Slow Havamal: 31

In the 31st verse, despite appearing wise for his mockery of another guest, the man who talks behind the other’s back is a fool, even if he earns laughs from others with his jest.

It seems obvious that we shouldn’t make fun of our fellow guests or talk behind their backs, even if it’s well-received. But why? There are plenty of popular defenses available. “Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Invocations of thick skin, and the ability to take a joke. Especially in masculine environments, being subject to ridicule for something, at some point, is par for the course. I can’t speak to the social circles of females, but from an outsider’s perspective, it seems they are less likely to make jokes in front of the guest as men are, and more likely to talk poorly behind their backs—though both sexes are guilty of both. ( Read more... )