The Havamal: A Heathen Path of Living (Part 45)

73.

Often words uttered to another

Have reaped an ill harvest:

Two make a battle, the tongue is head's bane,

A fist I fear in every furry pocket.

This stanza warns us to watch what we say as our words can cause harm and even lead to violence. It happens sometimes that we say things that we do not mean or sometimes we cross a line we did not mean to. I have seen many board games turn into arguments because someone’s trash talk got a little too enthusiastic and the recipient wasn’t too appreciative. But, even casual comments can hurt others and what was intended as a small criticism can feel like a strong insult. In these times, we should be prepared to apologize to prevent the situation from getting worse. “Two make a battle” reminds us that a fight or hurt feelings can’t continue if one person is not willing to back down. It is better to take the high road and apologize.

“The tongue is head’s bane” reminds me that we often say things we do not mean in the heat of a moment. It is not possible for the brain to be logical and emotional at the same time. It is like a slider that moves back and forth: the more logical you are, the less emotional, and vice versa. So, when a person is extremely angry, sad, afraid, or even happy, their IQ drops. Some studies have suggested that this IQ drop can be as much as thirty points. And, the average IQ is 100. So, when the average person is feeling some powerful emotions, their IQ can go from 100 to 70, which is below the point at which one can be considered mentally handicapped. And, in that moment, that person is saying things, doing things, and making decisions. It’s no wonder that the Wanderer fears a fist “in every furry pocket.”