Whether or not the Hávamál was the true words of Odin, the wisdom in the text is undeniable. It is honestly hard to find other texts that are so dense with practical and obviously true advice on how to conduct yourself and deal with the various obstacles in life. Here are some passages from those who are curious, but not enough to read it:
At every door-way, ere one enters, one should spy round, one should pry round for uncertain is the witting that there be no foeman sitting, within, before one on the floor
A coward believes he will ever live if he keep him safe from strife: but old age leaves him not long in peace though spears may spare his life.
Let a man never stir on his road a step without his weapons of war; for unsure is the knowing when need shall arise of a spear on the way without.
Whether or not the Hávamál was the true words of Odin, the wisdom in the text is undeniable. It is honestly hard to find other texts that are so dense with practical and obviously true advice on how to conduct yourself and deal with the various obstacles in life. Here are some passages from those who are curious, but not enough to read it:
At every door-way,
ere one enters,
one should spy round,
one should pry round
for uncertain is the witting
that there be no foeman sitting,
within, before one on the floor
A coward believes he will ever live
if he keep him safe from strife:
but old age leaves him not long in peace
though spears may spare his life.
Let a man never stir on his road a step
without his weapons of war;
for unsure is the knowing when need shall arise
of a spear on the way without.