The Havamal: A Heathen Path of Living (Why Study the Havamal?)

Why study the Havamal? How can poems from an ancient people be relevant today in modern life? There are two answers. First, the ancient Norse lived in a land that is far more treacherous than ours and they managed to survive. For that fact alone, we should pay attention to how they lived to give us clues as to how we could survive in our land, which is far more plentiful and forgiving. Second, the ancient Norse did not die out. They are not gone. They not only survived, but they thrived. The Vikings became fearsome raiders around the known world, explored North America before any other Europeans, and eventually became wealthy merchants and great scholars. Their culture lives on in our holidays, our views of individuality and community, and even in our language. In short, we are much more like the ancient Norse then might first seem.

The Havamal has within it multiple themes, which appear throughout the text. It is in these themes that I think we find a glimpse of what the ancient Norse found important in a person and how a community should function. Though some themes, such as courage or honor, might seem very obvious for a culture that gave rise to the Vikings, other themes might be more surprising.

Hospitality

Hospitality teaches how to be a good host and how to be a good guest. This is important because good hosts and good guests ultimately build good communities.

Wisdom/taciturnity

The ancient Norse considered a part of wisdom to know when to speak and when to shut up. If you’ve ever been around someone who tends to talk too much and listen too little, then you know why the ancient Norse felt this way.

Moderation/abundance

One surprise is the frequency with which admonitions against gluttony and drunkenness come up in the Havamal. Apparently, obesity and alcoholism were problems back then just as they are today. Also, despite the harsh climate and the sense of deprivation it brings, the Havamal encourages the ancient Norse to share with others who might have less.

Courage

Courage was the trait of berserkers who would charge into combat without any armor, shield, or even clothing. It was courage that let Vikings get into ships and sail across an uncharted ocean to find riches. But, you don’t have to pick up a battleaxe to be a courageous warrior.

Friendship

True and lasting friendships have always been an important part of human society. You have to know how to be a good friend, find a true friend, and enjoy each other’s company in order to truly enjoy life. Betraying a friend was considered one of the most dishonorable acts one could commit.

Independence

To be able to take care of one self, or at least make a good attempt to do so, was important to prevent from being a burden on others. But, it also gives us a sense of self-worth and confidence that is not easily shaken.

Wariness

Considering that the ancient Norse often warred with each other and every person was armed with a dagger (if not a sword or axe) being aware of their surroundings was not just a good idea. It was a matter of survival.

Honor

A honorable person is someone who does what is right even though it is inconvenient, sticks to his word, and stands up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Only a fool would not respect someone like that.

Discipline

Learning a skill or craft and mastering it, overcoming distraction, working hard and earning everything you have. Like independence, this builds a sense of self-worth that others can see and respect.

Perseverance

Rising above adversity, doing what it necessary rather than what is easy, and tolerating small pains and troubles now in exchange for greater benefits later. This emphasis on perseverance by the Norse has led them to have a reputation for being tough and tenacious that remains to this day.

Future blog entries will look at individual stanzas from the Havamal and discuss what they may have meant to the ancient Norse and how we can use those lessons in our modern lives.