Slow Havamal: 108

[kylec]

In verse 108, Odin says he couldn’t have escaped Jotunheim had he not used Gunnlod, the woman he seduced.

It’s unclear how his use of Gunnlod allows Odin to escape. Maybe she delayed his pursuers on his behalf, or her illusions about his purpose there could have simply allowed him to gain a lead or some other advantage he wouldn’t have enjoyed if he were known sooner as an enemy.

In order to get away with something, he used charm on one of his antagonists, causing them to lower their guard. This is in contrast to a direct assault on the fortress, for example. Sometimes, what we want isn’t accessible through a frontal assault. We need to use craft and cultivate allies (even temporary ones). Seduction may be a more pleasant tactic than violence. And in terms of breaching a stronghold, it is often easier to break out than to break in.