17 Viking Sayings That Really Show Norse Wisdom
Vote up the wisest Viking sayings for the ages.
The Scandinavian text the Hávamál is part of a 13th-century collection of Old Norse poems. The name of the work translates to “Sayings of the High One,” and the contents are presented as the wise words of Odin himself.
The Hávamál includes 164 stanzas, all of which provide Viking sayings about how to live, love, play, and fight in the Viking world. Full of practical and philosophical wisdom, it's a fascinating look at Viking Age culture. It's also a handy guide to living a life pleasing to Odin, if you're into that sort of thing.
We've gathered some Viking mottos and Norse wisdom from the Hávamál (several translations exist; we combined the most accessible). Take a look and vote up the wisest words Odin had to offer.
- 1330 VOTES
Nobody Likes A Know-It-All
"About his intelligence, no man should be boastful,
rather cautious of mind;
when a wise and silent man comes to a homestead
blame seldom befalls the wary;
for no more dependable friend can a man ever get
then a store of common sense."The takeaway: When you arrive at a new place, the wisest thing to do is to keep your mouth shut.
- 2407 VOTES
Don't Overstay Your Welcome
"A guest must depart again on his way,
nor stay in the same place ever;
if he bide too long on another's bench
the loved one soon becomes loathed."The takeaway: Staying too long at a loved one's home is going to cause tension.
- 3370 VOTES
Owning A Goat And Some Twigs Is Better Than Owning Nothing
"One's own house is best, though small it may be;
each man is master at home;
though he have but two goats and a bark-thatched hut
'tis better than craving a boon."The takeaway: There is pride in being able to take care of yourself and call things your own.
- 4307 VOTES
Don't Take Anything For Granted
"Let none put faith in the first sown fruit
nor yet in his son too soon;
whim rules the child, and weather the field,
each is open to chance."The takeaway: Whether it's your firstborn son or the crops in your field, they can fall victim to fate.
- 5297 VOTES
Everything Dies Except Your Reputation
"Cattle die and kinsmen die,
thyself too soon must die,
but one thing never, I ween, will die, -
the doom on each one dead."The takeaway: Live a good life, because your legacy is what carries on.
- 6345 VOTES
Drinking Too Much Is Dangerous
"Less good than they say for the sons of men
is the drinking oft of ale:
for the more they drink, the less can they think
and keep a watch o'er their wits."The takeaway: If you drink too much, you might do stupid things.