Stanza 68

The Hávamál is one of the poems of the Poetic Edda.  It sets out a set of guidelines for wise living and survival.  The Hávamál consists of a number of poems, which shift in tone and tenor and narrative position.  Numerous English translations exist of the text.

 

 

Stanza 68

 

Original-
Eldr er beztr
með ýta sonum
ok sólar sýn
heilyndi sitt
ef maðr hafa náir
án við löst at lifa

 

Translation-
A warm fire
should be appreciated,
and the sight of the sun.
Enjoy your good health
(if you can keep it)
and embrace a life
without shame.
- Hávamál: Stanza 68

 

Stanza 68 is about enjoying the simple things in life. The Viking Age was a time of living in the here and now, by heroic deeds and brave actions.  A hot cup of coffee in the morning, a good meal, the smell of baking bread; all of these small moments that can make our lives just a little brighter.  What are you thankful for today?

 

Happiness

The Meaning of Life