The Havamal: A Heathen Path of Living (Part 2)

3.

Fire is needed by the newcomer,

Whose knees are frozen numb;

Meat and clean linen a man needs

Who has fared across the fells.

4.

Water, too, that he may wash before eating,

Towels and a hearty welcome,

Courteous words, then courteous silence

That he may tell his tale.

These next stanzas speak to us as the host. As The Wanderer traveled far and wide, I’m sure he came across people who did not attend to his needs. So, these stanzas are there to instruct on good hospitality, a theme that will continue in later stanzas.

But, these directions are not just instructions on good hospitality a la Martha Stewart. Read the list again and you’ll see that all of these things are necessary for surviving the harsh, cold climate of Northern Europe: fire, food, good hygiene, and even good company. The Wanderer is telling us in direct terms that it is our responsibility to see to the basic needs of our fellow humans. We don’t have to see to everyone’s whim, but we should make sure that no one goes hungry, thirsty, cold, dirty, or lonely.

Again, let’s visit the time of the Old Norse. There were no social services. There were no charitable organizations. There were no emergency services. If you were injured or in need in that world, then it was only the people around you that were going be available to help you. So, there had to be a social contract. If you are injured or in need, then I am going to help you because when I, or someone I love, am injured or in need, then I want to be taken care of as well. If people become selfish and refuse to help others, then the world becomes “every man for himself” and a “dog eat dog.” It was true then and it is true now, that no one can survive alone. We are all dependent upon the kindness of those around us.

So, do you help those in need or do you just help those who can repay you? Do you really help anyone at all? This doesn’t mean that you have to give up all of your worldly possessions and give it to the poor. But, do you donate clothing to a charity? Do you donate food or money to your local food bank? Do you just lend a listening ear to someone who needs to tell a difficult story? These are all ways you can be a good host.