Slow Havamal: 141

In verse 141, Odin says he began to be fruitful and wise; that word followed word, and deed followed deed in a continuous flow..

I encourage readers to look this verse up in the book, or in their favorite translation. If you had to choose a single verse in all of Havamal as a goal, you could do much worse than verse 141. In the aftermath of his great personal sacrifice and his study of magic and tasting of the mead of inspiration, things start to come together for Odin. He begins to connect what he’s learned. Once isolated lessons join to others and something like an understanding emerges. He speaks not in spurts of brilliance, but growing chains. He acts not occasionally with skill, but time and again without interruption. Faltering efforts gain momentum. He begins to live a life created from the mouth and hands of a wise man.( Read more... )