The Layman’s Havamal Audiobook By Paul Begadon cover art

The Layman’s Havamal

A Modern Interpretation of Viking Age Wisdom

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The Layman’s Havamal

By: Paul Begadon
Narrated by: Paul Begadon
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About this listen

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.

©2021 Paul Begadon (P)2021 Paul Begadon
Literary History & Criticism Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Middle ages Viking Inspiring Thought-Provoking Wisdom Viking Poetry
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Ancient Wisdom • Practical Advice • Soothing Voice • Cross-cultural Connections • Accessible Interpretation
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Who would have known ancient poems could be so useful. The author uses a popular translation to give tin his own take on the poems words. It really provides modern context.

Good take

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I truly enjoyed this book. The messages were clear and relatable. The layman interpretation to modern times was great will re-listen.

Great interpretation easy to assimilate

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For about twenty years i've been studying Asatrue and norse culture. In that time I have struggled finding a version of the half a mile that is true to the original as possible and doesn't push forward Either an anarchist or neo nazi tendency tendency. I love how the author uses multiple texts and religions throughout the world to compare The Hobbit miles words with other cultures. I think it fills it out and makes it easier to understand and relate it to everyone rather than dividing it from everyone the words of odin. Aren't meant to be exclusive? It's supposed to be inclusive for everyone to help all of us gain wisdom and insight into the world. And II feel that this version has done the best job. I give my sincere thanks to the author for this wonderful rendition of the hollow very much.

Truly the best rendition of the Havamal I've seen

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I loved this so much! it has helped me understand in a much easier way than other books. I recommend to listen to this.

loved it!

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I've taken an interest in Norse Mythology recently, so this fits the bill perfectly for me.

It's orated well and each verse is explained simply, for the layman.

Worth the listen.

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A wonderful reading and great interpretation. Top notch. The 2nd edition should have a forward by Dr. Jackson Crawford.

More than worth it.

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this book was brilliant, the havamal resonates with where I am right now unreal

exactly what I needed to hear

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Similar to How to think like a Roman Emperor, solid advice. Ancient and powerful stuff.

Great book, great source

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Loved it. Great version of Odins wisdom. I highly recommend this book well worth the read the wisdom here in is priceless

Author great skill

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we got this today and could not stop listening, am definitely buying the book itself.

Amazing listen

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