Slow Havamal: 146

[kylec]

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.

The title of the first spell he recounts is simply “Help.” It seems to be used when the mage or the person who they perform magic for is overwhelmed with troubles of a wide variety, including legal and emotional woes. We don’t know any details of the spell, but presumably one could pray to Odin to perform it on their behalf, bearing in mind his previous warning that you will pay for whatever you receive through prayer.

We can also learn from the impending list of spells what kind of matters the Norse historically sought magical aid in dealing with. These essays may be short on commentary, because the verses are pretty straightforward, but don’t take that to mean they are insignificant. Magic, which was often considered unfit for a manly man, is one of Odin’s great skills, and if the High One finds it worthwhile, perhaps us low folk should listen up.