Havamal Snippets 146: If disputing or in sorrow, then sing for help

It goes somewhat against the cliched stereotype of the fieresome Viking doesn't it?  That a Viking who is in dire straits actually sings for help.  That he doesn't revert to picking up his spear to resolve his issues by aggressively destroying them, but instead he sings an emotionally charged song requesting help from another.  A song from the heart.

It demonstrates to us that a man can be both confident and aggressive, and emotionally humble at the same time.  The two aren't mutually exclusive.  They are tools, options.  There to be used when the situation calls for it.


146
Ljóð ek þau kann
er kannat þjóðans kona
ok mannskis mögr
hjálp heitir eitt
en þat þér hjálpa mun
við sökum ok sorgum
ok sútum görvöllum

I know the songs
that no ruler's wife knows,
nor anyone's son:
the first is called "Help",
and it will help you
with disputes and griefs
and absolutely all sorrows.


[End.]