Slow Havamal: 150

[kylec]

In verse 150, Odin says he knows a fifth spell. If he sees a spear thrown into a battling crowd, he can stop its flight as long as he can see it.

I recently learned that our third spell, dulling an enemy’s blade, is a habit of the berserker, who are associated with Odin. I don’t know if they also use this one, but if not, this working may be particular to Odin. I haven’t heard of it being used by men. Probably, he uses it to make sure that his favored warriors survive in a melee.

Though he’s a god, even Odin has to follow a few rules. In order to stop the spear, he has to keep his eye on it. It can go as fast as it may like, but so long as he doesn’t lose track of it, the spear can be stopped or redirected. I don’t suppose this spell would do well against bullets, or even arrows in some cases. This stipulation underscores the importance in magic of maintaining immaculate focus and not allowing the attention to wander from the act of your will. It’s the momentary drift that allows the spear to land clean—the difference between life and death.