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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.
What listeners say about The Layman’s Havamal
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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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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- 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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- 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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- That One Guy
- 05-11-21
Worth the listen.
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.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 28-07-22
good read
a little to much Christianity mixed in. nice referencing, overall a good read. I would recommend
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- Books and Sports guy
- 27-12-21
More than worth it.
A wonderful reading and great interpretation. Top notch. The 2nd edition should have a forward by Dr. Jackson Crawford.
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- Kindle Customer
- 22-01-23
exactly what I needed to hear
this book was brilliant, the havamal resonates with where I am right now unreal
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- Hermanubis
- 17-01-23
Phenomenal
Morals and Dogma let me to this, I had no idea it even existed, which is rare, considering how long I’ve been studying the Old Father under his various manifestations across time and cultures, and how many times I’ve gone through Morals and Dogma,but the timing has been perfect and I’ve been recommending it to multiple people I deem worthy of it. TY for your labor Paul, very well done.
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- Linda
- 04-01-23
exceptional reading
great literature easy listening recommend it to anyone looking for there path or just looking for something interesting and new
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- Anonymous User
- 30-12-22
Excellent listen
Well researched concise thoroughly enjoyable.. to hear the words of the allfather in plain English ( with an Irish accent) was brilliant… more like this Paul … try the asatru faith next PLEASE
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- Dylanoconnor
- 20-12-22
Great interpretation easy to assimilate
I truly enjoyed this book. The messages were clear and relatable. The layman interpretation to modern times was great will re-listen.
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- MOMS of 5
- 05-12-22
Amazing and easy to follow
For any religion or following you may be in to this book still need to be in your library!
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- Tim
- 24-11-22
great job on this book
job and great great performance great life advice from Odin. my family is also from Ireland but we settled in West Virginia I can see the havall in their actions