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The Layman’s Havamal
- A Modern Interpretation of Viking Age Wisdom
- Narrated by: Paul Begadon
- Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
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The Layman’s Havamal
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Summary
This book is an exploration of the wisdom in the Viking Age poem "Havamal", specifically as it relates to the average person who isn't a scholar of Old Norse, or even an enthusiast of Viking culture. This book is for the layman, the average person who simply wants to improve their life using proven advice. The poem "Havamal" is earthy, cynical, stoic, and grim in its depiction of human life. Havamal means “The Words of the High One”. The poem's speaker is none other than Odin, King of the Gods, who has traveled the many worlds seeking power and suffered greatly in his quest. Through suffering, he has won great wisdom, which he shares with us in this poem. Though the speaker of "Havamal" is a god, it was actually composed by human poets during the Viking and Medieval Ages. Therefore, the text's advice is not lofty and ethereal, like some other gnomic literature, but very human.
This book will interest people who want to live well in the modern world. The advice given in the poem is specific. For example: Keep your eyes open when you enter a gathering, because there could be enemies inside. But the wisdom behind the words can be extracted out and applied to more general situations, which is what the author has done for each of "Havamal"’s 164 verses. The Layman’s Havamal contains an original rendering of the poem into English and a complete analysis of each verse as it relates to modern life, in a way which is sure to improve your standing in this slippery world.
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- boyd Saunders
- 30-03-23
Great book
I've read (or listened ) to a couple of versions of the havamal. Usually I'm driving in my car or chilling in the bath and have found that the stanzas leave me behind a little when they cause my brain to go off on a tangent thinking about the meaning of the words. This book was great because every few lines the author stops to consider the meaning. So a great book for someone who wants to digest the havamal in sections. My only criticism is the point where the author says that woden (I'm english) takes fallen warriors to his hall which is slightly incorrect. Tha valkyries are sent by freya and she gets first pick of half the warriors. Only the finest of warriors go with one eye. However this is a pedantic point and doesn't detract from an excellent book. Bravo author
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- Sam w
- 05-01-22
Great listen
a great read of a great translation of ancient wisdom reimagined for modern life, it was very insightful.
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- martin mcnair
- 27-02-23
Words all should know
As someone with an interest and some knowledge of the mythology, I found this book very interesting, and honestly believe the havamal or at least a modernized version like this one (or minimum the teachings/essence) of it should be thought in schools
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- Tony Aelf
- 01-05-24
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant. What a refreshing change to have some plain talk to meditate on. A definite re read. Highly recommended.
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- Anonymous User
- 28-02-24
An excellent insight into an age old idea
Paul Begadon provides a fantastic insight into this beautifully written and read poem; he provides a keen insight from a modern viewpoint, while incorporating charming metaphors and some good humour in the read. Thoroughly recommended.
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- Marian Tardy
- 12-11-22
Great study material
Great study material and intresting Outlook on the havamal. but sounded lill robot like,... so lost me at some parts.
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- Sian cunliffe
- 04-11-22
A good interpretation….
This is a great interpretation of the Havamal….
Great to be able to translate into the modern day and apply it to your own life….
Don’t agree with EVERY interpretation of a few verses…but 95% I would describe as accurate..(from my own interpretation)
However, it is clear to listen to, and easily understood….
Thank you to the Author.
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- Chris Healey
- 11-01-23
Enjoyable insight
Paul does an excellent job in his book in bringing to life one of the best known ancient European texts. Clearly enthusiastic about the source material he’s able to draw something useful out of even the more cryptic passages. He passes on some solid, nuanced advice & the format of the audiobook is very much in keeping with the oral tradition it draws from. Thought provoking throughout.
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- T dog
- 28-09-23
Easily understandable Havamal
This book is great if you are getting your head into the old ways. It is old text put into modern day understanding, it’s so interesting that it still fits today! The author is very knowledgeable and has a great way about how he comes across. Great work!
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