Slow Havamal: 146

In verse 146, Odin begins to recount the magic spells he knows, which no human is privy to. The first is called “Help,” and it helps in lawsuits and with sadness and worries.

Part of Odin’s spoils of wisdom after his sacrifice include the knowledge of powerful magic that isn’t shared by mortals. Like the runes, magic seems to be a domain of the initiated. Not everyone can carve runes, and not everyone pursues magic. It had to be gained by great personal effort. It’s both difficult to attain and worth having, worth bragging about. ( Read more... )