Havamal Quotes

“43. To his friend a man should bear him as friend,
to him and a friend of his;
but let him beware that he be not the friend
of one who is friend to his foe.

44. Hast thou a friend whom thou trustest well,
from whom thou cravest good?
Share thy mind with him, gifts exchange with him,
fare to find him oft.

45. But hast thou one whom thou trusbut falsely think,
and leasing pay for a lie.

47. Young was I once, I walked alone,
and bewildered seemed in the way;
then I found me another and rich I thought me,
for man is the joy of man.

50. The pine tree wastes which is perched on the hill,
nor bark nor needles shelter it;
such is the man whom none doth love;
for what should he longer live?”
― Hávamál - The sayings of the high one

“A cowardly man
thinks he will ever live,
if warfare he avoids;
but old age will
give him no peace,
though spears may spare him.”
― Benjamin Thorpe, Pocket Havamal

“I know a ninth:

If through storms I need to protect my boat at sea,

I calm the wind on the wave and put all the sea to sleep.

-Hávamál”
― Hávamál

“This superstitious, family-oriented existence is the background to 'The Lay of Loddfafnir' and the whole of Havamal (Myth and Note25). This great compendium of aphorisms and advice on right conduct offers a commonsensical and sober (though sometimes witty) picture of the day to day life of the Norsemen, and it is a far cry from the heady image of Vikings on the rampage. Value life itself; censure naivete; cherish and celebrate friendships; beware treachery; practice moderation; be hospitable (but not too hospitable); try to win the fame and good name that will outlive you: these are the leitmotifs of the Havamal.”
― Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Norse Myths

“I know a ninth:

If through storms I need to protect my boat at sea,

I calm the wind on the wave and put all the sea to sleep.”
― Hávamál