STANZAS 1-16
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STANZA 1
“At every doorway, you should peer around. Take a good look inside, for you never truly know, just who is a friend, and who is a foe.”
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STANZA 2
“The warm hospitality of a good host is a priceless treasure, as an impatient guest waits within, not at the door. Treat them with kindness, and fortune may follow.”
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STANZA 3
“He needs warmth and food, the one who has just come in. The long journey over the mountains has left him cold and fatigued. Good hospitality will do him well.”
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STANZA 4
“Give water to the thirsty traveller, warmth to the shivering stranger, and a friendly ear to those who seek it, for in showing kindness, we find connection.”
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STANZA 5
“The wise know that knowledge is a steady anchor, even in the roughest of waters. Those who wander without wisdom are destined to be tossed by the waves.”
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STANZA 6
“A wise man keeps his wisdom close and silent, when in a stranger's abode he abides. The vigilant one rarely suffers harm, for his wisdom is his most faithful friend.”
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STANZA 7
“The watchful guest will keep his mouth shut when in the home of another. He will watch and listen carefully. This is how the wise man finds his way”
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STANZA 8
"True happiness is discovered by finding inner friendship and self-appreciation, for one can never truly know their place in the heart of another.”
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STANZA 9
"True happiness is discovered by finding inner friendship and self-appreciation. Many have been led astray by trusting someone else.”
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STANZA 10
"Nothing will help more in an unfamiliar place than a good supply of wisdom. Wisdom is a timeless resource, far superior to material wealth.”
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STANZA 11
"Nothing will help more in an unfamiliar place than a good supply of wisdom. Nothing will serve as a greater burden than too much alcohol.”
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STANZA 12
"There is not as much good in alcohol as many men claim there is. One loses more and more of his wisdom, the more he drinks.”
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STANZA 13
"It’s as if a mind-stealing heron looms overhead while you drink. I myself have felt this trap, when I drank at Gunnloðs home.”
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STANZA 14
"I was drunk. I was way too drunk at wise Fjalar’s house. There is no better feast than one you return from with all of your wits about you.”
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STANZA 15
"The noble man is thoughtful, silent and bold in battle. But every man should be cheerful and happy until the day of his death.”
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STANZA 16
"The unwise man thinks that if he can avoid battle, he will live eternal. Old age, however, will give him no peace, even if his spear does.”
STANZAS 17-32
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STANZA 17
"It is the fool who sits and broods when at a feast with others. The same fool will happily run his mouth when the drink starts flowing."
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STANZA 18
"Only a man who has travelled, one who has wandered far, can know about how other men think. His wisdom comes from his diverse experiences.”
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STANZA 19
“Drink your fair share, but drink only moderately. Speak when you have something useful to say, or you may be branded a fool.”
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STANZA 20
“Men often suffer ridicule from the wise on account of their stomach. The foolish and gluttonous man will eat to his own downfall.”
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STANZA 21
“Even the cows know when it’s time to return home from the grazing fields. The unwise man, however, knows not the limit of his own gluttony.”
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STANZA 22
“The stupid and undisciplined one will laugh at everything. He is yet to learn a valuable lesson - That he himself is far from perfect.”
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STANZA 23
“The fool stays restlessly awake all night, worrying about his issues. In the morning he finds himself fatigued and with no solution to his problems.”
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STANZA 24
“The unwise one assumes all who laugh with him are his friends. He is yet to learn that the wise are mocking him, even when he hears their words.”
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STANZA 25
“The unwise one assumes all who laugh with him are his friends. He wont find those friends in court, and none will speak on his behalf.”
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STANZA 26
“The stupid man is one who shelters himself and thinks he knows all. The same man falters when the wise start asking questions.”
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STANZA 27
"The fool speaks to hear his own voice, while the wise man listens and learns. Silence is a powerful tool, and one that is often wiser than words.”
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STANZA 28
"Wisdom is not just knowing, but also being able to explain. Secrets shared will spread, so guard your words wisely.”
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STANZA 29
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt. A hasty tongue often invites trouble and punishment.”
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STANZA 30
“Be considerate of others and avoid ridiculing them. You may appear wise when silent, but one lacking in wisdom becomes evident with careless speech.”
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STANZA 31
"He who ridicules another may appear wise, but the man who speaks ill behind another’s back knows little, even amidst the laughter of his kin.”
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STANZA 32
"Though men may be gracious to each other, they may still fight at a feast. Conflict among men is as inevitable as the sunset, and a guest will feud with a guest."
STANZAS 33-48
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STANZA 33
"Nourish yourself early, unless a friend's table calls; a starving man becomes lethargic, and even the sharpest wits become impaired.”
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STANZA 34
“Choose your friends wisely: the path to a bad friend is long and treacherous, even if they're nearby. A good friend makes even the longest journey easy.”
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STANZA 35
“Don't overstay your welcome; Respect boundaries, maintain independence, and leave social situations on a high note to nurture positive relationships.”
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STANZA 36
"Having a home, no matter how humble, grants stability and dignity. This is far superior to a life of dependence and uncertainty.”
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STANZA 37
"Having a home, no matter how humble, is preferable to constant dependency on others. It nurtures self-sufficiency, stability, and a sense of pride."
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STANZA 38
"Be trained and ready for combat at all times. Carry your wits and wisdom about you to deter the unpredictable conflict that life will throw at you”
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STANZA 39
“Reciprocity and hospitality are the vital indicators of thriving relationships: repay kindness with kindness, and treachery with treachery.”
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STANZA 40
"It’s wise to live frugally, but not at the expense of your own needs. What you save for your children may end up in the hands of your enemies.”
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STANZA 41
"A friend should provide a friend with weapons, clothing, and good council. Generous reciprocal giving is the key to fruitful and lifelong friendships."
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STANZA 42
“Generosity, hospitality and reciprocity are the indicators of thriving long-term partnerships. Repay a gift with a gift, and reward treachery with treachery.”
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STANZA 43
“The wise know that they should be a loyal friend to their friends and also to their friends, but one should never befriend the enemy of their friend.”
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STANZA 44
“If you have a close friend, and you want good things to come of this friendship -- you should speak your mind with them, exchange gifts, and visit often.”
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STANZA 45
“If you have a friend who you mistrust but you want to benefit from, you should speak kindly, with flattery, and repay their treachery with your own.”
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STANZA 46
"If you mistrust that same 'friend' and suspect him to be false in his words, speak and laugh with him cautiously, and repay what he gives to you.”
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STANZA 47
“In youth's solitude, I walked astray; but meeting a fellow traveller, I found true richness in shared moments. People's joy finds its essence in the connections they forge along life's path.”
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STANZA 48
"The wise and courageous one lives life unhindered by grudges. Kindness and forgiveness is a path to letting go of the worries and anxieties that will inevitably hold you back.”
STANZAS 49-64
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STANZA 49
“I once gave my clothes to two scarecrows in a field, and this act of kindness made them feel human. The naked man is one that feels ashamed.”
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STANZA 50
“Like a fir tree without its bark and needles, a person without love and care wilts. Just as the protective bark sustains the tree, love sustains the human spirit.”
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STANZA 51
“A false friendship will burn bright for five days, and fade out on the sixth. An authentic friendship is one forged with sincerity and depth, and will endure for a lifetime.”
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STANZA 52
"Small acts of kindness can win great favour. Even something as small as half a loaf of bread and a bowl of soup can shape and forge long-lasting friendships.”
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STANZA 53
“In the vast sea of knowledge, not every mind is an ocean. The average person carries only moderate wisdom, the wise know just how little they know.”
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STANZA 54
“It’s important to be wise, but no one needs infinite wisdom, for the happiest of people are those who live through their lives knowing just enough.”
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STANZA 55
“It’s important to be wise, but no one needs infinite wisdom, for a heart burdened by too much knowledge is one that seldom finds true joy.”
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STANZA 56
“It’s important to be wise, but no-one needs infinite wisdom, for a fate that is known is a life lived in fear. Embrace the unknown, for it is where life's greatest stories are written.”
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STANZA 57
“Wisdom, much like a torch, shines brilliantly when shared. One becomes wise through shared and different insights, but in isolation, it dwindles into foolishness.”
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STANZA 58
“Rise early if you want to take the spoils of another. A sleeping wolf will catch no meat, and a sleeping warrior will achieve no victory.”
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STANZA 59
“Early to rise, early to thrive. You should wake early and get straight to work if you have no one to do it for you, for your wealth is half won in the early hours of the morning.”
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STANZA 60
“You should know how to chop and dry wood, and to store the right amount for each season. You should also know how to make bark for your roof, and how to maintain your home.”
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STANZA 61
“when you go out, you should go out well-fed and well-kept, even if you can’t afford good clothing. It’s important take pride in yourself, even if you’re less well-off than others.”
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STANZA 62
"When the waters of the sea meet the eye, the starving eagle readies itself, beak poised and neck elongated. So too do humans act when they find themselves isolated among the unknown, with no ally to sing their praises.”
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STANZA 63
“If you are to be known as wise, you should know how to ask and answer questions wisely. Tell your secrets only to one person. Everyone knows your secret if three people do.”
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STANZA 64
“Humility is the mark of the wise man, who would only show his power in moderation among others. When among the bold, such a man will find that none are the boldest of all.”
STANZAS 65-80
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STANZA 65
“If you speak kind words of others, you will find that others will speak kind words of you. Their future actions towards you will reflect this kindness.”
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STANZA 66
“You should arrive to your events on time, never too late, never too early. You should never show up before the drinks are even poured, nor when they are all finished.”
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STANZA 67
“The inhospitable host is one who will invite a friend, expecting that they should have no need for a meal, and will leave their stores larger than before they arrived.”
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STANZA 68
“For all mortals, fire, sunshine and good health is best, as is living a life with an honest and ethical code. Dignity and virtue are key to one's character.”
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STANZA 69
“No man is entirely poor, even if he is in bad health. Some find joy in their families, and some find it with their kin. Money is enough to make some happy, and for others, it’s the satisfaction of a job well done.”
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STANZA 70
“It’s better to be alive than to be dead, no matter how bad you may have it. The dead enjoy nothing. For a wealthy man, I saw a fire burn, while he lay cold and dead outside the door.”
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STANZA 71
“Without a hand, a man can herd. With a limp, a man can ride a horse. Without his hearing, a man can fight. Even blind, a man can find his way. The living will always be more blessed than the dead.”
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STANZA 72
“It’s better to have children than to not, no matter how late you may choose to have them. Rare is the grave or memorial stone raised for the man with no sons.”
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STANZA 73
“Two men are a stronger force than one, and against them, your tongue can endanger your head. Be wary of hidden hands, as I expect they conceal a weapon.”
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STANZA 74
“The seafarer looks forward to the short journey home, ready for a comforting meal. The autumn night however is unpredictable, and much can happen in a short amount of time.”
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STANZA 75
“The fool is ignorant to just how little he knows, and festers his foolishness by listening to the words of other fools. Some men are rich, and some are poor, but neither should blame the other for their troubles.”
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STANZA 76
“Cattle die, your kinsmen will die, and you yourself will also die. I know of one thing that will never die, the good reputation of a man who has earned it.”
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STANZA 77
“Cattle die, your kinsmen will die, and you yourself will also die. I know of one thing that will never die, the reputation of those who have died.”
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STANZA 78
“I saw the sons of a wealthy man, who once owned huge herds of cattle. Now they own nothing but a beggar’s staff. No friend is more faithless than wealth, which for the fool can disappear in the blink of an eye.”
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STANZA 79
“When an unwise man stumbles upon the gift of wealth or the love of a good woman, his pride will grow, while his wisdom does not. Such a man will be misguided by his own sense of worth.”
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STANZA 80
“It will surely come true, that which you ask of the runes. Those divine runes, created by the gods and painted by Óðinn, have much to teach. Their wisdom is best attained with a closed mouth and an open mind.”
STANZAS 81-96
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STANZA 81
“Celebrate victory only after it's truly won. Praise the day only when it is evening, your spouse when they have passed, your sword when it has been tested, your daughter when she is wed, the ice when it's behind you, and the ale after you’ve drunk it.”
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STANZA 82
“You should row your boat when the sea is calm, and chop your tress when it’s windy. Court your lover in the evening, for in the day there are many prying eyes. Value your ship for its speed, your shield for its defence, your sword for its bite, and your beloved for her kiss.”
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STANZA 83
“One should sip ale by the warm hearth, and glide along the ice. You should buy a lean steed and a weathered blade. Feed your horse at home, and allow your hound to feed itself.”
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STANZA 84
“A man would be wise to not trust the words of a woman, for deception and unfaithfulness is planted at their very core. The hearts of women were sculpted on a wobbly wheel.”
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STANZA 85
“A Broken bow, a roaring flame, a wolf howling, a chattering crow, a snorting pig, and a tree with no roots, a waxing wave and a boiling kettle. Never be so trusting that you would trust all of these things.”
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STANZA 86
“A spear in flight, a raging tide, new formed ice and a coiled serpent. The bed talk of a bride, a broken blade, a joyful bear and the child of a King. Never be so trusting that you would trust all of these things.”
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STANZA 87
"An ill calf, a defiant servant, a prophet who only foresees good fortune and a dead man on the field of battle. Never be so trusting that you would trust all of these things."
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STANZA 88 [89]
“The killer of your kin, even amid a crowded place, a home half burned and a steed that is too quick. Never be so trusting that you trust all of these things.”
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STANZA 89 [88]
“Don’t trust too well your field of freshly planted crops, nor your own child. The weather will determine the fate of your fields, and your child will be shaped by experience. Neither will stay the same forever.”
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STANZA 90
“Trying to gain the love of a deceitful woman will bring you nothing but struggle. It’s akin to riding an unshod, untamed young horse over slippery ice, sailing a boat in wild winds, or stumbling after a reindeer over a slippery mountain.”
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STANZA 91
“I’ll speak the truth now, as I know the nature of both men and women. Men lie to women, spinning intricate webs of deceit in the most well-spoken manner. Even the wisest amongst women are seduced by the eloquence in the lies of men.”
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STANZA 92
“If a man wishes to win the affection of a woman, he should speak eloquently and offer her gifts. You should praise the body of a beautiful woman, as it is the infatuated and enamoured man who will surely win her love.”
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STANZA 93
“It is the foolish man that would so brazenly mock another for falling in love. The charm and beauty of a woman will infatuate all men, wise and foolish alike. Often the wise will fall harder than the fools.”
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STANZA 94
“A man would be a fool to mock another for falling in love. Love is a powerful spell that would see even the wisest man turned into a fool.”
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STANZA 95
“Only when you are alone can you truly reflect on what dwells in your heart. Everyone needs something to love, even the wisest man will wither away with nothing to love.”
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STANZA 96
“Even I am no stranger to this charm. I felt this when I waited among the reeds for my lover, pining in vein for her affection. My heart, flesh and soul was for that woman, though I would never be able to call her my own.”
STANZAS 97-112
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STANZA 97
“My heart was for Billings daughter, a beautiful maiden I found asleep on her bed. The power of lordship would mean nothing to me, and my heart would be empty could not live next to that body.”
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STANZA 98
“Come and lay with me this evening, Odin, said that fair maiden. If you want to win my affection, then we alone should hold this secret union.”
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STANZA 99
“And so away I turned, from my wise desire. Like the cheerful fool, I assumed I had already won her love and desire. Oh how mistaken I was.”
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STANZA 100
“When I returned that night, to lay with my fair and secret maiden, I was met not with her soft and tender affection, but the hard, cold steel of a company of warriors. With flaming torches and waving brands, I was shown my sorry way out.”
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STANZA 101
“When the sun rose, I once again returned to win her love. The hall was full of sleeping men, and I found a vigilant hound tied to the bed of that wonderful woman.”
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STANZA 102
“There are many a good woman, if you’ll spend the time to know her, who will change their mind about men. I learned my lesson when I tried to seduce the purity of wise woman. She showed me every kind of mockery a man could feel, and though I tried, I had won no wife for my troubles.”
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STANZA 103
“If you wish to be wise, start at home. Be cheerful in your dwelling and enthusiastic with your guests. Become eloquent, articulate, sharp witted and wise. Develop a good memory while speaking kind words of those around you. If you can’t speak well, you’ll surely be branded a fool.”
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STANZA 104
“I once journeyed to the hall of an old giant, and I’ve since returned. I did not sit silently during my visit, I spoke many words in support of my quest in the halls of the great Suttung.”
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STANZA 105
“His daughter, the beautiful Gunnloð, gave me a drink, of her fathers precious mead, while I sat like a kind in a golden chair. I would later betray her kindness, with a terrible repayment for her trusting soul, and I would leave her spirit troubled."
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STANZA 106
"surrounded on all sides by the giant's dwelling, I would use Rati's tusk to burrow out from these rocky halls. I risked my life in this escape, with the mad stowed within my body.”
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STANZA 107
"I made great use of my disguise. None were aware that it was Odin who stood within their halls. No task is too difficult for the wise. Now in the form of Oðerir, I flew to the rim of Midgard, the halls of Asgard in my sight.”
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STANZA 108
“I doubt I would have escaped those halls of Jotunheim, if I hadn’t used Gunnloð. She was a pure woman, who rested in my arms and trusted my intentions”
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STANZA 109
“The very next day, the giants travelled to the Halls of Odin, to ask for Odin’s advice. He who sees all would surely know of this theft. He would know if the thief stood among the gods, or if he had fallen to Suttung’s wrath.”
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STANZA 110
“Odin swore an oath to those giants, that he knew not of this treacherous act. But who could trust Odin? He left Suttung deceived and robbed, and he had broken the heart of Gunnloð.”
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STANZA 111
It is time now that I speak from the wise mans seat at the well of Urðr. Silent I sat, silent in thought, listening to the words of men. I heard tales of runes, and they were not silent in their council. At the hall of Odin, within the hall of Odin, I heard this wisdom:
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STANZA 112
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Rise not in the evening, unless you intend to spy on your enemies or need somewhere to relieve yourself.”
STANZAS 113-128
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STANZA 113
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Never take comfort in the arms of an enchantress, you’ll awaken ensnared, limbs locked and trapped.”
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STANZA 114
“She’ll charm and seduce you, so much that you’ll care not for the words of the wise. You’ll want neither food, nor the company of your friends, and you’ll fall asleep every night knowing nothing but sorrow.”
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STANZA 115
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Truly a fool, truly is a weasel is the man who would try to seduce the woman of another man, with loving whispers in her ear.”
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STANZA 116
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. If you plan to travel the land or the sea, you’d be wise and safe to pack plentiful provisions. The world is harsh and unpredictable, being well-prepared is your only respite.”
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STANZA 117
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Never let an untrustworthy man know of your misfortune. You’ll never get anything in return from your good will towards a bad person.”
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STANZA 118
“I witnessed as the words of a bad woman, clamp down on the neck of a man. Such a deceitful tongue brought about the death of that man, with no good reason to justify such treachery.”
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STANZA 119
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Value your trusted friends, and visit them often. The path that no-one travels will soon fade away under high grass and weeds.”
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STANZA 120
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Engage often in cheerful talk with good companions, and learn a healing song to carry through life.”
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STANZA 121
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Never be the one to break off a friendship. There is nothing but sadness and sorrow for those who have no-one to talk to.”
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STANZA 122
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Engaging in a debate with a fool who won’t see reason is pointless. Value your time, and move on.”
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STANZA 123
“You’ll never be rewarded for helping an untrustworthy man. A virtuous man, however, will see your reputation raised with his praise and kind words.”
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STANZA 124
“The secret to long-lasting friendship between men is the ability to share their minds and true feelings with one another. A true friend will openly disagree and challenge you, and anything is better than the company of a liar or a bootlicker.”
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STANZA 125
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Never engage, even slightly, with a man who is morally worse than you. More often than not, the better man will leave such a confrontation worse off.”
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STANZA 126
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Only for yourself should you craft a weapon or a pair of shoes. If you hand a man a spear with a crooked shaft or a flawed shoe, your name will be cursed and slandered.”
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STANZA 127
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. When you see evil, call it evil. Bring attention to such treachery, and show your enemies no peace.”
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STANZA 128
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. You should never respond happily when you hear of bad news, and you should always respond cheerfully when someone tells you good news.”
STANZAS 129-144
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STANZA 129
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. Never look to the skies during a fight. Those who do so become overwhelmed with panic. Take caution in battle, lest you be cursed by your enemies.”
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STANZA 130
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll profit from this advice if you do. If you desire the affection of a good woman, engage in joyful talk, and always keep the promises you make. You’ll never regret winning such a treasure.”
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STANZA 131
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. While advise you to be cautious, you should never be fearful. Be most cautious when you drink, and when amongst the women of other men. And also be cautious around men and their thieving temptations.”
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STANZA 132
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. You should never talk bad about or mock a guest or traveller. If you know nothing about a stranger, keep your mouth closed and listen.”
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STANZA 133
“Those who sit at home will know little about the strange man who appears at their door. There will never be a man who is so good that he has no flaws, nor will there be a man so bad that he holds no use or value.”
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STANZA 134
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. You’d be wise to never mock or laugh at an old man. There is wisdom in the words of the elderly. The one who sits with grey beards, dried skins & despicable men has learned a lot from a lifetime of experience.”
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STANZA 135
“Heed my council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become wise if you do. You should never judge a poor guest, nor send him on his way. Treat a poor wanderer well, for you know noting of his struggles.”
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STANZA 136
“Strong is the door that swings open for all. Give your guest a small gift, or he will call forth every curse he can thing of down on your limbs.”
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STANZA 137
“Heed my final council, young Einarr. Take note of these words, you’ll become truly wise if you do. Call upon the might of the earth when you drink ale, call upon fire for your sickness, and oak for a sore stomach. Against magic, wheat will serve you well, as will an elder tree for family struggles. Maggots will cure a venomous bite, and runes will stave off evil. The ground will absorb the flood, and before the moon should you swear your hatred."
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STANZA 138
“This, I know. That I hung for 9 days and 9 nights from that great wind beaten tree, Pierced by the one called Gungnir. A sacrifice was given, from Odin to Odin, on that tree whose roots no man has ever seen.”
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STANZA 139
“No one would bring me food, and no one would bring me drink. As I stared down death at the end, I saw them. I took those runes screaming, and then I fell, a wiser man than all."
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STANZA 140
“In the company of Bolþór, father of Bestla, I learned 9 spells, and I won a sip of the mead of poetry, poured from the one called Óðrerir.”
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STANZA 141
“Such a drink gave me wisdom. I grew and thrived in my endeavours. Words flowed from my mouth like a river, and each deed lead effortlessly to another.”
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STANZA 142
“You’ll discover the runes, letters to read and write with. Powerful are the runes. Mighty are the runes. Created by the holy gods, painted and carved by their ruler.”
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STANZA 143
“Those powerful runes were carved for the gods by Odin, and for the elves by Dain. Dvalin would carve them for the dwarves in svartalfheim, and Asvid for the giants. Some I carved only for Odin, and only Odin.”
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STANZA 144
“Are you able to carve the runes? Are you able to interpret their message? Are you able to paint them? Are you able to test them? Are you able to consult them Are you able to to bless them? Are you able to send them? Are you able to offer them?”
STANZAS 145-164
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STANZA 145
“It is better never to pray, than to pray for everything. Nothing will be received that would then have to be repaid. It’s better to sacrifice nothing at all than to sacrifice too much for your cause. Odin carved this when the origin of man, before he rose from the depths and came home.”
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STANZA 146
"I know of magic songs that no man nor woman knows. Help is the first, it will aid you in court, and it will cure all of your sorrows and sadness.”
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STANZA 147
"I know of a second song, one which all men should learn & sing if they wish to heal the sick."
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STANZA 148
I know of a third song. I shall dull the blades of my enemies in battle, such so that none of their strikes will bite.”
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STANZA 149
“I know of a fourth song. If my body is bound by chains and locks, I sing such a spell that the fetters will loosen at my hands, and the locks will break at my feet.”
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STANZA 150
“I know of a fifth song. If a spear is thrown in battle, should I only get a glimpse, it shall never fly so fast that I cannot stop it.”
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STANZA 151
“I know of a sixth song. If a fool is to carve into a tree a curse against Odin, I call upon this song, and the curse will fall upon him instead.”
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STANZA 152
"I know of a seventh song. If I see a burning hall full of people, no flame can burn so bright nor so intense that I cannot save all of those within. I alone know how to cast this spell.”
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STANZA 153
“I know of an eighth song, once which serve mankind well. When I come across a heated dispute between two people, I can cool their tempers and show them both reason.”
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STANZA 154
“I know of a ninth song. Should the need arise for me to save a ship amidst a great storm, I can calm the waves, dull the winds, and soothe the tossing ship.”
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STANZA 155
“I know of a tenth song. Should a witch try my patience, I can sing this song so that they lose their wits, their skins and their way. Such an woman would be a fool to toy with Odin.”
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STANZA 156
"I know of an eleventh song. If I head into battle with old friends, I will bless their shields such that no harm would come to them, and they shall return home completely unscathed."
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STANZA 157
"I know of a twelfth song. If I see a dead man's corpse hanging from a tree, I carve some runes, and that corpse will walk alongside me, telling me all that I desire to know."
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STANZA 158
“I know of a thirteenth song. If I bless a young warrior with water, no harm will come to this man in battle, and he will never die in combat.”
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STANZA 159
“I know of a fourteenth song. A song that counts all of the gods for mankind. I can sing the names of every god and all of the elves. Very few fools can equal such a thing.”
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STANZA 160
“I know of a fifteenth song, a song that was cast before the hall of Dellingr, sung by the Dwarf Þhjóðreyrir. He sang strength to holy gods, prosperity to the elves, and wisdom for Odin.”
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STANZA 161
“I know of a sixteenth song. If I want to win the admiration of a cunning woman, I can sing this song to change her feelings towards me. I can win her favour and claim her as my own.”
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STANZA 162
“I know of a seventeenth song. Such a song will discourage a beautiful woman to avoid my affection. These are songs that you will go a long time before ever learning, young Einarr.”
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STANZA 163
“And finally, I know of a eighteenth song. Such a song if for Odin alone. I will never teach it to any woman, save perhaps for the one I embrace in sleep, or maybe even my sister. It is for the best that I alone carry this final song, the last that I have to share.”
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STANZA 164
“And now the words of the one-eyed have been heard in the great hall. This wisdom is for the benefit of mankind, and for the harm of the giants. Cheers to you who have heard them. Cheers to you who have learned them. Cheers to you who know them, and a final cheers to you who would speak them.”
