Slow Havamal: 37

In the 37h verse, the first three lines about having a home from verse 36 are repeated. Then we hear that it will wound our heart if we have to beg every meal.

We start with another instance of repetition and variation. At times, Havamal doubles down on the first half-stanza, then expands on it differently in the second. That’s a sign to pay attention. Maybe all the traveler metaphors risk going to the reader’s head and setting him upon a vagabond’s life. That’s clearly not the point. To reiterate from the last essay, a home is something like the midpoint of a circle. It’s the place from which we extend our periphery. It’s nice to have a literal home that feels safe and keeps us out of the weather. It’s also nice to have routines, principles, and a stable way of viewing that world that leads to consistent results. ( Read more... )