the Edic poems.

00:00:45.300 Without going into detail into the various theories, what happened seems to have been somewhat as follows.

00:00:51.120 There existed, from very early times, a collection of proverbs and wise counsels,

00:00:56.880 which were attributed to Odin, just as the Biblical Proverbs were to Solomon.

00:01:02.160 This collection, which presumably was always elastic in extent,

00:01:06.140 was known as the High One's Words,

00:01:09.300 and forms the basis of the present poem.

00:01:12.880 To it, however, were added other poems and fragments dealing with wisdom,

00:01:17.380 which seemed by their nature to imply that the speaker was Odin.

00:01:21.160 Thus, a catalog of runes or charms was tacked on,

00:01:24.480 and also a set of proverbs, differing essentially in form from those comprising the main collection.

00:01:32.160 Here and there, bits of verse more neatly narrative crept in, and of course, the loose

00:01:36.960 structure of the poem made it easy for an eerciter to insert new stanzas almost at will.

00:01:42.640 This curious miscellany is what we now have as the Havamor.

00:01:47.980 Five separate elements are pretty clearly recognizable.

00:01:50.940 The Havamal Proper, stanzas 1-80, a collection of proverbs and counsels for the conduct of life.

00:01:57.880 The Lodfavsnismal, stanzas 111-138, a collection of somewhat similar to the first,

00:02:06.140 but specific ally addressed to a certain Lodfavnir.

00:02:12.080 The Lodfavnir, stanzas 147-165, a collection of charms.

00:02:18.980 The love story of Odin and Billing's daughter, stanzas 96-102, with an introductory dissertation on the faithfulness of women in general, stanzas 81-95,

00:02:34.920 which probably crept into the first poem and then pulled the story as an apt illustration after it.

00:02:41.180 and the story of how Odin got the meat of poetry, the draught, which gave him the gift of tongues from the maiden Gunloth, in stanzas 103-110.

00:02:54.180 There is also a brief passage, stanzas 139-146, telling how Odin won the runes, this passage being a natural introduction to the Lothothar, and that was brought into the poem for that reason.

00:03:09.180 It is idle to discuss the authorship or date of such a series of accretions at this.

00:03:16.400 Parts of it are doubtless among the oldest relics of ancient Germanic poetry.

00:03:20.620 Parts of it may have originated at a relatively late period.

00:03:24.160 Probably however, most of its component elements go pretty far back, although we have no way

00:03:29.360 of telling how or when they first became associated.

00:03:33.080 It seems all but meaningless to talk about interpolations in a poem which has developed

00:03:38.920 almost solely through the process of piecing together originally unrelated objects and ends.

00:03:45.160 The notes, therefore, make only such suggestions as are needed to keep the main divisions of the poem distinct.

00:03:51.920 Few gnomic collections in the world's literary history present sounder wisdom more tersely expressed than the Hovemog.

00:03:59.560 Like the Book of Proverbs, it occasionally rises to lofty heights of poetry. 0.84

00:04:04.460 If it presents the worldly wisdom of a violent race, it also shows noble ideals of loyalty, truth, and unfaltering courage. 0.99

00:04:18.640 Havamal

00:04:19.320 Within the gates there a man shall go, for wherely let him watch?

00:04:25.240 For little he knows where a foe may lurk, and sit in the seats within.

00:04:30.800 Hail to the Giver! A guest has come! Where shall the stranger sit?

00:04:34.460 Swift shall he be, who with swords shall try

00:04:37.580 The proof of his might to make

00:04:39.140 Fire he needs, who with frozen knees

00:04:43.140 Has come from the cold without 0.99

00:04:44.440 Food and clothes must the fairer have

00:04:46.940 The man from the mountains come

00:04:48.580 Water and towels and welcoming speech

00:04:53.300 Should he find who comes to the feast

00:04:55.300 If renowned he would get and again be greeted

00:04:58.240 Wisely and well must he act

00:05:00.100 Wits must he have who wanders wide

00:05:04.420 but all is easy at home at the witless man the wise shall wink when among such men he sits

00:05:11.380 a man shall not boast of his keenness of mind but keep it close in his breast

00:05:17.700 to the silent and wise is ill come seldom when he goes as a guest to the house

00:05:22.560 for a faster friend one never finds than wisdom tried and true

00:05:27.140 The knowing guest who goes to the feast and silent attention sits.

00:05:33.600 With his ears he hears, with his eyes he watches, thus wary are wise men all.

00:05:39.660 Happy the one who wins for himself, favor and praise is fair.

00:05:43.460 Less safe by far is the wisdom found that is hidden in another's heart.

00:05:49.520 Happy the man who is while he lives, wisdom and praise is well.

00:05:53.820 evil counsel a man full oft has from another's heart.

00:06:00.600 A better burden may no man bear for wanderings wide than wisdom, it is better than wealth 1.00

00:06:05.640 on unknown ways and in grief a refugee gives. 1.00

00:06:09.100 A better burden may no man bear for wanderings wide than wisdom, worse food for the journey 1.00

00:06:16.420 he brings not afield than an over-drinking of ale.

00:06:21.860 It's good their lies, then most believe in an ale of mortal men.

00:06:26.020 For the more he drinks, the less does man, Of his mind the mastery hold.

00:06:31.120 Over beer the bird of forgetfulness broods, And steals the minds of men.

00:06:35.840 With the heron's feathers fettered I lay, And in Gullus' house was held.

00:06:41.820 Drunk I was, I was dead drunk, When with Fjallar wise I was.

00:06:45.660 Tis the best of drinking, If back one brings his wisdom with him home.

00:06:51.820 The son of a king shall be silent and wise, and bold in battle as well.

00:06:56.700 Gravely and gladly a man shall go till the day of his death is come. 1.00

00:07:02.600 The sluggard believes he shall live forever if the fight he faces not, but aid shall not

00:07:07.880 grant him the gift of peace, though spears may save his life. 1.00

00:07:13.480 The fool is agape when he comes to the feast, he stammers or else is still, but soon if 0.99

00:07:18.260 If he gets a drink it is seen, what the mind of a man is like. 0.99

00:07:24.580 He alone is aware, who has wandered wide, and far aboard has fared.

00:07:31.260 How great a mind is guided by him that wealth the wisdom has.

00:07:37.380 Shun not the mead, but drink in measure, speak to the point, or be still. 0.95

00:07:41.980 For a rudeness nun shall rightly blame thee, If soon thy bed thou seekest. 0.95

00:07:48.880 The greedy man, if his mind be vague, Will eat till sick he is. 0.90

00:07:53.300 The vulgar man, when among the wise, Scorned by his belly is brought.

00:07:59.640 The herds know well, When home they shall fare,

00:08:02.140 And then from the grass they go. 0.99

00:08:04.580 But the foolish man, his belly's measure, Shall never know aright. 1.00

00:08:10.140 A paltry man, and poor of mind, at all things ever mocks, 1.00

00:08:14.620 For never he knows when he ought to know That he is not free from faults. 0.98

00:08:21.260 The witless man is awake all night, thinking of many things,

00:08:24.860 Careworn he is when the morning comes, And his woe is just as it was. 1.00

00:08:31.620 The foolish man, for friends all those Who laugh at him will hold, 0.98

00:08:35.540 when among the wise he marks it not through hatred of him they speak. 1.00

00:08:41.240 The foolish man for friends all those who laugh at him will hold,

00:08:45.620 but the truth when he comes to the counsel he learns that few in his favor will speak. 1.00

00:08:52.260 An ignorant man thinks all he knows when he sits by himself in a corner,

00:08:56.460 but never what answer to make he knows when others when questions come. 0.98

00:09:01.300 A witless man, when he meets with men, had best in silence abide, for no one shall find

00:09:09.080 that nothing he knows if his mouth is not open too much. 0.88

00:09:13.680 Why shall he seem who well can question, and also answer well?

00:09:17.860 Nought is concealed that men may say among the sons of men.

00:09:23.520 Often he speaks, who never is still, with the words that win no faith.

00:09:27.800 The babbling tongue, if a bridle it find not, oft for itself sings ill.

00:09:34.160 In mockery no one a man shall hold, although he fare to the feast.

00:09:38.620 Wise seems one oft, if not, he is asked, and safely he sits dry-skinned.

00:09:45.340 Wise a guest holds it to take to his heels, when mock of another he makes.

00:09:49.820 But little he knows who laughs at the feast, though he mocks in the midst of his foes.

00:09:56.680 Free of mind are many men, till feasting they mock at their friends.

00:10:00.420 To mankind of bane must it ever be, with guests together strive.

00:10:06.760 Off should one make an early meal, nor fasting come to the feast.

00:10:10.580 Else he sits and chews as if he would choke, and little too able to ask.

00:10:19.480 Crooked and far is the road to a foe, though his house on the highway be.

00:10:24.100 But wide and straight is the way to a friend, Though far away he fare.

00:10:30.980 Forth shall one go, nor stay as a guest In a single spot for ever.

00:10:36.140 Love becomes loathing if long one sits By the hearth in another's home.

00:10:42.500 Better a house, though a hutt it be, A man is master at home. 0.96

00:10:46.820 A pair of goats and a patch of roof Are better far than begging. 0.99

00:10:52.580 Under a house, though a hut it be, A man is master at home.

00:10:57.080 His heart is bleeding, who needs must beg, When food he be he fain would have.

00:11:05.620 Away from his arms, in the open field, A man should fare not a foot,

00:11:10.120 For never he knows when no need for a spear Shall arise on the distant road.

00:11:17.480 If wealth a man has won for himself, Let him never suffer in need.

00:11:21.460 Oft he saves for a foe what he plans for a friend, for much goes worse than he wish.

00:11:29.900 None so free with gifts or food have I found, that gladly he took not a gift, nor one who

00:11:36.240 was so widely scattered his wealth, that of recompense hatred he had.

00:11:44.500 Friends show glad in each other with arms and garments, as each for himself can see.

00:11:49.440 Giver's friendships are longest found, If fair their faith may be.

00:11:54.960 To his friend a man a friend shall prove, And gifts with gifts requite.

00:12:00.300 But men shall mocking with mockery answer, And fraud with falsehood meet.

00:12:06.640 To his friend a man a friend shall prove, To him and the friend of his friend.

00:12:11.420 But never a man shall friendship make With one of his foeman's friends.

00:12:15.640 If a friend thou hast, whom thou fully wilt trust, and good from him wist get, thy thoughts

00:12:23.840 with his mingle, and gifts shalt thou make, and fair to find him oft.

00:12:29.360 If another thou hast, whom thou hardly wilt trust, yet good from him wist get, thou shalt

00:12:35.960 speak him fair, but falsely think, and fraud with falsehood requite.

00:12:42.560 So is it with him whom thou hardly wilt trust, And whose mind thou mayst not know.

00:12:49.140 Laugh with him mayst thou, but speak not thy mind, Like gifts to his shalt thou give.

00:12:57.800 Young was I once, and wandered alone, And not of the road I knew.

00:13:02.380 Rich did I feel with a comrade I found, For man is man's delight.

00:13:09.100 The lives of the brave and noble are best, Sorrows they seldom feed, 0.99

00:13:13.180 But the coward fear of all things feels, And not gladly the niggard gives. 1.00

00:13:21.740 My garments once in a field I gave To a pair of curvin' poles. 1.00

00:13:27.000 Heroes they seemed in clothes they had, But the naked man is naught. 1.00

00:13:32.580 On the hillside drear the fair tree dies, All bootless its needles and bark.

00:13:39.080 It is like a man whom no one loves, Why should his life be long?

00:13:44.840 Hotter than fire between false friends, This friendship five days burned.

00:13:49.880 When the sixth day comes, the fire cools, And ended is all the love.

00:13:56.540 No great thing needs a man to give, Oft little will purchase praise.

00:14:02.120 With half a loaf and half cup filled, A friend full fast I made.

00:14:09.560 A little sand has a little sea, And smaller the minds of men.

00:14:14.680 Though all men are not equal in wisdom, Yet half wise only are all.

00:14:21.360 A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know.

00:14:26.580 Of fairest lives do those men live, Whose wisdom wide is grown.

00:14:34.460 A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know.

00:14:39.800 For the wise man's heart is seldom happy, If wisdom too great he is won.

00:14:45.880 A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know.

00:14:51.120 Let no man the fate before him see, for so he is threest from sorrow.

00:14:58.180 A brand from a brand is kindled and burned, and fire from fire begotten. 0.99

00:15:04.080 And man by his speech is known to men, and the stupid by their stillness. 0.97

00:15:11.240 He must early go forth, who feign the blood of the goods of another would get. 0.98

00:15:16.740 The wolf that lies idle shall win little meat, or the sleeping man's success.

00:15:24.200 He must early go forth, whose workers are few, himself his work to seek.

00:15:29.540 Much remains undone for the morning sleeper, for the swift his wealth hath won.

00:15:37.560 Of seasoned shingles and strips of bark, for the thatch let one know his need.

00:15:43.580 And how much of wood he must have for a month, Or in half a year he will use.

00:15:52.460 Washed and fed to the council fair, But care not too much for thy clothes. 0.99

00:15:57.820 Let none be ashamed of his shoes and hoes, Lest still of the steed he rides, 1.00

00:16:02.700 But poor be the horse he has. 1.00

00:16:05.220 When the eagle comes to the ancient sea, He snaps and hangs his head.

00:16:11.960 So is a man in the midst of a throng, He few to speak for him he finds.

00:16:16.960 To question and answer, must all be ready, Who wish to be known as wise.

00:16:24.400 Tell one thy thoughts, but beware of two, All know what is known to three.

00:16:29.900 The man who is prudent and measured use, Of the might he has, will make,

00:16:35.360 He finds one among the brave he fares, That the boldest he may not be.

00:16:41.260 Not for the words that to others one speaks, he will get but an evil gift.

00:16:49.860 Too early to many a meeting I came, and some too late have I sought.

00:16:54.220 The beer was all drunk, or not yet brewed, little the load man finds.

00:16:59.820 To their homes men would bid me hither and yon.

00:17:05.500 If at meal time I needed no meat, or would hang two hams in my true friend's house,

00:17:10.120 only one I had eaten.

00:17:15.160 Fire for men is the fairest gift, and power to see the sun.

00:17:19.940 Health as well, if a man may have it, and a life not stained with sin.

00:17:27.140 All wretched is no man, though never so sick, some from their sons have joy.

00:17:32.820 Some win it from kinsmen, and some from their wealth, and some from worthy works.

00:17:40.420 It is better to live than to lie a corpse, and the liveman catches the cow.

00:17:46.040 I saw flames rise for the richman's pyre, and before his door he lay dead.

00:17:53.820 The lame rides a horse, the handless is herdsman, the death in battle is bold.

00:17:59.100 A blind man is better than one that is burned, and no good can come of a corpse.

00:18:07.580 A son is better, though late he be born, and his father to death have fared. 0.87

00:18:13.220 Memorily stones seldom stand by the road, save when kinsman honors his kin.

00:18:21.840 To make a battle, the tongue slays the head, In each feathery coat a fist I look for.

00:18:31.380 He welcomes the knight whose fare is enough, Short of the yards of a ship,

00:18:36.120 Uneasier autumn nights, For oft does the weather change in a week,

00:18:40.960 And more'n a month's time.

00:18:44.080 A man knows not, and nothing he knows, The gold oft gapes begets.

00:18:51.880 One man is wealthy, and one is poor, Yet scorn for him none should know.

00:19:00.240 Among fitting sons, saw I well-stocked folds, And now bear they the beggar's staff.

00:19:07.080 Wealth as a swift is a weakling eye, A thren is the falsest it is.

00:19:13.920 Cattle die, and kinsmen die, and so no one dies oneself.

00:19:19.480 But the noble name will never die if good renown one gets.

00:19:24.600 Cattle die, and kinsmen die, and so one dies oneself.

00:19:29.160 One thing now that never dies, the fame of a dead man's deeds.

00:19:35.840 Certain is that which is sought from runes that the gods so great have made,

00:19:40.800 In the master poet painted of the race of God, silence is safest and best. 0.56

00:19:49.560 An unwise man of a maiden's love or wealth he chances to win.

00:19:54.300 His pride will wax, but his wisdom never, straightforward he fares in conceit. 0.99

00:20:02.020 Give praise to the day and evening, to a woman on her pyre, to a weapon which is tried to

00:20:08.140 To a maiden with luck, To ice when it is crossed,

00:20:12.260 To ale that is drunk, When the gale blows hew wood,

00:20:17.900 And the fair winds seek the water, Sport with maidens at dusk,

00:20:23.180 For day's eyes are many, When the ships seek swiftness,

00:20:27.920 From the shield protection, Cuts from the sword,

00:20:31.620 From the maiden kisses, By the fire drink ale,

00:20:36.440 Over ice go on skates, By a steed that is lean, and a sword when tarnished,

00:20:43.580 This horse at home fatten the hound in thy dwelling. 0.96

00:20:49.380 A man shall trust not the oath of a maid, Nor the word a woman speaks, 0.97

00:20:55.620 For their hearts on a whirling wheel were fashioned, And fickle their breasts were formed. 0.99

00:21:01.660 In a breaking bow or burning flame, A ravenous wolf or a croaking raven,

00:21:07.900 In a grunting boar or a tree with broken roots, In a billowy sea or a bubbling kettle,

00:21:14.160 In a flying arrow or falling waters, In ice new formed or the serpent's folds,

00:21:21.580 In a bride's bed speech or a broken sword, In the sport of bears or in sons of kings,

00:21:29.580 In a calf that is sick or a stubborn thrall, A flattering witch or a foe new slain,

00:21:36.700 In a brother's slayer, if thou meet him abroad, In a half-burned house, in a horse full swift,

00:21:43.620 One leg is hurt and the horse is useless, None had ever such faith as to trust in them

00:21:50.800 all.

00:21:53.540 Hope not too surely for early harvest, nor trust too soon in thy son.

00:21:59.620 The field needs good weather, the sun needs wisdom, and oft is either denied. 0.98

00:22:06.580 The love of women, fickle of will, is like starting to arise with a steed unshod, 0.99

00:22:13.860 a two-year-old restive and a little tamed, or steering a rudderless ship in a storm, 1.00

00:22:21.660 Or lame hunting reindeer on slippery rocks. 0.86

00:22:27.660 Clear now will I speak, for I know them both, Men false to women are found.

00:22:34.420 When fairest we speak, then falsest we thank, Against wisdom we work with deceit.

00:22:41.860 Soft words shall he speak, and wealth shall he offer, Who longs for a maiden's love,

00:22:49.100 In the beauty praise of the maiden bright He wins whose wooing is best.

00:22:56.200 Fault for loving let no man find Ever with any other, oft the wise are fettered

00:23:03.340 When fools go free By beauty that breathes desire.

00:23:09.880 Fault with another let no man find For what touches many a man, 0.97

00:23:15.380 Wise men oft into witless fools Are made by mighty love.

00:23:21.820 The head alone knows What dwellings near the heart, 0.97

00:23:25.420 A man knows his mind alone.

00:23:28.440 No sickness is worse to one who is wise Than the lack of the longed-for joy.

00:23:36.300 This found I myself when I set in the reeds, And long my love awaited,

00:23:41.560 As my life, the maiden, wise I loved, yet her I never had.

00:23:47.420 Billings daughter I found on her bed, in slumber bright as the sun.

00:23:52.740 Empty appeared in Earl's estate, without the form so fair.

00:23:58.300 Odin again at evening come, if a woman thou wouldst win.

00:24:03.340 Evil it were, if others that we should know of such a sin. 1.00

00:24:07.120 Away I hastened, hoping for joy and careless of counsel wise

00:24:13.620 While I believed that soon I should win measureless joy with the maid

00:24:18.620 So came I next, when night it was, the warriors all were awake

00:24:24.780 With burning lights and waving brands I learned my luckless way

00:24:31.080 At morning then, when once more I came and all were sleeping still

00:24:35.340 A dog found in the fair one's place

00:24:39.040 Bound there upon the bed 0.99

00:24:41.180 Many fair maids, if a man but tries 1.00

00:24:45.280 False to a lover are found

00:24:47.100 That did I learn when I longed to gain

00:24:50.680 With wiles the maiden wise 0.98

00:24:53.260 Foul scorn was my mead from the crafty mind 0.93

00:24:58.580 And not from the woman I won

00:25:01.720 Though glad at home and merry with guests

00:25:06.380 A man shall be wary and wise

00:25:08.320 The sage and shrewd, wide wisdom-seeking

00:25:11.740 Must see that his speech be fair 0.98

00:25:14.340 A fool is he named who naught can say 0.99

00:25:17.340 For such is a way of the witless 1.00

00:25:18.980 I found the old giant, now back have I fared

00:25:23.900 Small gain from silence I got

00:25:25.840 For many a word my will to get

00:25:28.760 I spoke in sooting's hall 0.98

00:25:30.420 The mouth of Lhrati made room for my passage 1.00

00:25:35.020 And space in the stone he gnawed 1.00

00:25:37.020 Above and below the giant's path lay

00:25:40.420 So rashly I risked my head

00:25:42.300 Gunlut gave on a golden stool

00:25:46.540 A drink of the marvelous mead 1.00

00:25:48.240 A harsh reward did I let her have

00:25:50.920 For her heroic heart

00:25:51.900 And her spirit troubled sore 0.54

00:25:54.260 The well-earned beauty

00:25:56.660 Well I enjoyed

00:25:57.860 Little the wise man lacks 0.87

00:25:59.360 So Orthorir now has up been brought to the midst of the men of earth.

00:26:05.680 Hardly methinks would I home have come, and left the giant's land.

00:26:10.720 Had not Gunloth helped me, the maiden good, whose arms about me had been?

00:26:16.800 The day that followed, the frost giants came, some word of war to win.

00:26:21.280 A bulwark they asked, where he back midst the gods, or had Sulting slayed him there?

00:26:29.240 On his ring swore Odin the oath, methinks, who now his throat shall trust.

00:26:34.900 Sutin's betrayal he sought with drink, and Gunnut to grief he left.

00:26:41.460 It is a time to chant from the chanter's stool, by the wells of Urd I was.

00:26:48.600 I saw and was silent, I saw and thought, and heard the speech of all.

00:26:54.740 of runes heard thy words, nor were counsels wanting.

00:26:59.500 At the Hall of Ord, in the Hall of Ord,

00:27:03.880 such was the speech I heard.

00:27:07.560 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:27:12.860 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:27:18.220 Rise not at night, save if news thou seekest,

00:27:22.240 or fain to the outhouse would spare.

00:27:26.200 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and heal thou my reed.

00:27:31.000 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, great thy gain if thou learnest. 0.95

00:27:36.360 Beware of sleep on a witch's bosom, nor let her limbs ensnare thee. 0.99

00:27:43.500 Such is her might that thou hast no mind for the council or meeting of men. 1.00

00:27:49.420 hate thou hatest, joy thou hast not, and sadly to slumber thou farest.

00:27:57.360 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:28:02.180 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:28:08.100 Seek never to win the wife of another, or long for her secret love.

00:28:15.640 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my reed, Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest,

00:28:21.960 great thy gain, if thou learnest.

00:28:25.980 If were mountains or gulfs thou fain wouldst go, look well to thy food for the way.

00:28:34.040 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my reed, Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest,

00:28:40.440 great thy gain, if thou learnest.

00:28:44.540 evil man thou must not let spring out of ill to thee, for an evil man will never make reward

00:28:52.460 for a worthy thought.

00:28:56.580 I saw a man who was wounded sore by an evil woman's word, a lying tongue his death blow

00:29:04.160 launched, and no word of truth there was.

00:29:09.780 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:29:14.100 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, and great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:29:20.120 If a friend thou hast whom thou fully wilt trust, then fair to find him oft, for brambles

00:29:27.060 grow in waving grass on the rarely trodden road.

00:29:33.060 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read, Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest,

00:29:40.100 great thy gain, if thou learnest, a good man find to hold in friendship, and give heed

00:29:47.100 to his healing charms.

00:29:51.100 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read, Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest,

00:29:58.180 Great thy gain, if thou learnest, Be never the first to break with thy friend

00:30:04.000 The bonds that hold you both, Carry each the heart, if thou canst not speak

00:30:09.500 To another all thy thoughts.

00:30:14.080 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read,

00:30:18.640 Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest, Great thy gain, if thou learnest, 0.93

00:30:23.960 Exchange of words within a witless ape 0.98

00:30:27.240 Thou must not ever make 0.98

00:30:29.460 For never thou may'st from an evil man

00:30:33.700 A good requital get

00:30:35.060 But a good man oft the greatest love

00:30:38.360 Through words of praise will win thee

00:30:40.360 Mingled is love where a man can speak

00:30:44.560 To another all his thoughts

00:30:46.080 Not as so bad as false to be

00:30:49.020 No friend speaks only fair

00:30:50.980 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my reed, Prophet thou hast if thou hearest,

00:31:00.980 Great thy gain if thou learnest, Will the worst man speak not three words in dispute,

00:31:08.980 Ill affairs the better oft, When the worst man wields the sword.

00:31:14.980 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my reed.

00:31:19.980 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, and great thou gainest thou learnest.

00:31:25.980 A shoemaker be, or a maker of shafts, for only thy single self.

00:31:30.980 If the shoe is either made, or the shaft proves false, then evil of thee may think.

00:31:38.980 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my reed.

00:31:43.980 Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest, Great thy gain, if thou learnest,

00:31:50.380 If evil thou knowest, as evil proclaim it, And make no friendship with foes.

00:31:58.460 I read thee, Lo Fafnir, and hear thou my read. Prophet thou hast, if thou hearest,

00:32:05.980 Great thy gain if thou learnest, And evil never joy shalt thou know,

00:32:12.940 But glad the good shall make thee.

00:32:17.280 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read,

00:32:21.980 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, Great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:32:28.460 Look not up when battle is on, Like madmen the sons of men become,

00:32:34.200 lest men bewitch thy wits.

00:32:38.960 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:32:43.700 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:32:50.160 If thou feign between a woman's love, and gladness's gift from her,

00:32:55.480 fair be thy promise, and well fulfilled, and unloads what good gifts.

00:33:03.140 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou thy read.

00:33:07.960 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, and great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:33:14.740 I bid thee be wary, but not be fearful.

00:33:18.640 Beware most with heir or another's wife, and third, beware lest the thief out with thee.

00:33:27.640 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:33:32.220 Profit thou hast if thou hearest, Great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:33:38.220 Scorn or mocking ne'er shalt thou make Of a guest or a journey-goer.

00:33:45.680 Of scarily he knows who sits in the house What kind is the man who comes.

00:33:51.740 None so good is found that false he has naught, Nor so wicked that naught he is worth.

00:33:59.240 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:34:04.580 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, great thy gain if thou learnest. 0.63

00:34:11.120 Scorn not ever the gray-haired singer, oft do the old speak good. 0.99

00:34:17.740 Oft from shriveled skin come skillful counsels, though it hang with the hides, and flap with 1.00

00:34:24.780 the pelts, and is blown with the bellies.

00:34:28.900 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:34:34.040 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, Great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:34:40.220 Curse not thy guest, nor show him thy gate, Deal well with a man in want.

00:34:47.940 Strong is the being that raised must be To give an entrance to all.

00:34:54.140 Give it a ring, a grim will be, The wish it would work on thee.

00:35:00.980 I read thee, Lord Fafnir, and hear thou my read.

00:35:05.640 Prophet thou hast if thou hearest, And great thy gain if thou learnest.

00:35:11.660 When ale thou drinkest, seek might of earth, For earth cures drink, and fire cures ears.

00:35:19.360 The oak cures tightness, the ear cures magic, rye cures rupture, the moon cures rage, grass

00:35:30.160 cures the scab, and runes the sword cut, the field absorbs the flood. 0.97

00:35:39.060 Now are whore's words spoken in the hall, kind for the kindred of men, cursed for the 0.97

00:35:45.900 the kindred of giants. Hail to the speaker, and to him who learns. Prophet be his who 1.00

00:35:53.560 has them. Hail to them who hearken. 0.71

00:36:00.140 I weaned that I hung on the windy tree, hung there for nights full of nine. With the spear

00:36:07.280 I was wounded and offered I was, to Oden, myself to myself, on a tree that none may

00:36:14.300 ever know what the root beneath it runs none made me happy with loaf or horn and there below i looked

00:36:25.340 i took up the runes shrieking i took them and forthwith back i fell nine mighty songs i got

00:36:34.220 from the son of bullhorn bestless father and a drink i got of them goodly me poured out from

00:36:42.380 more thrill. Then began I to thrive, and wisdom to get, I grew when well I was. Each word

00:36:53.320 led me on to another word, each deed to another deed. Runes shalt thou find, and fateful signs

00:37:02.100 that the king of singers colored, and the mighty gods have made. Full strong the signs,

00:37:08.980 full-mighty the signs that the ruler of gods doth write.

00:37:14.980 Odin for the gods, deign for the elders, and Valin for the dwarves,

00:37:19.980 Alsvith for the giants, and all mankind, and some myself I wrote.

00:37:26.980 Knowest how one shall write, knowest how one shall read,

00:37:31.980 knowest how one shall tint, knowest how one shall trial,

00:37:37.980 Noest how one shall ask, Noest how one shall offer,

00:37:43.140 Noest how one shall send, Noest how one shall sacrifice.

00:37:50.840 Better no prey Than too big an offering,

00:37:54.760 By the getting measures thy gift, Better is none than too big a sacrifice.

00:38:02.940 So Thun de Vold wrote ere man's race began, Where he rose on high when home he came.

00:38:12.680 The songs I know that kings' wives know not, Nor men that are sons of men.

00:38:19.880 The first is called Help, and help it can bring thee In sorrow and pain and sickness.

00:38:27.740 A second I know that men shall need Who leechcraft long to use.

00:38:35.440 A third I know if great is my need Of fetters to hold my foe,

00:38:40.980 Blunt do I make mine enemy's blade Nor bites his sword or staff.

00:38:48.140 A fourth I know if men shall fasten Bonds on my bended legs,

00:38:53.300 So great is the charm that forth I may go, The fetters spring from my feet,

00:38:58.780 Broken the bonds from my hands.

00:39:03.380 A fifth I know if I see from afar An arrow fly against the folk, 0.52

00:39:10.000 It flies not so swift that I stop it not, If ever my eyes behold it.

00:39:16.920 A sixth I know if harm one seeks With a sapling's roots to send me,

00:39:22.540 The hero himself, who wrecks his hate, Shall taste the ale ere I.

00:39:28.780 A seventh I know, if I see in flames, The hall o'er my comrades' heads.

00:39:36.140 It burns not so wide that I will not quench it, I know the song to sing.

00:39:41.980 An eighth I know, that is all to all, Of greatest good to learn.

00:39:49.320 When hatred grows among heroes' sons I soon can set at the right.

00:39:55.920 A ninth I know if need there comes To shelter my ship on the flood.

00:40:01.280 The wind I calm upon the waves In the sea I put to sleep.

00:40:07.520 A tenth I know what time I see House riders flying on high.

00:40:12.880 So can I work, the wildly they go, Showing their true shapes, hence to their own homes.

00:40:21.560 An eleventh I know, if needs I must lead, To the fight of my long-loved friends.

00:40:27.960 I sing in the shields, and in strength they go, Hold to the field of fight, hold from

00:40:33.640 the field of fight, And whole they come and thence home.

00:40:40.320 A twelfth I know if high on a tree I see a hanged man swing,

00:40:46.280 So do I write and color the runes That forth he fares and to me he talks.

00:40:53.500 A thirteenth I know if a fain full young With water I sprinkle well,

00:40:59.880 He shall not fall, though he fares mid the host Nor sink beneath the swords.

00:41:07.400 A fourteenth I know if fain I would name, To mend the mighty gods,

00:41:13.320 All know I well of the gods and elves, Few be the fools know this.

00:41:20.040 A fifteenth I know that before the doors of Deling, Sang Throthreir the dwarf,

00:41:27.580 Mighty sang for the gods and glory for elves, And wisdom for Roptatir wise.

00:41:35.720 A sixteenth I know, If I seek delight, To win from a maiden wise.

00:41:41.820 The mind I turn, Of the white-armed maid, And thus change all her thoughts.

00:41:48.440 A seventeenth I know, So that seldom shall go, A maiden young from me.

00:41:56.380 Long these songs thou shalt, Lord Fafnil, Seek in vain to sing.

00:42:02.580 Yet good it were, if thou mightest get them, Well, if thou wouldst them learn, Help, if thou hadst them.

00:42:12.300 And eighteenth I know, that ne'er will I tell, To maiden or wife of man,

00:42:18.320 The best is what none but one's self doth know, So comes the end of the songs, 0.96

00:42:25.900 Save only to her in whose arms I lay, Or who else my sister is.

00:42:32.580 Thank you.

Asatru Folk Assembly - December 12, 2023

Hávamál, a reading

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