Slow Havamal: 137

In verse 137, Odin counsels Loddfafnir thusly:

When you drink beer,
choose the might of the earth,
for the earth is good against beer,
and fire against sickness,
oak against an irritable bowel,
wheat against magic,
an elder-tree against family quarrels,
maggots against venomous bites,
runes against evil,
ground against water.
Swear your hate beneath the moon.


I have reproduced this verse in quotation instead of summary, since it would be difficult to summarize without merely quoting. Copyright law allows for the quotation of short passages, and I feel it will benefit the reader to hear the exact remedies.

For the most part, this verse is a list of just that: remedies against afflictions. At least in the metaphorical sense, most of these things seem to have contrary properties to the things they cure. For example, earth is solid an immovable, as opposed to the roiling liquid passions of beer, while fire warms a cold and helps you to sweat out a fever.( Read more... )