The Hávamál , often considered the most sacred and mysterious part of the Elder Edda, was understood as the very Words of Odin, King of the Gods of Asgard, for centuries by the Norse. Across the mists of time, this poem of wise advice to mankind, was the inspiration for some of the Germanic world's greatest explorers, warriors and heroes. The beliefs of the Heathen faith of the Vikings are encapsulated in the Hávamál , whose wisdom on life remains just as relevant today as when it was first recited by the Norse Skálds. Now it is translated line-for-line, un-altered, side-by-side with the Old Norse text, in a clear and concise English edition usable by both spiritual seekers and students of Old Norse language alike. For a long time, people of Heathen and Runic paths have been calling for a Hávamál in English that is accurate, quotable, and doesn't have the difficult Victorian dialect of earlier translations. Well, wait no longer! Finally Odin's words are available in a readable and Heathen English translation that truly does justice to every line of the original! This is a Hávamál that can be quoted in rituals, and used for study as well. It reflects the historical values of the original Old Norse Hávamál , even if these are not always the same as those common today. To reach the Immanence of the Gods, we must first overcome fear, and taste noble tradition! WHAT MAKES THIS TRANSLATION UNIQUE: *Uncensored (not a single word's meaning altered) *Unabridged (not a single line cut out) *Translated line-for-line from the Old Norse (the ordering of the verses and the lines is unchanged!) *You also GET the actual Old Norse text, side-by-side with the Translation! Easy to compare! *Easy-to-understand footnotes (with NO confusing jargon) to clear up all the trickier bits *Cultural notes to clarify the meanings *An Old Norse glossary of some of the most commonly used terms in the Hávamál , for study *Plenty of space on the pages for taking your own notes! *ALL of the Old Norse metaphors are translated directly, with footnotes where needed. *Usable in rituals and lessons!Quotable and poetic, yet also accurate. Makes a great Yule gift for family and friends!