Slow Havamal: 135

[kylec]

In verse 135, Odin counsels Loddfafnir not to spite or spit at the coming of a guest, but to treat a poor wanderer well.

The arrival of a guest should not bring out scorn or resentment. It’s possible to receive someone begrudgingly, and let him know it, so that while he may be fed and sheltered, he feels the chill of the welcome. Equally, some hosts may verbally rebuke their guest, reminding him that he only enjoys hospitality due to some obligation rather than a kind heart. Odin dismisses such an attitude.

The general advice of this verse isn’t much different than the many references to hospitality practices throughout the poem. But no two things are entirely the same, and the repetition yet again alerts us to the importance of the subject. There may be valid reasons for not allowing a certain person into our homes, or in modern times our trust and care, since we rarely open our doors now. Should you feel obligated, though, that initial frustration must soon turn to warmth, because hospitality is not just the feeding of a man out of the rain. It’s the spirit in which he’s received. Someone undeserving of our trust should not be granted anything. If we relent, the full suite of amenities must be offered.

Our guest needs a hot meal, but also a friendly ear; he needs a warm fire, but also a good story; a pallet of straw, and the gentle brush of compassion and human dignity. I suppose this applies to all guests: invited (begrudgingly, perhaps) and spontaneous. Odin specifically mentioned a poor wanderer, though. This man is not a relation. Our encounter involves chance or fate, rather than human design. These are the most vulnerable of guests, and those least-likely to find solace. If we can find it in ourselves to treat them well out of genuine conviction, we will prove masterful hosts.