Slow Havamal: 96

In the 96th verse, Odin tells of a time he experienced the pain of the previous verse while hiding in the reeds waiting for his lover. But she was wise, and though she was his flesh and heart, he couldn’t win her.

The pain that the wise feel when they are alone and without love is reinforced by Odin with a personal anecdote. He hid, probably watching the woman he desired, but unable to obtain her. The rest of the story will come in future verses. The apparent purpose in this poem of advice seems to be to emphasize that even someone as wise as the All-Father of the Norse pantheon doesn’t enjoy being without love. So what mortal man could convince himself that love is something he can take or leave?( Read more... )