Havamal

Throughout this poem several common themes keep reoccuring. One is silence, and another is honesty. Silence is often referenced in regard to wisdom and the lack thereof. A man who is silent when confronted with unimportant quarrels or when drunk is thought wise, but a man who is always silent is regarded as stupid. Honesty is not assumed nor is it respected necessarily, but the man who discerns between liars and truth-tellers. This surprised me because you would think that in such a close community trust would be essential, but in fact quite the opposite is true.

The party etiquette, and rules for household guests mentioned at the beginning are both similar, and I think their mention bears noting because of the amount and importance of travelling in the Viking Age. Visitors were how knowledge was spread, and welcoming travellers was an essence of survival. The well-travelled were heroes and it also follows that they were thought wise as well.

Stanza 21
A coward believes he will live forever
If he holds back in the battle,
But in old age he shall have no peace
Though spears have spared his limbs

I like this stanza becuase of its timelessness. Even today taking risks and living a full life is highly encouraged, and I always try to take advantage of opportunities.

If you know a friend you can fully trust,
Go often to his house
Grass and brambles grwo quickly
Upon the untrodden track.

This is another timeless saga and is one of a few that actually reiderate the importance of trust and of good friends, not just of avoiding foes.