Slow Havamal: 156

[kylec]

In verse 156, Odin says he knows an eleventh spell: when he leads old friends into battle, he enchants their shields to give them the victory and bring them to and from battle unharmed.

We have seen spells that work against swords or spears to protect someone. In this case, Odin enchants the shield of the person he wants to help, and in fact, many such shields. His “old friends” may be those who are loyal to him and who have earned his favor over their lifetimes rather than a Johnny Come Lately who thinks to ask a favor on the eve of a fight. In fact, he mentions specifically using this spell when he “leads” men into battle, which also suggests that the battle is Odin’s idea and and that he is vested in the outcome.

He notes that the men will make it to the battle unharmed, and come home unharmed as well. It may be a trope of popular movies that the army arrives in fine condition ready to fight, but the reality is much grimmer. While exact numbers are hard to come by, historian Richard Gabriel estimates based on modern training figures and the demands of getting to and from the site that an ancient army probably suffered an injury rate in excess of 17% on the march, and there are instances in which nearly the entire army fell casualty in transit. Then you had to make the same trip home. Warriors of the time would not have taken for granted a safe arrival and return, even if the battle was a rout. Odin understands this, and his spell works along the totality of the journey when he leads the march.