The Havamal: A Heathen Path of Living (Part 20)

38.

A wayfarer should not walk unarmed,

But have his weapons to hand:

He knows not when he may need a spear,

Or what menace meet on the road.

This would have been very practical advice for those living in Pagan Europe. In an age in which there were no emergency services, no policemen, and no 911, a person traveling out on their own would be an easy target for bandits. Also, this was a time in which wild animals were still very common and you would never know when you would need to fight to avoid becoming some predator’s meal.

But, in a broader sense, this stanza is reminding us that we should always be ready for danger. The same practical advice applies today as it did centuries ago. When out alone, we should be aware of our surroundings for dangers. Another reason to not become too drunk or abuse drugs is that they impair our senses and make it more difficult to judge when we are in a dangerous situation. Business leaders often use Sun Tzu’s The Art of War as a guide to how to do everything from selling a car to hedge fund management. Certainly, you need to have your ‘weapons in hand’ when dealing with these kinds of people. But, even entering relationships you should be asking yourself if this is a person who means you harm, even if they are not aware of it. Is this to sort of person who will tear down your self-esteem? Can you defend yourself from such an emotional attack? Should you have to?