Hávamál

The Words of the High One — all 164 stanzas of Odin's wisdom-poem in the original Old Norse alongside the H. A. Bellows 1936 English translation.

This is the plain-text reference edition of Hávamál: the original Old Norse verse for every one of the 164 stanzas, paired with the public-domain English translation by Henry Adams Bellows (1936). No JavaScript, no login, no paywall — everything below is open for reading, citation, and study.

For the same 164 stanzas with a modern English reading and structural commentary (Deeper Meaning), see the interactive Raven's Hávamál. The first 10 stanzas of that commentary are also open to everyone.

Stanza 1 of 164
Old Norse
Gáttir allar, áðr gangi fram, um skoðask skyli, um skyggnast skyli, því at óvíst er at vita, hvar óvinir sitja á fleti fyrir.
Bellows Translation
Within the gates before a man shall go, (Full warily let him watch,) Full long let him look about him; For little he knows where a foe may lurk, And sit in the seats within.
Stanza 2 of 164
Old Norse
Gefendr heilir! Gestr er inn kominn, hvar skal sitja sjá? Mjök er bráðr, sá er á bröndum skal síns of freista frama.
Bellows Translation
Hail to the giver! a guest has come; Where shall the stranger sit? Swift shall he be who, with swords shall try The proof of his might to make.
Stanza 3 of 164
Old Norse
Elds er þörf, þeims inn er kominn ok á kné kalinn; matar ok váða er manni þörf, þeim er hefr um fjall farit.
Bellows Translation
Fire he needs who with frozen knees Has come from the cold without; Food and clothes must the farer have, The man from the mountains come.
Stanza 4 of 164
Old Norse
Vatns er þörf, þeim er til verðar kemr, þerru ok þjóðlaðar, góðs of æðis, ef sér geta mætti, orðs ok endrþögu.
Bellows Translation
Water and towels and welcoming speech Should he find who comes, to the feast; If renown he would get, and again be greeted, Wisely and well must he act.
Stanza 5 of 164
Old Norse
Vits er þörf, þeim er víða ratar; dælt er heima hvat; at augabragði verðr, sá er ekki kann ok með snotrum sitr.
Bellows Translation
Wits must he have who wanders wide, But all is easy at home; At the witless man the wise shall wink When among such men he sits.
Stanza 6 of 164
Old Norse
At hyggjandi sinni skyli-t maðr hræsinn vera, heldr gætinn at geði; þá er horskr ok þögull kemr heimisgarða til, sjaldan verðr víti vörum, því at óbrigðra vin fær maðr aldregi en mannvit mikit.
Bellows Translation
A man shall not boast of his keenness of mind, But keep it close in his breast; To the silent and wise does ill come seldom When he goes as guest to a house; (For a faster friend one never finds Than wisdom tried and true.)
Stanza 7 of 164
Old Norse
Inn vari gestr, er til verðar kemr, þunnu hljóði þegir, eyrum hlýðir, en augum skoðar; svá nýsisk fróðra hverr fyrir.
Bellows Translation
The knowing guest who goes to the feast, In silent attention sits; With his ears he hears, with his eyes he watches, Thus wary are wise men all.
Stanza 8 of 164
Old Norse
Hinn er sæll, er sér of getr lof ok líknstafi; ódælla er við þat, er maðr eiga skal annars brjóstum í.
Bellows Translation
Happy the one who wins for himself Favor and praises fair; Less safe by far is the wisdom found That is hid in another's heart.
Stanza 9 of 164
Old Norse
Sá er sæll, er sjalfr of á lof ok vit, meðan lifir; því at ill ráð hefr maðr oft þegit annars brjóstum ór.
Bellows Translation
Happy the man who has while he lives Wisdom and praise as well, For evil counsel a man full often Has from another's heart.
Stanza 10 of 164
Old Norse
Byrði betri berr-at maðr brautu at en sé mannvit mikit; auði betra þykkir þat í ókunnum stað; slíkt er válaðs vera.
Bellows Translation
A better burden may no man bear For wanderings wide than wisdom; It is better than wealth on unknown ways, And in grief a refuge it gives.
Stanza 11 of 164
Old Norse
Byrði betri berr-at maðr brautu at en sé mannvit mikit; vegnest verra vegr-a hann velli at en sé ofdrykkja öls.
Bellows Translation
A better burden may no man bear For wanderings wide than wisdom; Worse food for the journey he brings not afield Than an over-drinking of ale.
Stanza 12 of 164
Old Norse
Er-a svá gótt sem gótt kveða öl alda sona, því at færa veit, er fleira drekkr síns til geðs gumi.
Bellows Translation
Less good there lies than most believe In ale for mortal men; For the more he drinks the less does man Of his mind the mastery hold.
Stanza 13 of 164
Old Norse
Óminnishegri heitir sá er yfir ölðrum þrumir, hann stelr geði guma; þess fugls fjöðrum ek fjötraðr vark í garði Gunnlaðar.
Bellows Translation
Over beer the bird of forgetfulness broods, And steals the minds of men; With the heron's feathers fettered I lay And in Gunnloth's house was held.
Stanza 14 of 164
Old Norse
Ölr ek varð, varð ofrölvi at ins fróða Fjalars; því er ölðr bazt, at aftr of heimtir hverr sitt geð gumi.
Bellows Translation
Drunk I was, I was dead-drunk, When with Fjalar wise I was; It's the best of drinking if back one brings His wisdom with him home.
Stanza 15 of 164
Old Norse
Þagalt ok hugalt skyli þjóðans barn ok vígdjarft vera; glaðr ok reifr skyli gumna hverr, unz sinn bíðr bana.
Bellows Translation
The son of a king shall be silent and wise, And bold in battle as well; Bravely and gladly a man shall go, Till the day of his death is come.
Stanza 16 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnjallr maðr hyggsk munu ey lifa, ef hann við víg varask; en elli gefr hánum engi frið, þótt hánum geirar gefi.
Bellows Translation
The sluggard believes he shall live forever, If the fight he faces not; But age shall not grant him the gift of peace, Though spears may spare his life.
Stanza 17 of 164
Old Norse
Kópir afglapi er til kynnis kemr, þylsk hann um eða þrumir; allt er senn, ef hann sylg of getr, uppi er þá geð guma.
Bellows Translation
The fool is agape when he comes to the feast, He stammers or else is still; But soon if he gets a drink is it seen What the mind of the man is like.
Stanza 18 of 164
Old Norse
Sá einn veit er víða ratar ok hefr fjölð of farit, hverju geði stýrir gumna hverr, sá er vitandi er vits.
Bellows Translation
He alone is aware who has wandered wide, And far abroad has fared, How great a mind is guided by him That wealth of wisdom has.
Stanza 19 of 164
Old Norse
Haldi-t maðr á keri, drekki þó at hófi mjöð, mæli þarft eða þegi, ókynnis þess vár þik engi maðr, at þú gangir snemma at sofa.
Bellows Translation
“Shun not the mead, but drink in re; Speak to the point or be still; For rudeness none shall rightly blame you If soon your bed you seek.
Stanza 20 of 164
Old Norse
Gráðugr halr, nema geðs viti, etr sér aldrtrega; oft fær hlægis, er með horskum kemr, manni heimskum magi.
Bellows Translation
The greedy man, if his mind be vague, Will eat till sick he is; The vulgar man, when among the wise, To scorn by his belly is brought.
Stanza 21 of 164
Old Norse
Hjarðir þat vitu, nær þær heim skulu, ok ganga þá af grasi; en ósviðr maðr kann ævagi síns of mál maga.
Bellows Translation
The herds know well when home they shall fare, And then from the grass they go; But the foolish man his belly's measure Shall never know aright.
Stanza 22 of 164
Old Norse
Vesall maðr ok illa skapi hlær at hvívetna; hittki hann veit, er hann vita þyrfti, at hann er-a vamma vanr.
Bellows Translation
A paltry man and poor of mind At all things ever mocks; For never he knows, what he ought to know, That he is not free from faults.
Stanza 23 of 164
Old Norse
Ósviðr maðr vakir um allar nætr ok hyggr at hvívetna; þá er móðr, er at morgni kemr, allt er víl sem var.
Bellows Translation
The witless man is awake all night, Thinking of many things; Care-worn he is when the morning comes, And his woe is just as it was.
Stanza 24 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnotr maðr hyggr sér alla vera viðhlæjendr vini; hittki hann fiðr, þótt þeir um hann fár lesi, ef hann með snotrum sitr.
Bellows Translation
The foolish man for friends all those Who laugh at him will hold; When among the wise he marks it not Though hatred of him they speak.
Stanza 25 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnotr maðr hyggr sér alla vera viðhlæjendr vini; þá þat finnr, er at þingi kemr, at hann á formælendr fáa.
Bellows Translation
The foolish man for friends all those Who laugh at him will hold; But the truth when he comes to the council he learns, That few in his favor will speak.
Stanza 26 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnotr maðr þykkisk allt vita, ef hann á sér í vá veru; hittki hann veit, hvat hann skal við kveða, ef hans freista firar.
Bellows Translation
An ignorant man thinks that all he knows, When he sits by himself in a corner; But never what answer to make he knows, When others with questions come.
Stanza 27 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnotr maðr, er með aldir kemr, þat er bazt, at hann þegi; engi þat veit, at hann ekki kann, nema hann mæli til margt; veit-a maðr, hinn er vettki veit, þótt hann mæli til margt.
Bellows Translation
A witless man, when he meets with men, Had best in silence abide; For no one shall find that nothing he knows, If his mouth is not open too much. (But a man knows not, if nothing he knows, When his mouth has been open too much.)
Stanza 28 of 164
Old Norse
Fróðr sá þykkisk, er fregna kann ok segja it sama; eyvitu leyna megu ýta synir, því er gengr um guma.
Bellows Translation
Wise shall he seem who well can question, And also answer well; Nothing is concealed that men may say Among the sons of men.
Stanza 29 of 164
Old Norse
Ærna mælir, sá er æva þegir, staðlausu stafi; hraðmælt tunga, nema haldendr eigi, oft sér ógótt of gelr.
Bellows Translation
Often he speaks who never is still With words that win no faith; The babbling tongue, if a bridle it find not, Often for itself sings ill.
Stanza 30 of 164
Old Norse
At augabragði skal-a maðr annan hafa, þótt til kynnis komi; margr þá fróðr þykkisk, ef hann freginn er-at ok nái hann þurrfjallr þruma.
Bellows Translation
In mockery no one a man shall hold, Although he fare to the feast; Wise seems one often, if nothing he is asked, And safely he sits dry-skinned.
Stanza 31 of 164
Old Norse
Fróðr þykkisk, sá er flótta tekr, gestr at gest hæðinn; veit-a görla, sá er of verði glissir, þótt hann með grömum glami.
Bellows Translation
Wise a guest holds it to take to his heels, When mock of another he makes; But little he knows who laughs at the feast, Though he mocks in the midst of his foes.
Stanza 32 of 164
Old Norse
Gumnar margir erusk gagnhollir, en at virði vrekask; aldar róg þat mun æ vera, órir gestr við gest.
Bellows Translation
Friendly of mind are many men, Till feasting they mock at their friends; To mankind a bane must it ever be When guests together strive.
Stanza 33 of 164
Old Norse
Árliga verðar skyli maðr oft fáa, nema til kynnis komi: str ok snópir, lætr sem solginn sé ok kann fregna at fáu.
Bellows Translation
Often should one make an early meal, Nor fasting come to the feast; Else he sits and chews as if he would choke, And little is able to ask.
Stanza 34 of 164
Old Norse
Afhvarf mikit er til ills vinar, þótt á brautu búi, en til góðs vinar liggja gagnvegir, þótt hann sé firr farinn.
Bellows Translation
Crooked and far is the road to a foe, Though his house on the highway be; But wide and straight is the way to a friend, Though far away he fare.
Stanza 35 of 164
Old Norse
Ganga skal, skal-a gestr vera ey í einum stað; ljúfr verðr leiðr, ef lengi sitr annars fletjum á.
Bellows Translation
Forth shall one go, nor stay as a guest In a single spot forever; Love becomes loathing if long one sits By the hearth in another's home.
Stanza 36 of 164
Old Norse
Bú er betra, þótt lítit sé, halr er heima hverr; þótt tvær geitr eigi ok taugreftan sal, þat er þó betra en bæn.
Bellows Translation
Better a house, though a hut it be, A man is master at home; A pair of goats and a patched-up roof Are better far than begging.
Stanza 37 of 164
Old Norse
Bú er betra, þótt lítit sé, halr er heima hverr; blóðugt er hjarta, þeim er biðja skal sér í mál hvert matar.
Bellows Translation
Better a house, though a hut it be, A man is master at home; His heart is bleeding who needs must beg When food he fain would have.
Stanza 38 of 164
Old Norse
Vápnum sínum skal-a maðr velli á feti ganga framar, því at óvíst er at vita, nær verðr á vegum úti geirs of þörf guma.
Bellows Translation
Away from his arms in the open field A man should fare not a foot; For never he knows when the need for a spear Shall arise on the distant road.
Stanza 39 of 164
Old Norse
Fannk-a ek mildan mann eða svá matar góðan, at væri-t þiggja þegit, eða síns féar svági glöggvan, at leið sé laun, ef þægi.
Bellows Translation
If wealth a man has won for himself, Let him never suffer in need; Often he saves for a foe what he plans for a friend, For much goes worse than we wish.
Stanza 40 of 164
Old Norse
Féar síns, er fengit hefr, skyli-t maðr þörf þola; oft sparir leiðum, þats hefr ljúfum hugat; margt gengr verr en varir.
Bellows Translation
None so free with gifts or food have I found That gladly he took not a gift, Nor one who so widely scattered his wealth That of recompense hatred he had.
Stanza 41 of 164
Old Norse
Vápnum ok váðum skulu vinir gleðjask; þat er á sjalfum sýnst; viðrgefendr ok endrgefendr erusk lengst vinir, ef þat bíðr at verða vel.
Bellows Translation
Friends shall gladden each other with arms and garments, As each for himself can see; Gift-givers' friendships are longest found, If fair their fates may be.
Stanza 42 of 164
Old Norse
Vin sínum skal maðr vinr vera ok gjalda gjöf við gjöf; hlátr við hlátri skyli hölðar taka en lausung við lygi.
Bellows Translation
To his friend a man a friend shall prove, And gifts with gifts requite; But men shall mocking with mockery answer, And fraud with falsehood meet.
Stanza 43 of 164
Old Norse
Vin sínum skal maðr vinr vera, þeim ok þess vin; en óvinar síns skyli engi maðr vinar vinr vera.
Bellows Translation
To his friend a man a friend shall prove, To him and the friend of his friend; But never a man shall friendship make With one of his foeman's friends.
Stanza 44 of 164
Old Norse
Veiztu, ef þú vin átt, þann er þú vel trúir, ok vill þú af hánum gótt geta, geði skaltu við þann blanda ok gjöfum skipta, fara at finna oft.
Bellows Translation
If a friend you have whom you fully will trust, And good from him would get, Your thoughts with his mingle, and gifts shall you make, And fare to find him often.
Stanza 45 of 164
Old Norse
Ef þú átt annan, þanns þú illa trúir, vildu af hánum þó gótt geta, fagrt skaltu við þann mæla en flátt hyggja ok gjalda lausung við lygi.
Bellows Translation
If another you have whom you hardly will trust, Yet good from him would get, You shall speak him fair, but falsely think, And fraud with falsehood requite.
Stanza 46 of 164
Old Norse
Þát er enn of þann er þú illa trúir ok þér er grunr at hans geði, hlæja skaltu við þeim ok um hug mæla; glík skulu gjöld gjöfum.
Bellows Translation
So is it with him whom you hardly will trust, And whose mind you may not know; Laugh with him may you, but speak not your mind, Like gifts to his shall you give.
Stanza 47 of 164
Old Norse
Ungr var ek forðum, fór ek einn saman, þá varð ek villr vega; auðigr þóttumk, er ek annan fann, maðr er manns gaman.
Bellows Translation
Young was I once, and wandered alone, And nothing of the road I knew; Rich did I feel when a comrade I found, For man is man's delight.
Stanza 48 of 164
Old Norse
Mildir, fræknir menn bazt lifa, sjaldan sút ala; en ósnjallr maðr uggir hotvetna, sýtir æ glöggr við gjöfum.
Bellows Translation
The lives of the brave and noble are best, Sorrows they seldom feed; But the coward fear of all things feels, And not gladly the niggard gives.
Stanza 49 of 164
Old Norse
Váðir mínar gaf ek velli at tveim trémönnum; rekkar þat þóttusk, er þeir rift höfðu; neiss er nökkviðr halr.
Bellows Translation
My garments once in a field I gave To a pair of carven poles; Heroes they seemed when clothes they had, But the naked man is nothing.
Stanza 50 of 164
Old Norse
Hrörnar þöll, sú er stendr þorpi á, hlýr-at henni börkr né barr; svá er maðr, sá er manngi ann. Hvat skal hann lengi lifa?
Bellows Translation
On the hillside drear the fir-tree dies, All bootless its needles and bark; It is like a man whom no one loves,-- Why should his life be long?
Stanza 51 of 164
Old Norse
Eldi heitari brennr með illum vinum friðr fimm daga, en þá sloknar, er inn sétti kemr, ok versnar allr vinskapr.
Bellows Translation
Hotter than fire between false friends Does friendship five days burn; When the sixth day comes the fire cools, And ended is all the love.
Stanza 52 of 164
Old Norse
Mikit eitt skal-a manni gefa; oft kaupir sér í litlu lof, með halfum hleif ok með höllu keri fekk ek mér félaga.
Bellows Translation
No great thing needs a man to give, Often little will purchase praise; With half a loaf and a half-filled cup A friend full fast I made.
Stanza 53 of 164
Old Norse
Lítilla sanda lítilla sæva lítil eru geð guma; því allir menn urðu-t jafnspakir; half er öld hvar.
Bellows Translation
A little sand has a little sea, And small are the minds of men; Though all men are not equal in wisdom, Yet half-wise only are all.
Stanza 54 of 164
Old Norse
Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr; æva til snotr sé; þeim er fyrða fegrst at lifa, er vel margt vitu.
Bellows Translation
A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know; The fairest lives do those men live Whose wisdom wide has grown.
Stanza 55 of 164
Old Norse
Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr, æva til snotr sé; því at snotrs manns hjarta verðr sjaldan glatt, ef sá er alsnotr, er á.
Bellows Translation
A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know; For the wise man's heart is seldom happy, If wisdom too great he has won.
Stanza 56 of 164
Old Norse
Meðalsnotr skyli manna hverr, æva til snotr sé; örlög sín viti engi fyrir, þeim er sorgalausastr sefi.
Bellows Translation
A measure of wisdom each man shall have, But never too much let him know; Let no man the fate before him see, For so is he freest from sorrow.
Stanza 57 of 164
Old Norse
Brandr af brandi brenn, unz brunninn er, funi kveikisk af funa; maðr af manni verðr at máli kuðr, en til dælskr af dul.
Bellows Translation
A brand from a brand is kindled and burned, And fire from fire begotten; And man by his speech is known to men, And the stupid by their stillness.
Stanza 58 of 164
Old Norse
Ár skal rísa, sá er annars vill fé eða fjör hafa; sjaldan liggjandi ulfr lær of getr né sofandi maðr sigr.
Bellows Translation
He must early go forth who fain the blood Or the goods of another would get; The wolf that lies idle shall win little meat, Or the sleeping man success.
Stanza 59 of 164
Old Norse
Ár skal rísa, sá er á yrkjendr fáa, ok ganga síns verka á vit; margt of dvelr, þann er um morgin sefr, hálfr er auðr und hvötum.
Bellows Translation
He must early go forth whose workers are few, Himself his work to seek; Much remains undone for the morning-sleeper, For the swift is wealth half won.
Stanza 60 of 164
Old Norse
Þurra skíða ok þakinna næfra, þess kann maðr mjöt, þess viðar, er vinnask megi mál ok misseri.
Bellows Translation
Of seasoned shingles and strips of bark For the thatch let one know his need, And how much of wood he must have for a month, Or in half a year he will use.
Stanza 61 of 164
Old Norse
Þveginn ok mettr ríði maðr þingi at, þótt hann sé-t væddr til vel; skúa ok bróka skammisk engi maðr né hests in heldr, þótt hann hafi-t góðan
Bellows Translation
Washed and fed to the council fare, But care not too much for your clothes; Let none be ashamed of his shoes and hose, Less still of the steed he rides, (Though poor be the horse he has.)
Stanza 62 of 164
Old Norse
Snapir ok gnapir, er til sævar kemr, örn á aldinn mar; svá er maðr, er með mörgum kemr ok á formælendr fáa.
Bellows Translation
When the eagle comes to the ancient sea, He snaps and hangs his head; So is a man in the midst of a throng, Who few to speak for him finds.
Stanza 63 of 164
Old Norse
Fregna ok segja skal fróðra hverr, sá er vill heitinn horskr; einn vita né annarr skal, þjóð veit, ef þrír ro.
Bellows Translation
To question and answer must all be ready Who wish to be known as wise; Tell one your thoughts, but beware of two,-- All know what is known to three.
Stanza 64 of 164
Old Norse
Ríki sitt skyli ráðsnotra hverr í hófi hafa; þá hann þat finnr, er með fræknum kemr at engi er einna hvatastr.
Bellows Translation
The man who is prudent a measured use Of the might he has will make; He finds when among the brave he fares That the boldest he may not be.
Stanza 65 of 164
Old Norse
-- -- -- -- orða þeira, er maðr öðrum segir oft hann gjöld of getr.
Bellows Translation
Often for the words that to others one speaks He will get but an evil gift.
Stanza 66 of 164
Old Norse
Mikilsti snemma kom ek í marga staði, en til síð í suma; öl var drukkit, sumt var ólagat, sjaldan hittir leiðr í líð.
Bellows Translation
Too early to many a meeting I came, And some too late have I sought; The beer was all drunk, or not yet brewed; Little the loathed man finds. "A man must be watchful and wary as well, And fearful of trusting a friend."
Stanza 67 of 164
Old Norse
Hér ok hvar myndi mér heim of boðit, ef þyrftak at málungi mat, eða tvau lær hengi at ins tryggva vinar, þars ek hafða eitt etit.
Bellows Translation
To their homes men would bid me hither and yon, If at meal-time I needed no meat, Or would hang two hams in my true friend's house, Where only one I had eaten.
Stanza 68 of 164
Old Norse
Eldr er beztr með ýta sonum ok sólar sýn, heilyndi sitt, ef maðr hafa náir, án við löst at lifa.
Bellows Translation
Fire for men is the fairest gift, And power to see the sun; Health as well, if a man may have it, And a life not stained with sin.
Stanza 69 of 164
Old Norse
Er-at maðr alls vesall, þótt hann sé illa heill; sumr er af sonum sæll, sumr af frændum, sumr af fé ærnu, sumr af verkum vel.
Bellows Translation
All wretched is no man, though never so sick; Some from their sons have joy, Some win it from kinsmen, and some from their wealth, And some from worthy works.
Stanza 70 of 164
Old Norse
Betra er lifðum en sé ólifðum, ey getr kvikr kú; eld sá ek upp brenna auðgum manni fyrir, en úti var dauðr fyr durum.
Bellows Translation
It is better to live than to lie a corpse, The live man catches the cow; I saw flames rise for the rich man's pyre, And before his door he lay dead.
Stanza 71 of 164
Old Norse
Haltr ríðr hrossi, hjörð rekr handar vanr, daufr vegr ok dugir, blindr er betri en brenndr séi, nýtr manngi nás.
Bellows Translation
The lame rides a horse, the handless is herdsman, The deaf in battle is bold; The blind man is better than one that is burned, No good can come of a corpse.
Stanza 72 of 164
Old Norse
Sonr er betri, þótt sé síð of alinn eftir genginn guma; sjaldan bautarsteinar standa brautu nær, nema reisi niðr at nið.
Bellows Translation
A son is better, though late he be born, And his father to death have fared; Memory-stones seldom stand by the road Save when kinsman honors his kin.
Stanza 73 of 164
Old Norse
Tveir ro eins herjar, tunga er höfuðs bani; er mér í heðin hvern handar væni.
Bellows Translation
Two make a battle, the tongue slays the head; In each furry coat a fist I look for.
Stanza 74 of 164
Old Norse
Nótt verðr feginn sá er nesti trúir, skammar ro skips ráar; hverf er haustgríma; fjölð of viðrir á fimm dögum en meira á mánuði.
Bellows Translation
He welcomes the night whose fare is enough, (Short are the yards of a ship,) Uneasy are autumn nights; Full often does the weather change in a week, And more in a month's time.
Stanza 75 of 164
Old Norse
Veit-a hinn, er vettki veit, margr verðr af aurum api; maðr er auðigr, annar óauðigr, skyli-t þann vítka váar.
Bellows Translation
A man knows not, if nothing he knows, That gold often apes begets; One man is wealthy and one is poor, Yet scorn for him none should know.
Stanza 76 of 164
Old Norse
Deyr fé, deyja frændr, deyr sjalfr it sama, en orðstírr deyr aldregi, hveim er sér góðan getr.
Bellows Translation
Cattle die, and kinsmen die, And so one dies one's self; But a noble name will never die, If good renown one gets.
Stanza 77 of 164
Old Norse
Deyr fé, deyja frændr, deyr sjalfr it sama, ek veit einn, at aldrei deyr: dómr um dauðan hvern.
Bellows Translation
Cattle die, and kinsmen die, And so one dies one's self; One thing now that never dies, The fame of a dead man's deeds.
Stanza 78 of 164
Old Norse
Fullar grindr sá ek fyr Fitjungs sonum, nú bera þeir vánar völ; svá er auðr sem augabragð, hann er valtastr vina.
Bellows Translation
Among Fitjung's sons saw I well-stocked folds,-- Now bear they the beggar's staff; Wealth is as swift as a winking eye, Of friends the falsest it is.
Stanza 79 of 164
Old Norse
Ósnotr maðr, ef eignask getr fé eða fljóðs munuð, metnaðr hánum þróask, en mannvit aldregi, fram gengr hann drjúgt í dul.
Bellows Translation
An unwise man, if a maiden's love Or wealth he chances to win, His pride will wax, but his wisdom never, Straight forward he fares in conceit.
Stanza 80 of 164
Old Norse
Þat er þá reynt, er þú að rúnum spyrr inum reginkunnum, þeim er gerðu ginnregin ok fáði fimbulþulr, þá hefir hann bazt, ef hann þegir.
Bellows Translation
Certain is that \\| which is sought from runes,That the gods so great have made,And the Master-Poet painted;. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . of the race of gods:Silence is safest and best.
Stanza 81 of 164
Old Norse
At kveldi skal dag leyfa, konu, er brennd er, mæki, er reyndr er, mey, er gefin er, ís, er yfir kemr, öl, er drukkit er.
Bellows Translation
Give praise to the day at evening, to a woman on her pyre, To a weapon which is tried, to a maid at wed lock, To ice when it is crossed, to ale that is drunk.
Stanza 82 of 164
Old Norse
Í vindi skal við höggva, veðri á sjó róa, myrkri við man spjalla, mörg eru dags augu; á skip skal skriðar orka, en á skjöld til hlífar, mæki höggs, en mey til kossa.
Bellows Translation
When the gale blows hew wood, in fair winds seek the water; Sport with maidens at dusk, for day's eyes are many; From the ship seek swiftness, from the shield protection, Cuts from the sword, from the maiden kisses.
Stanza 83 of 164
Old Norse
Við eld skal öl drekka, en á ísi skríða, magran mar kaupa, en mæki saurgan, heima hest feita, en hund á búi. II.
Bellows Translation
By the fire drink ale, over ice go on skates; Buy a steed that is lean, and a sword when tarnished, The horse at home fatten, the hound in your dwelling.
Stanza 84 of 164
Old Norse
Meyjar orðum skyli manngi trúa né því, er kveðr kona, því at á hverfanda hvéli váru þeim hjörtu sköpuð, brigð í brjóst of lagið.
Bellows Translation
A man shall trust not the oath of a maid, Nor the word a woman speaks; For their hearts on a whirling wheel were fashioned, And fickle their breasts were formed.
Stanza 85 of 164
Old Norse
Brestanda boga, brennanda loga, gínanda ulfi, galandi kráku, rýtanda svíni, rótlausum viði, vaxanda vági, vellanda katli,
Bellows Translation
In a breaking bow or a burning flame, A ravening wolf or a croaking raven, In a grunting boar, a tree with roots broken, In billowy seas or a bubbling kettle,
Stanza 86 of 164
Old Norse
Fljúganda fleini, fallandi báru, ísi einnættum, ormi hringlegnum, brúðar beðmálum eða brotnu sverði, bjarnar leiki eða barni konungs.
Bellows Translation
In a flying arrow or falling waters, In ice new formed or the serpent's folds, In a bride's bed-speech or a broken sword, In the sport of bears or in sons of kings,
Stanza 87 of 164
Old Norse
Sjúkum kalfi, sjalfráða þræli, völu vilmæli, val nýfelldum.
Bellows Translation
In a calf that is sick or a stubborn thrall, A flattering witch or a foe new slain. "In a light, clear sky or a laughing throng, In the bowl of a dog or a harlot's grief!"
Stanza 88 of 164
Old Norse
Akri ársánum trúi engi maðr né til snemma syni, • veðr ræðr akri. en vit syni; hætt er þeira hvárt.
Bellows Translation
In a brother's slayer, if you meet him abroad, In a half-burned house, in a horse full swift-- One leg is hurt and the horse is useless-- None had ever such faith as to trust in them all.
Stanza 89 of 164
Old Norse
Bróðurbana sínum þótt á brautu mæti, húsi hálfbrunnu, hesti alskjótum, • þá er jór ónýtr, ef einn fótr brotnar -, verði-t maðr svá tryggr at þessu trúi öllu.
Bellows Translation
Hope not too surely for early harvest, Nor trust too soon in your son; The field needs good weather, the son needs wisdom, And often is either denied.
Stanza 90 of 164
Old Norse
Svá er friðr kvenna, þeira er flátt hyggja, sem aki jó óbryddum á ísi hálum, teitum, tvévetrum ok sé tamr illa, eða í byr óðum beiti stjórnlausu, eða skyli haltr henda hrein í þáfjalli.
Bellows Translation
The love of women fickle of will Is like starting over ice with a steed unshod, A two-year-old restive and little tamed, Or steering a rudderless ship in a storm, Or, lame, hunting reindeer on slippery rocks.
Stanza 91 of 164
Old Norse
Bert ek nú mæli, því at ek bæði veit, brigðr er karla hugr konum; þá vér fegrst mælum, er vér flást hyggjum: þat tælir horska hugi.
Bellows Translation
Clear now will I speak, for I know them both, Men false to women are found; When fairest we speak, then falsest we think, Against wisdom we work with deceit.
Stanza 92 of 164
Old Norse
Fagrt skal mæla ok fé bjóða, sá er vill fljóðs ást fá, líki leyfa ins ljósa mans, sá fær, er fríar.
Bellows Translation
Soft words shall he speak and wealth shall he offer Who longs for a maiden's love, And the beauty praise of the maiden bright; He wins whose wooing is best.
Stanza 93 of 164
Old Norse
Ástar firna skyli engi maðr annan aldregi; oft fá á horskan, er á heimskan né fá, lostfagrir litir.
Bellows Translation
Fault for loving let no man find Ever with any other; Often the wise are fettered, where fools go free, By beauty that breeds desire.
Stanza 94 of 164
Old Norse
Eyvitar firna er maðr annan skal, þess er um margan gengr guma; heimska ór horskum gerir hölða sonu sá inn máttki munr.
Bellows Translation
Fault with another let no man find For what touches many a man; Wise men often into witless fools Are made by mighty love.
Stanza 95 of 164
Old Norse
Hugr einn þat veit, er býr hjarta nær, einn er hann sér of sefa; öng er sótt verri hveim snotrum manni en sér engu at una.
Bellows Translation
The head alone knows what dwells near the heart, A man knows his mind alone; No sickness is worse to one who is wise Than to lack the longed-for joy.
Stanza 96 of 164
Old Norse
Þat ek þá reynda, er ek í reyri sat, ok vættak míns munar; hold ok hjarta var mér in horska mær; þeygi ek hana at heldr hefik.
Bellows Translation
This found I myself, when I sat in the reeds, And long my love awaited; As my life the maiden wise I loved, Yet her I never had.
Stanza 97 of 164
Old Norse
Billings mey ek fann beðjum á sólhvíta sofa; jarls ynði þótti mér ekki vera nema við þat lík at lifa.
Bellows Translation
Billing's daughter I found on her bed, In slumber bright as the sun; Empty appeared an earl's estate Without that form so fair.
Stanza 98 of 164
Old Norse
"Auk nær aftni skaltu, Óðinn, koma, ef þú vilt þér mæla man; allt eru ósköp, nema einir viti slíkan löst saman."
Bellows Translation
"Othin, again at evening come, If a woman you would win; Evil it were if others than we Should know of such a sin."
Stanza 99 of 164
Old Norse
Aftr ek hvarf ok unna þóttumk vísum vilja frá; hitt ek hugða, at ek hafa mynda geð hennar allt ok gaman.
Bellows Translation
Away I hastened, hoping for joy, And careless of counsel wise; Well I believed that soon I should win Measureless joy with the maid.
Stanza 100 of 164
Old Norse
Svá kom ek næst, at in nýta var vígdrótt öll of vakin með brennandum ljósum ok bornum viði, svá var mér vílstígr of vitaðr.
Bellows Translation
So came I next when night it was, The warriors all were awake; With burning lights and waving brands I learned my luckess way.
Stanza 101 of 164
Old Norse
Auk nær morgni, er ek var enn of kominn, þá var saldrótt of sofin; grey eitt ek þá fann innar góðu konu bundit beðjum á.
Bellows Translation
At morning then, when once more I came, And all were sleeping still, A dog found in the fair one's place, Bound there upon her bed.
Stanza 102 of 164
Old Norse
Mörg er góð mær, ef görva kannar, hugbrigð við hali; þá ek þat reynda, er it ráðspaka teygða ek á flærðir fljóð; háðungar hverrar leitaði mér it horska man, ok hafða ek þess vettki vífs.
Bellows Translation
Many fair maids, if a man but tries them, False to a lover are found; That did I learn when I longed to gain With wiles the maiden wise; Foul scorn was my meed from the crafty maid, And nothing from the woman I won.
Stanza 103 of 164
Old Norse
Heima glaðr gumi ok við gesti reifr, sviðr skal um sig vera, minnigr ok málugr, ef hann vill margfróðr vera, oft skal góðs geta; fimbulfambi heitir, sá er fátt kann segja, þat er ósnotrs aðal.
Bellows Translation
Though glad at home, and merry with guests, A man shall be wary and wise; The sage and shrewd, wide wisdom seeking, Must see that his speech be fair; A fool is he named who nothing can say, For such is the way of the witless.
Stanza 104 of 164
Old Norse
Inn aldna jötun ek sótta, nú em ek aftr of kominn: fátt gat ek þegjandi þar; mörgum orðum mælta ek í minn frama í Suttungs sölum.
Bellows Translation
I found the old giant, now back have I fared, Small gain from silence I got; Full many a word, my will to get, I spoke in Suttung's hall.
Stanza 105 of 164
Old Norse
Gunnlöð mér of gaf gullnum stóli á drykk ins dýra mjaðar; ill iðgjöld lét ek hana eftir hafa síns ins heila hugar, síns ins svára sefa.
Bellows Translation
Gunnloth gave on a golden stool A drink of the marvelous mead; A harsh reward did I let her have For her heroic heart, And her spirit troubled sore.
Stanza 106 of 164
Old Norse
Rata munn létumk rúms of fá ok um grjót gnaga; yfir ok undir stóðumk jötna vegir, svá hætta ek höfði til.
Bellows Translation
The mouth of Rati made room for my passage, And space in the stone he gnawed; Above and below the giants' paths lay, So rashly I risked my head.
Stanza 107 of 164
Old Norse
Vel keypts litar hefi ek vel notit, fás er fróðum vant, því at Óðrerir er nú upp kominn á alda vés jaðar.
Bellows Translation
The well-earned beauty well I enjoyed, Little the wise man lacks; So Othrörir now has up been brought To the midst of the men of earth.
Stanza 108 of 164
Old Norse
Ifi er mér á, at ek væra enn kominn jötna görðum ór, ef ek Gunnlaðar né nytak, innar góðu konu, þeirar er lögðumk arm yfir.
Bellows Translation
Hardly, methinks, would I home have come, And left the giants' land, Had not Gunnloth helped me, the maiden good, Whose arms about me had been.
Stanza 109 of 164
Old Norse
Ins hindra dags gengu hrímþursar Háva ráðs at fregna Háva höllu í; at Bölverki þeir spurðu, ef hann væri með böndum kominn eða hefði hánum Suttungr of sóit.
Bellows Translation
The day that followed, the frost-giants came, Some word of Hor to win, (And into the hall of Hor;) Of Bolverk they asked, were he back midst the gods, Or had Suttung slain him there?
Stanza 110 of 164
Old Norse
Baugeið Óðinn, hygg ek, at unnit hafi; hvat skal hans trygðum trúa? Suttung svikinn hann lét sumbli frá ok grætta Gunnlöðu. IV.
Bellows Translation
On his ring swore Othin the oath, methinks; Who now his troth shall trust? Suttung's betrayal he sought with drink, And Gunnloth to grief he left.
Stanza 111 of 164
Old Norse
Mál er at þylja þular stóli á Urðarbrunni at, sá ek ok þagðak, sá ek ok hugðak, hlýdda ek á manna mál; of rúnar heyrða ek dæma, né of ráðum þögðu Háva höllu at, Háva höllu í, heyrða ek segja svá:
Bellows Translation
It is time to chant from the chanter's stool; By the wells of Urth I was, I saw and was silent, I saw and thought, And heard the speech of Hor. (Of runes heard I words, nor were counsels wanting, At the hall of Hor, In the hall of Hor; Such was the speech I heard.)
Stanza 112 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: nótt þú rís-at nema á njósn séir eða þú leitir þér innan út staðar.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Rise not at night, save if news you seek, Or fain to the outhouse would fare.
Stanza 113 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: fjölkunnigri konu skal-at-tu í faðmi sofa, svá at hon lyki þik liðum.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Beware of sleep on a witch's bosom, Nor let her limbs ensnare you.
Stanza 114 of 164
Old Norse
Hon svá gerir, at þú gáir eigi þings né þjóðans máls; mat þú vill-at né mannskis gaman, ferr þú sorgafullr at sofa.
Bellows Translation
Such is her might that you have no mind For the council or meeting of men; Meat you hate, joy you have not, And sadly to slumber you fare.
Stanza 115 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: annars konu teygðu þér aldregi eyrarúnu at.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Seek never to win the wife of another, Or long for her secret love.
Stanza 116 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: á fjalli eða firði, ef þik fara tíðir, fásktu at virði vel.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: If over mountains or gulfs you fain would go, Look well to your food for the way.
Stanza 117 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: illan mann láttu aldregi óhöpp at þér vita, því at af illum manni fær þú aldregi gjöld ins góða hugar.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: An evil man you must not let Bring aught of ill to you; For an evil man will never make Reward for a worthy thought.
Stanza 118 of 164
Old Norse
Ofarla bíta ek sá einum hal orð illrar konu; fláráð tunga varð hánum at fjörlagi ok þeygi of sanna sök.
Bellows Translation
I saw a man who was wounded sore By an evil woman's word; A lying tongue his death-blow launched, And no word of truth there was.
Stanza 119 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: veistu, ef þú vin átt, þann er þú vel trúir, far þú at finna oft, því at hrísi vex ok hávu grasi vegr, er vættki treðr.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: If a friend you have whom you fully will trust, Then fare to find him oft; For brambles grow and waving grass On the rarely trodden road.
Stanza 120 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: góðan mann teygðu þér at gamanrúnum ok nem líknargaldr, meðan þú lifir.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: A good man find to hold in friendship, And give heed to his healing charms.
Stanza 121 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: vin þínum ver þú aldregi fyrri at flaumslitum; sorg etr hjarta, ef þú segja né náir einhverjum allan hug.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Be never the first to break with your friend The bond that holds you both; Care eats the heart if you can not speak To another all your thought.
Stanza 122 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: orðum skipta þú skalt aldregi við ósvinna apa,
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Exchange of words with a witless ape You must not ever make.
Stanza 123 of 164
Old Norse
Því at af illum manni mundu aldregi góðs laun of geta, en góðr maðr mun þik gerva mega líknfastan at lofi.
Bellows Translation
For never you may from an evil man A good requital get; But a good man often the greatest love Through words of praise will win you.
Stanza 124 of 164
Old Norse
Sifjum er þá blandat, hver er segja ræðr einum allan hug; allt er betra en sé brigðum at vera; er-a sá vinr öðrum, er vilt eitt segir.
Bellows Translation
Mingled is love when a man can speak To another all his thought; Nothing is so bad as false to be, No friend speaks only fair.
Stanza 125 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk, þér Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: þrimr orðum senna skal-at-tu þér við verra mann oft inn betri bilar, þá er inn verri vegr.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: With a worse man speak not three words in dispute, Ill fares the better oft When the worse man wields a sword.
Stanza 126 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: skósmiðr þú verir né skeftismiðr, nema þú sjalfum þér séir: skór er skapaðr illa eða skaft sé rangt, þá er þér böls beðit.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: A shoemaker be, or a maker of shafts, For only your single self; If the shoe is ill made, or the shaft prove false, Then evil of you men think.
Stanza 127 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: hvars þú böl kannt, kveð þú þér bölvi at ok gef-at þínum fjándum frið.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: If evil you know, as evil proclaim it, And make no friendship with foes.
Stanza 128 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: illu feginn ver þú aldregi, en lát þér at góðu getit.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: In evil never joy shall you know, But glad the good shall make you.
Stanza 129 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: upp líta skal-at-tu í orrustu, • gjalti glíkir verða gumna synir, - síðr þitt of heilli halir.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Look not up when the battle is on,-- (Like madmen the sons of men become,--) Lest men bewitch your wits.
Stanza 130 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: ef þú vilt þér góða konu kveðja at gamanrúnum ok fá fögnuð af, fögru skaltu heita ok láta fast vera; leiðisk manngi gótt, ef getr.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: If you fain would win a woman's love, And gladness get from her, Fair be your promise and well fulfilled; None loathes what good he gets.
Stanza 131 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: varan bið ek þik vera ok eigi ofvaran; ver þú við öl varastr ok við annars konu ok við þat it þriðja, at þjófar né leiki.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: I bid you be wary, but be not fearful; (Beware most with ale or another's wife, And third beware lest a thief outwit you.)
Stanza 132 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: at háði né hlátri hafðu aldregi gest né ganganda.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Scorn or mocking never shall you make Of a guest or a journey-goer.
Stanza 133 of 164
Old Norse
Oft vitu ógörla, þeir er sitja inni fyrir, hvers þeir ro kyns, er koma; er-at maðr svá góðr at galli né fylgi, né svá illr, at einugi dugi.
Bellows Translation
Often scarcely he knows who sits in the house What kind is the man who comes; None so good is found that faults he has not, Nor so wicked that nothing he is worth.
Stanza 134 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: at hárum þul hlæ þú aldregi, oft er gótt, þat er gamlir kveða; oft ór skörpum belg skilin orð koma þeim er hangir með hám ok skollir með skrám ok váfir með vílmögum.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Scorn not ever the gray-haired singer, Often do the old speak good; (Often from shrivelled skin come skillful counsels, Though it hang with the hides, And flap with the pelts, And is blown with the bellies.)
Stanza 135 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: gest þú né geyja né á grind hrekir; get þú váluðum vel.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: Curse not your guest, nor show him your gate, Deal well with a man in want.
Stanza 136 of 164
Old Norse
Rammt er þat tré, er ríða skal öllum at upploki; baug þú gef, eða þat biðja mun þér læs hvers á liðu.
Bellows Translation
Strong is the beam that raised must be To give an entrance to all; Give it a ring, or grim will be The wish it would work on you.
Stanza 137 of 164
Old Norse
Ráðumk þér, Loddfáfnir, en þú ráð nemir, - njóta mundu, ef þú nemr, þér munu góð, ef þú getr -: hvars þú öl drekkir, kjós þér jarðar megin, því at jörð tekr við ölðri, en eldr við sóttum, eik við abbindi, ax við fjölkynngi, höll við hýrógi, • heiftum skal mána kveðja, - beiti við bitsóttum, en við bölvi rúnar, fold skal við flóði taka. V.
Bellows Translation
I rede you, Loddfafnir! and hear my rede,-- Profit you have if you hear, Great your gain if you learn: When ale you drink) seek might of earth, (For earth cures drink, and fire cures ills, The oak cures tightness, the ear cures magic, Rye cures rupture, the moon cures rage, Grass cures the scab, and runes the sword-cut;) The field absorbs the flood.
Stanza 138 of 164
Old Norse
Veit ek, at ek hekk vindga meiði á nætr allar níu, geiri undaðr ok gefinn Óðni, sjalfr sjalfum mér, á þeim meiði, er manngi veit hvers af rótum renn.
Bellows Translation
I ween that I hung on the windy tree, Hung there for nights full nine; With the spear I was wounded, and offered I was To Othin, myself to myself, On the tree that none may ever know What root beneath it runs.
Stanza 139 of 164
Old Norse
Við hleifi mik sældu né við hornigi; nýsta ek niðr, nam ek upp rúnar, æpandi nam, fell ek aftr þaðan.
Bellows Translation
None made me happy with loaf or horn, And there below I looked; I took up the runes, shrieking I took them, And forthwith back I fell.
Stanza 140 of 164
Old Norse
Fimbulljóð níu nam ek af inum frægja syni Bölþorns, Bestlu föður, ok ek drykk of gat ins dýra mjaðar, ausinn Óðreri.
Bellows Translation
Nine mighty songs I got from the son Of Bolthorn, Bestla's father; And a drink I got of the goodly mead Poured out from Othrörir.
Stanza 141 of 164
Old Norse
Þá nam ek frævask ok fróðr vera ok vaxa ok vel hafask, orð mér af orði orðs leitaði, verk mér af verki verks leitaði.
Bellows Translation
Then began I to thrive, and wisdom to get, I grew and well I was; Each word led me on to another word, Each deed to another deed.
Stanza 142 of 164
Old Norse
Rúnar munt þú finna ok ráðna stafi, mjök stóra stafi, mjök stinna stafi, er fáði fimbulþulr ok gerðu ginnregin ok reist hroftr rögna.
Bellows Translation
Runes shall you find, and fateful signs, That the king of singers colored, And the mighty gods have made; Full strong the signs, full mighty the signs That the ruler of gods doth write.
Stanza 143 of 164
Old Norse
Óðinn með ásum, en fyr alfum Dáinn, Dvalinn ok dvergum fyrir, Ásviðr jötnum fyrir, ek reist sjalfr sumar.
Bellows Translation
Othin for the gods, Dain for the elves, And Dvalin for the dwarfs, Alsvith for giants and all mankind, And some myself I wrote.
Stanza 144 of 164
Old Norse
Veistu, hvé rísta skal? Veistu, hvé ráða skal? Veistu, hvé fáa skal? Veistu, hvé freista skal? Veistu, hvé biðja skal? Veistu, hvé blóta skal? Veistu, hvé senda skal? Veistu, hvé sóa skal?
Bellows Translation
Know how one shall write, know how one shall rede? Know how one shall tint, know how one makes trial? Know how one shall ask, know how one shall offer? Know how one shall send, know how one shall sacrifice?
Stanza 145 of 164
Old Norse
Betra er óbeðit en sé ofblótit, ey sér til gildis gjöf; betra er ósent en sé ofsóit. Svá Þundr of reist fyr þjóða rök, þar hann upp of reis, er hann aftr of kom. VI.
Bellows Translation
Better no prayer than too big an offering, By your getting measure your gift; Better is none than too big a sacrifice, So Thund of old wrote before man's race began, Where he rose on high when home he came.
Stanza 146 of 164
Old Norse
Ljóð ek þau kann, er kann-at þjóðans kona ok mannskis mögr. Hjalp heitir eitt, en þat þér hjalpa mun við sökum ok sorgum ok sútum görvöllum.
Bellows Translation
The songs I know that king's wives know not, Nor men that are sons of men; The first is called help, and help it can bring you In sorrow and pain and sickness.
Stanza 147 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek annat, er þurfu ýta synir, þeir er vilja læknar lifa.
Bellows Translation
A second I know, that men shall need Who leechcraft long to use;
Stanza 148 of 164
Old Norse
Þáð kann ek þriðja: ef mér verðr þörf mikil hafts við mína heiftmögu, eggjar ek deyfi minna andskota, bíta-t þeim vápn né velir.
Bellows Translation
A third I know, if great is my need Of fetters to hold my foe; Blunt do I make my enemy's blade, Nor bites his sword or staff.
Stanza 149 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it fjórða: ef mér fyrðar bera bönd að boglimum, svá ek gel, at ek ganga má, sprettr mér af fótum fjöturr, en af höndum haft.
Bellows Translation
A fourth I know, if men shall fasten Bonds on my bended legs; So great is the charm that forth I may go, The fetters spring from my feet, Broken the bonds from my hands.
Stanza 150 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it fimmta: ef ek sé af fári skotinn flein í folki vaða, fýgr-a hann svá stinnt, at ek stöðvig-a-k, ef ek hann sjónum of sék.
Bellows Translation
A fifth I know, if I see from afar An arrow fly 'gainst the folk; It flies not so swift that I stop it not, If ever my eyes behold it.
Stanza 151 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it sétta: ef mik særir þegn á vrótum hrás viðar, ok þann hal er mik heifta kveðr, þann eta mein heldr en mik.
Bellows Translation
A sixth I know, if harm one seeks With a sapling's roots to send me; The hero himself who wreaks his hate Shall taste the ill before I.
Stanza 152 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it sjaunda: ef ek sé hávan loga sal of sessmögum, brennr-at svá breitt, at ek hánum bjargig-a-k; þann kann ek galdr at gala.
Bellows Translation
A seventh I know, if I see in flames The hall over my comrades' heads; It burns not so wide that I will not quench it, I know that song to sing.
Stanza 153 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it átta, er öllum er nytsamligt at nema: hvars hatr vex með hildings sonum þat má ek bæta brátt.
Bellows Translation
An eighth I know, that is to all Of greatest good to learn; When hatred grows among heroes' sons, I soon can set it right.
Stanza 154 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it níunda: ef mik nauðr of stendr at bjarga fari mínu á floti, vind ek kyrri vági á ok svæfik allan sæ.
Bellows Translation
A ninth I know, if need there comes To shelter my ship on the flood; The wind I calm upon the waves, And the sea I put to sleep.
Stanza 155 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it tíunda: ef ek sé túnriður leika lofti á, ek svá vinnk, at þær villar fara sinna heimhama, sinna heimhuga.
Bellows Translation
A tenth I know, what time I see House-riders flying on high; So can I work that wildly they go, Showing their true shapes, Hence to their own homes.
Stanza 156 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it ellifta: ef ek skal til orrostu leiða langvini, und randir ek gel, en þeir með ríki fara heilir hildar til, heilir hildi frá, koma þeir heilir hvaðan.
Bellows Translation
An eleventh I know, if needs I must lead To the fight my long-loved friends; I sing in the shields, and in strength they go Whole to the field of fight, Whole from the field of fight, And whole they come thence home.
Stanza 157 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it tolfta: ef ek sé á tré uppi váfa virgilná, svá ek ríst ok í rúnum fák, at sá gengr gumi ok mælir við mik.
Bellows Translation
A twelfth I know, if high on a tree I see a hanged man swing; So do I write and color the runes That forth he fares, And to me talks.
Stanza 158 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it þreyttánda: ef ek skal þegn ungan verpa vatni á, mun-at hann falla, þótt hann í folk komi, hnígr-a sá halr fyr hjörum.
Bellows Translation
A thirteenth I know, if a thane full young With water I sprinkle well; He shall not fall, though he fares mid the host, Nor sink beneath the swords.
Stanza 159 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it fjögurtánda: ef ek skal fyrða liði telja tíva fyrir, ása ok alfa ek kann allra skil; fár kann ósnotr svá.
Bellows Translation
A fourteenth I know, if fain I would name To men the mighty gods; All know I well of the gods and elves, Few be the fools know this.
Stanza 160 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it fimmtánda er gól Þjóðrerir dvergr fyr Dellings durum: afl gól hann ásum, en alfum frama, hyggju Hroftatý.
Bellows Translation
A fifteenth I know, that before the doors Of Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf; Might he sang for the gods, and glory for elves, And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.
Stanza 161 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it sextánda: ef ek vil ins svinna mans hafa geð allt ok gaman, hugi ek hverfi hvítarmri konu, ok sný ek hennar öllum sefa.
Bellows Translation
A sixteenth I know, if I seek delight To win from a maiden wise; The mind I turn of the white-armed maid, And thus change all her thoughts.
Stanza 162 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it sjautjánda at mik mun seint firrask it manunga man. Ljóða þessa mun þú, Loddfáfnir, lengi vanr vera; þó sé þér góð, ef þú getr, nýt ef þú nemr, þörf ef þú þiggr.
Bellows Translation
A seventeenth I know, so that seldom shall go A maiden young from me; Long these songs you shall, Loddfafnir, Seek in vain to sing; Yet good it were if you might get them, Well, if you would them learn, Help, if you had them.
Stanza 163 of 164
Old Norse
Þat kann ek it átjánda, er ek æva kennik mey né manns konu, • allt er betra, er einn of kann; þat fylgir ljóða lokum, - nema þeiri einni, er mik armi verr, eða mín systir sé. VII.
Bellows Translation
An eighteenth I know, that I never shall tell To maiden or wife of man, (The best is always that which one alone knows, Such is the end of the songs;) Save only to her in whose arms I lie, Or who else my sister is.
Stanza 164 of 164
Old Norse
Nú eru Háva mál kveðin Háva höllu í, allþörf ýta sonum, óþörf jötna sonum; heill sá, er kvað, heill sá, er kann, njóti sá, er nam, heilir, þeirs hlýddu.
Bellows Translation
Now are Hor's words spoken in the hall, Kind for the kindred of men, Cursed for the kindred of giants: Hail to the speaker, and to him who learns! Profit be his who has them! Hail to them who hearken!