Pocket Havamal Benjamin Thorpe Version

by Sæmundr fróði, Benjamin Thorpe (Translator), Carrie Overton (Designer)

Have you ever been out talking with someone and knew there was a perfect Havamal quote for the situation but you just couldn't remember it exactly? Ever been inspired out in nature and felt the urge to read the words of Odin? If so, the Pocket Havamal is for you! This small book includes the entire Benjamin Thorpe translation of the Havamal or The Sayings of the High One.

Genres: Mythology

50 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2013

About the author

Sæmundur Sigfússon (or Sæmundur fróði) (Sæmundur the Learned) (1056–1133) was an Icelandic priest and scholar. Sæmundur is known to have studied abroad. Previously it has generally been held that he studied in France, but modern scholars rather believe his studies were carried out in Franconia. In Iceland he founded a long-lived school at Oddi. He was a member of the Oddaverjar clan and had the son Loftur Sæmundsson.

Sæmundur wrote a work, probably in Latin, on the history of Norwegian kings. The work is now lost but was used as a source by later authors, including Snorri Sturluson. The poem Nóregs konungatal summarizes Sæmundur's work. The authorship of the Poetic Edda, or, more plausibly, just the editor's role in the compilation, was traditionally attributed to Sæmundur but is not accepted today.

In Icelandic folklore, Sæmundur is a larger-than-life character who repeatedly tricks the Devil into doing his bidding. For example, in one famous story Sæmundur made a pact with the Devil that the Devil should bring him home to Iceland from Europe on the back of a seal. Sæmundur escaped a diabolical end when, on arrival, he hit the seal on the head with the Bible, killing it, and stepping safely ashore.

[Source: Wikipedia]

Reviews

[Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the official pocket Havamal that the military uses, which is why I chose this specific version as my "travel Havamal." However, I am not a fan of the Benjamin Thorpe translation as I find it difficult to understand and a bit confusing. The prose is also a bit rough, not as poetic as other versions. As such, it is not the helpful travel companion I was hoping for. Still, it is better than nothing.

For everyday reading and studying purposes I recommend the Auden and Taylor translation, but I also love the Olive Bray version because it is very poetic and I prefer the way it sounds. If you are looking for a straightforward translation that puts things into modern, basic terms then I recommend the Patricia Terry version.

[Sandy Carmichael · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I am Danish and have a good grasp of my heritage, this left me cold---too strange of words and thoughts.

[5 pound poi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pagan, per se, Proverbs.

[Volsung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small copy of the Havamal. Handy

[Daniel Godoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like some advices on how to behave properly accordingly to the old vikings

[Pegan Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking into the study of Asatru I highly recommend this as a daily reader...much like a daily devotional

[Ekho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for all vikings fans