I will never not smile at the fact that taking a shower is among the advice given by Odin in the Havamal 😄. It seems such a small thing; though, having lived around someone who didn’t I can definitely understand why... 😓
Historically, that was something that separated the Danes from the English when they invaded England. Read a document back in college where an Anglo-Saxon writer complained that the Danes were more popular with the ladies. Because they did unthinkable things like taking baths and washing their hair regularly. It also makes me smile that even then there was enough of a problem that Odin had to actually tell people to do it and we still have that same problem with some people today.
Still today, and probably forever, when someone someone asks me what the most awkward conversation I've had to have with someone as a supervisor, it will always be: "We really need you to shower more often."
@@martialartess If i'm not mistaken they didn't take baths all that often during medieval times because they believed it would open up their pores and let in diseases.
I am new to this “religion” if you will. I stumbled upon the Havamal through a friend and was quite amused with the idea of “Vikings” due to their stigma in modern society. Nevertheless I started doing more research and over the last few days I think I have finally found something that I can believe in and let guide me. I have always criticized religions as I thought they were childish. I’m excited to see where this research leads me and I can’t wait to read through the Havamal and see how I interpret the words.
@@DiggitySchwag it all depends how you interpret it. I myself do not believe in necessarily the myths of paganism, such as dwarves holding up the sky, but rather just follow the lifestyle beliefs of the nords. Taking care of yourself & your fellow men, do not lead an evil life, respect the land, etc.
an zues was even mentioned in the kvg Bible too, he was placed in the highest of temples with other higher divine statues beings, an odin is too, odinn an thourus thor i think is thor and Thursday of the week fun history
The fact y'all worship multiple gods and because of that, tend to be cool and accepting of other faiths as well as none, is why I respect the polytheist community a HELL alot
The old gods of Christian Europe are preserved in weekday names, the old gods of Israel were preserved as cherubim/living creatures, inside the holy of holies. Puritanical sects of both thought to abolish them (as with the gods of the Ka'aba in Mecca) but were regarded as cultural vandals removing ancient landmarks.
Worship might not be a good word. We might have to fight one or two, depending on what kind of shit they decide to get into that day and if we're sidelined with Hel or not.
iv found in my studies, that people who follow polytheism such as paganism, tend to be the most open minded and accepting of others believes. Most people i know who are christian or catholic look at you as if your going to hell for anything different
Thank you but many of us actually do not believe in theism at all, some of us are actually animists. This is what causes us to appear to be polytheistic to some and atheistic to others.
But the havamal really gets into the mindset of odins wanderer form, reading the sadder lines eg stanza 70 odin is very understanding of sadness, theirs the coldness and foggy views of the mountains.The hanged one, and such. Especially when you mention the misplacement that fits the wanderer. Its a comforting book if you know sadness, bit like odin himself (or well woden in mine as an anglo-saxon pagan) scary at first, seemingly daunting but if you know suffering he shows warmth to you as you know what he's been through.
The nords were very self-aware of their looks. Keeping clean and well-fed for their health and attractiveness, as well as donning makeup in battle to terrify their enemies.
As he was describing the Havamal's guidance on how to be a good person, I feel like I've always done this my entire adult life. I feel like I need to pick up a copy of the havamal and study it now. Thank you for everything, Ocean. You carry the wisdom of Odin with you.
You can buy a copy of the entire Poetic Edda, which is the compilation of all of the Norse Paganism-related poems from the Codex Regius, including the Havamal. My copy lists it as "Sayings of the High One".
8:39 Christianity had been based on some paganistic traditions, stories, symbols etc so it is also possible that Odin getting struck with a spear could be the original story rather than that of Jesus.
The origin of Odin is in Germanic tribal traditions that have very strong influence from the Roman culture. The spear was holy in Germanic culture so they would have listened very closely to that given sign in the passion of Christ. A cross would have been no match to the holy tree 🌲 of life to hang Odin on. To me the sacrifice of Odin is a pagan interpretation of the Passion. The rise of Odin to be the Alfather of the other gods ranking over Thor is quite a mystery. It seems to me that he originated from a death cult figure that could communicate to the underworld and as such valuable asset to the Chieftains of the Vikings. His magical powers and chants is a direct link to poetry and when the runic writing was established he was the obvious master of that craft. Spell is written or a sign that is cast. Not necessarily spoken.
Consider the fact that we have a historical record of Jesus' crucifixion and that crucifixion was pretty common for the Romans, and not just reserved for Christians or even the fact that during the 1st century A.D. the Romans made no distinction between Jews and Christians till Nero. Why I bring this up is in order to emphasise the lack of a strong, inherent, link between Odin hanging himself and Jesus' crucifixion. Not to mention the fact that the only similarity is between the actual act of self-sacrifice. J.R.R.Tolkien (a fine Norse scholar in his own right!) postulated that Odin's origins were in fact Gothic, given how certain stories within the Eddas (namely the Volsungs, and the Lays of Atli) concern a Hunnic chief called Atli (Atilla) and tell of his conflicts with the Gothic peoples (namely the Ostrogoths and their king Earmanaric, whom the Norse called Iormenrekkr). Which highlights a curious reintroduction of Odin from an earlier Germanic culture into the remerging younger Germanic culture of the Medieval Norse. My take, Germanic stories may have been particularly subject to variation and interpretation, hence why historical attempts to assemble an Ovidian-style chronology of Norse myth only seem to yield inconsistencies and confusion. However, it does also serve to mention that "Christian corruption" is inherently difficult to interpret, and is not just unique to Norse paganism, see the Christian corruption of the works of Cicero or Plato as Christianity adopted pagan laws and structures wholesale, but detached the religion. It should also not be underestimated that the stories within the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda were transmitted verbally well before they were written down; and the fact that they were transmitted by a society that did not write anything down beyond the runes. We date the poems in the Poetic Edda at an earlier date (about 850-1000 A.D.) than Snorri's later Prose Edda; as Snorri represents the earliest record of these stories assembled in some kind of chronological prose, not the earliest recorded existence of these stories. Hence the misconception that Snorri "invented Norse mythology". Christian corruption likely became more apparent as the Prose Edda was copied, but it is worth highlighting that scholars in Iceland (Christian by this time) held a unique interest in preserving the old lore. Inherently it is difficult to interpret the corruption this way as we also have archaeological evidence that depicts pre-Eddaic scenes that were later written down in poetry and prose.
@@Nikelaos_Khristianos Would that be the Germanic tribal called the Franks which is a type of spear where the phrase 'be frank about it' or 'get to the point(frank)' and as I see it the Christians were an off shoot of the cult of Serapis The Historia Augusta is a collection of often spurious biographies of Roman emperors that was written in the late fourth century AD (about the time of Theodosius, when the Temple of Serapis was destroyed). Hadrian is purported to have addressed a letter from Egypt to his elderly brother-in-law Servianus, who was Roman consul in AD 134 (by which time Hadrian himself was back in Rome). In Alexandria, he relates: "There those who worship Serapis are, in fact, Christians, and those who call themselves bishops of Christ are, in fact, devotees of Serapis" (The Four Tyrants, VIII.1).
@@MrBlazingup420 I'm really not sure how to put this, but that "letter that Hadrian wrote" was never actually written by Hadrian. It's been proven to be a forgery by the enigmatic author of the Historia Augusta, in other words, your source is fake. Not to mention that "often spurious" is being generous, the Historia Augusta is renowned as an historical source, not for its usefulness, but because it is a truly baffling document. It is more or less a complete forgery written by someone living 200 years after the time; and the Latin it is written in is exceptionally odd as it bears little semblance to the written Latin of writers such as Suetonius or Tacitus. Authors like Suetonius may be infamous for reporting the most scandalous version of events, but his works are not forgeries like the Historia Augusta. Additionally, that is an old internet pseudo-myth that links Serapis Christus with Jesus Christ. The two cults are completely unrelated; you can even see the incredulity in the author's tone (at least in translation) at these pagans using the term "Christ" and calling themselves "Christians", even though "Christos" is a Greek word that means "Chosen One" and is far older than Jesus. Btw, I didn't actually use the phrase "a Germanic tribe", I actually referred specifically to Gothic peoples, but I can be even more precise as I was referring to the Ostrogoths. Additionally, I made no mention of a "spear tip", you may have me confused with the other commenter who was referring to Germanic tribal traditions. But what I can say is that is also false that "to be frank" means "to be to the spear-tip", as neat as that sounds. Yes, the word "Franko" may have been based on a Proto-Germanic word for a javelin. But English receives the word "Franc" from Old French and Medieval Latin where it came to be known as "free". In other words, "to be frank" with someone is closer to "speak freely" with someone.
Only a week ago I didnt evan know there were practicing Norse polytheist and now I'm in the process of converting. I've always felt a calling to more polytheistical ideals but didnt know where to start. Then the RUclips algorithm randomly placed you in front of me. I am eternally grateful for your videos! They have made me feel a excitement about religion again I havnt felt since I was a child. Truly thank you!
Maybe you should check out Arith Härger on RUclips as well. Loads of non bs information. Neil Price, 'the children of ash' is a must as well. Velkommin bróðir. ;)
@@j3tztbassman123 Yes you should, and yes he does! I think my favorite translation of the Havamal is his, so pick up his version of the Poetic Edda. Now, it's my favorite translation for ease of reading. If there is a most accurate, or most in the spirit of the text, I don't know. I'm not anything close to an expert.
Shout-out to his translation to his translation of Saga of the Volsungs (with the Saga of Ragnar Shaggy-pants). It's excellent. 👌 Though I personally prefer J.R.R. Tolkien's poetic translation of the Saga of the Volsungs (the New Lays of Sigurd and Gudrun); as he preserves the Old Norse poetic techniques in a Skaldic fashion (essentially a long lay, or a poem), rather than the style of a Saga. It also distances the Saga of the Volsungs from Ragnar's Saga, which is a change I personally welcome. The Volsungs don't need to be connected to Ragnar and vice versa, they are more than capable of standing on their own, and the story doesn't really lose much by omitting Aslaug. But both are marvellous, and worth reading, it just depends if you prefer poetry over a story, or vice versa.
New to your channel and the channels of your circle in general, but the last few weeks now have been a breath of fresh air in terms of deepening my understanding and fascination in Norse paganism. Hail from Norway!
One of the things I have told to various people of different faiths is that "truth is truth no matter where it comes from." Christians are surprised at just how similar the Havamal is to verses in Proverbs, and that is how I came up with this little saying of mine.
Great video. I've found much of the advice in the Havamal valuable. In particular, the advice about not trusting people, at least not right away, has never proven wrong. This isn't to say that no one should be trusted so much as that trust needs to be earned, and we are better off mostly keeping our own council while doing more listening than talking. At least that's what I get from it mostly.
Hey Ocean, Love the channel. I don't know a lick about this religion (until yesterday I didn't realize there were still people who literally believed in the Norse gods, as I'd only met more modernized Pagans who revere the mythology and culture, but see the gods as metaphor). Since I found your channel, though, I haven't been able to stop watching. I'm not a believer, but I have Norse ancestry (the origin of my mother's maiden name was "Descendant of Thor") and I find this stuff fascinating from a cultural perspective. On your recommendations, I just picked up a copy of "The Viking Spirit" and a Jackson Crawford translation of the Havamal (chosen because I saw your subscribers speaking highly of him). I can't wait to learn more. One question I wonder if you might be interested in covering is the Oath Ring. I discovered your channel and that of another prominent Heathen RUclipsr (who I promptly stopped watching once I saw a video of yours regarding his problematic history), and in it he was wearing the style of ring seen on shows like Vikings, as a bracelet, and talking about it as his "Oath Ring", but some very basic research I'd done into the idea some time ago seemed to suggest that the use of this style of ring in Norse/Viking media was somewhat anachronistic. I'd love to hear what you know/think on the matter, if you deem it a worthy topic of discussion. Keep up the great work.
My suspicion is the same. I’ve been passively looking for references on that and all I’ve found is Odin swearing on his ring in the Havamal. But its an oath he famously breaks. I have not seen any other references, and no references that I’m aware of that it was a cultural practice. Though I havent really dug in looking for them either. If I do a video on it, I’ll dig much deeper and pursue the issue.
The words of the Hávámal is why I love Odin so much, and foremost... Though he may break oaths and trick, there is a deepness within him that just makes me admire him. 🖤
@@mrpoop123 Oh. I didn't know that's what you meant when you said that. I thought you were referring to the fact he made us and the worlds and that's why we are here.
@@mrpoop123 Well. I like it here. If I can quote something Bishop Headman said to Lagertha on Vikings "Life is joy... It's pain, it's feeling, it's suffering." Life is full of ecstacy and things we may not find in the afterlife. Maybe I'm wrong. But living life to the fullest before you die and enter the nonmaterial world is always something I like to do. To me, living life is like living a movie or a story. How you play out that story is what you'll be able to reflect on when your in the afterlife someday.
This has been my favorite video so far , I have to say having to seek out this information on my own I'm often skeptical of those presenting the information but nothing ventured nothing gained
I used to learn about the Hávamál when i was younger Most of the Mál are Just common logical sence but a ton of them really are helpful for day to day life it's basically telling you what you ought to do / act or else you might be seen as a or be a fool/idiot
I really connect a lot with this video and with a lot of things I hear about Odin. Especially his qualities of wandering and seeking knowledge and wisdom. I think I might have a look at this Havamal.
Instant like for the Havamal pun at the beginning of the vid, but honestly, this would have received a like at the end anyways. Another great bit of content.
Hi, I’m a new subscriber, I myself have been really into and practicing my Norse blood. I joined a Viking HEMA group about 4 years ago and we practice on Saturday in fighting in the Viking way. We use steel weapons with dulled edges and it is awesome! But I have been wanting more the last couple years. I have been really interested in the Norse religion to be able to do/bring some of our rituals . For example, we have events during the summer and we have lags all around the world, there are 1000’s of us and we have events were say a few lags will get together and we will for a weekend have battles. So on Friday when we all get to the place we are having our event and have a ceremony on Friday night for the battles to come over the weekend. I would love to bring that to the group! And I am really thinking of becoming a Norse pagan, I really love my Heritage and love what I do know of the Norse . Being a historian I have a lot of knowledge about the Norse and a basic understanding of there gods. But I as well would love to be able to do pagan weddings. How would i get started? Thank you! Skal
Great rendition. I feel you get this from all angles. I however resonate with Odin as the lord of the gallows who encountered his own Rind before and constantly tries to avoid any other versions of Rind.
I especially like the part on death Yes if you must die in battle make it glorious, but it's better to survive and keep fighting, keep working, keep loving your family.
This video really warmed my heart and body. Hearing about the gods, especially Odin & Tyr, helps me forget about the shitty day I have had. Hail the Allfather
Well explained thank you very much! In Hebrew, "Dan" - Judge\"speaks in a matter of formal conversation regarding various matters" Dayan - People who speak formally about controversies and solutions to them "Speaker" (In a formal way) Hu - Dan : "He is judging" ( "Hu" - He in English. Combined sounds as if you are saying "Wodan" because there is a minor "hh" breath between the two words which gives it the "Woo" sound to complete it to "Wodan" The name "Dan" represents one of the 12 sons of Jacob, who had a tribe who were called "Bnei Dan" , who represented retaliation and more. I find this coincidence oddly comfortable. The people of Israel (maybe Isu and Israel have a connection from past...) suffered many prosection from foreign powers, and our Torah "kinda" spread through the whole world in many names "Bybaal" (bible) for example As a Judaist, it actually brought me to realize the Norse *Powers* that run in the Norse world in Conjunction to the Tor-ah, of the Sons of Israel which has many similarities. Hope these anecdotes will serve you well, Thank you again. Skal!
as he said you laugh when those you don't trust do because you keep your friends close but then you keep your enemies closer so as to keep them out of mischief
I don't worship the Nordic gods, but I am very familiar because my ancestors did so. All of this is so fascinating because it's usually something I might've missed in my research or just now learning the modern adaptations of Norse. And I like the jabs at Christianity like it's the 800s
I've recently discovered your channel and others that talk about paganism and polytheism and although I'm an atheist I still find things like this so interesting as well as insightful. I've always been drawn to norse and greek polytheistic religions which compared to Christianity or any Abrahamic religion seem to be much more interesting and close to humanity, maybe because in a way the gods feel more real in their actions and relationship with humans than just having an almighty, perfect and unreachable god that we should never question or try to understand for he is above human comprehension. Anyways enough rant, love your videos and the way you present ideas, keep it up!!
Im currently seeking more knowledge my breathren do you have any advice one literature and were i may learn more about this sacred and precious beautiful pantheon?
Hi Ocean! I discovered your channel a few days ago and I've been bingeing your backlog ever since. BTW: Since I started watching your videos, I've been suddenly inundated with Christian ads on YT. Conspiracy? Lol But seriously, your content is great. Your approach to paganism - with a distinct lack of woo-woo - is a revelation. Your videos are so clear and thoughtful, I have already learned an incredible amount over just a few days. I was under the impression for a long time that all pagans were "fluffy bunnies." I'm very glad to be proven wrong.
I wonder if making a hanged man talk is in the context that he was good at getting those to be hanged to talk over staying or being silent. Just a thought.
That's because Odin was an ancestral warlord of mysticism, even in the text. Their use of the term "God" is a dramatic transliteration for their self-deification before Mankind after having defeated Ymir...hence the term "God" deriving from an Old Germanic name for Odin.
New pagan here, I'm looking for a hardcover or paperback version of the havamal to buy and keep in my home and I was wondering which English translation of the havamal in physical copy form you personally recommend as a "jumping off point" so to speak. Is the Jackson crawford translation a good one, or is there another version of the havamal I should seek out?
I saw the sacrificing himself to himself to gain knowledge of the Runes very simply, you have to put yourself into learning and try not to stop, it is this important. I'm not saying everyone has to be a genius but willful ignorance is definitely not encouraged here.
I have enjoyed a great deal of relief in knowing that the wisdom of Orin’s words is available to humanity. I have visited them many times, listening to the translated videos, sometimes holding those in my earshot hostage to possibly absorb some of the advice I know to be very valuable. On occasion I’ve tested my own children, knowing that they haven’t experienced some of the random chaos that exists in the world. I would catch them off guard, scare the begeezus out of them, then gauge their reaction to appraise their ability to survive. Unfortunately, my only good advice at the time was to quote the great Cypress Hill by singing, “When the sh*T goes down, you better be ready”. However, when you know better you do better, so these days I just blast Havamal, now that’s good parenting as far as I’m concerned.
The thing I love the most about the havimal is that it's wisdom that's easy to absorb. You don't have to be a scholar or a particularly learned person to understand it or apply it to your own life. Which is good for me because I got donkey brains lol
I will never not smile at the fact that taking a shower is among the advice given by Odin in the Havamal 😄. It seems such a small thing; though, having lived around someone who didn’t I can definitely understand why... 😓
Historically, that was something that separated the Danes from the English when they invaded England. Read a document back in college where an Anglo-Saxon writer complained that the Danes were more popular with the ladies. Because they did unthinkable things like taking baths and washing their hair regularly. It also makes me smile that even then there was enough of a problem that Odin had to actually tell people to do it and we still have that same problem with some people today.
Still today, and probably forever, when someone someone asks me what the most awkward conversation I've had to have with someone as a supervisor, it will always be: "We really need you to shower more often."
I live around someone that showers almost everyday but still stinks...
"You need to take a shower." ~ Odin.
@@martialartess If i'm not mistaken they didn't take baths all that often during medieval times because they believed it would open up their pores and let in diseases.
If you're going to get fatherly advice, you might as well get it from the Allfather.
What is wrong with your God? guys! all of them died
@@ibrahimalharbi3358 I'm not really sure what you are asking.
Pagan or not, The Havamal is just good life advice in general!
I am new to this “religion” if you will. I stumbled upon the Havamal through a friend and was quite amused with the idea of “Vikings” due to their stigma in modern society. Nevertheless I started doing more research and over the last few days I think I have finally found something that I can believe in and let guide me. I have always criticized religions as I thought they were childish. I’m excited to see where this research leads me and I can’t wait to read through the Havamal and see how I interpret the words.
@@DiggitySchwag it all depends how you interpret it. I myself do not believe in necessarily the myths of paganism, such as dwarves holding up the sky, but rather just follow the lifestyle beliefs of the nords. Taking care of yourself & your fellow men, do not lead an evil life, respect the land, etc.
Every word
an zues was even mentioned in the kvg Bible too, he was placed in the highest of temples with other higher divine statues beings, an odin is too, odinn an thourus thor i think is thor and Thursday of the week fun history
Pagan is a really unpleasant word...
"Local man hangs himself, learns to read"
Odin is OG Florida Man
@@paynevess8822 He sure is an OG, but what is a Florida Man. Now don't say a man from Florida.
@@nocturnaljoe9543 a man from Florida
@@creepy_assassin6234 DAMN! I knew it!
@@creepy_assassin6234 🤣🤣🤣
The fact y'all worship multiple gods and because of that, tend to be cool and accepting of other faiths as well as none, is why I respect the polytheist community a HELL alot
The old gods of Christian Europe are preserved in weekday names, the old gods of Israel were preserved as cherubim/living creatures, inside the holy of holies. Puritanical sects of both thought to abolish them (as with the gods of the Ka'aba in Mecca) but were regarded as cultural vandals removing ancient landmarks.
Thank you. This community (Ocean's and Aliaki's servers) puts a great emphasis on tolerance and acceptance. Not all pagan groups do.
Worship might not be a good word. We might have to fight one or two, depending on what kind of shit they decide to get into that day and if we're sidelined with Hel or not.
iv found in my studies, that people who follow polytheism such as paganism, tend to be the most open minded and accepting of others believes. Most people i know who are christian or catholic look at you as if your going to hell for anything different
Thank you but many of us actually do not believe in theism at all, some of us are actually animists. This is what causes us to appear to be polytheistic to some and atheistic to others.
But the havamal really gets into the mindset of odins wanderer form, reading the sadder lines eg stanza 70 odin is very understanding of sadness, theirs the coldness and foggy views of the mountains.The hanged one, and such. Especially when you mention the misplacement that fits the wanderer. Its a comforting book if you know sadness, bit like odin himself (or well woden in mine as an anglo-saxon pagan) scary at first, seemingly daunting but if you know suffering he shows warmth to you as you know what he's been through.
This really captures the feeling the Havamal gives when reading it.
@@OceanKeltoi Yeah, its really beautiful in that sense.
It's amazing to see things like being weary of others and taking a shower to be some of the things Odin gave advice on, very practical stuff.
Odin just wasn't a fan of stinky guests.
very true my friend lol
The nords were very self-aware of their looks. Keeping clean and well-fed for their health and attractiveness, as well as donning makeup in battle to terrify their enemies.
The Swedish name for Saturday, Lördag, means bath day.
@@OceanKeltoi Odin and Thor slaughtered the Gaints for some prophecy. Kratos will give Thor and Odin what they rightfully deserve.
As he was describing the Havamal's guidance on how to be a good person, I feel like I've always done this my entire adult life. I feel like I need to pick up a copy of the havamal and study it now.
Thank you for everything, Ocean. You carry the wisdom of Odin with you.
You can download it on academia.edu app. Its really good. I've listened to it more than once. Its long but worth it. 😊
Alternatively: www.pitt.edu/~dash/havamal.html
You can buy a copy of the entire Poetic Edda, which is the compilation of all of the Norse Paganism-related poems from the Codex Regius, including the Havamal. My copy lists it as "Sayings of the High One".
You can get Jackson Crawford version I have been reading it for awhile and it's a great book
I loved what you had to say about Odin's attitude toward disability. Thank you !
8:39 Christianity had been based on some paganistic traditions, stories, symbols etc so it is also possible that Odin getting struck with a spear could be the original story rather than that of Jesus.
The origin of Odin is in Germanic tribal traditions that have very strong influence from the Roman culture. The spear was holy in Germanic culture so they would have listened very closely to that given sign in the passion of Christ. A cross would have been no match to the holy tree 🌲 of life to hang Odin on. To me the sacrifice of Odin is a pagan interpretation of the Passion. The rise of Odin to be the Alfather of the other gods ranking over Thor is quite a mystery. It seems to me that he originated from a death cult figure that could communicate to the underworld and as such valuable asset to the Chieftains of the Vikings. His magical powers and chants is a direct link to poetry and when the runic writing was established he was the obvious master of that craft. Spell is written or a sign that is cast. Not necessarily spoken.
Consider the fact that we have a historical record of Jesus' crucifixion and that crucifixion was pretty common for the Romans, and not just reserved for Christians or even the fact that during the 1st century A.D. the Romans made no distinction between Jews and Christians till Nero. Why I bring this up is in order to emphasise the lack of a strong, inherent, link between Odin hanging himself and Jesus' crucifixion. Not to mention the fact that the only similarity is between the actual act of self-sacrifice. J.R.R.Tolkien (a fine Norse scholar in his own right!) postulated that Odin's origins were in fact Gothic, given how certain stories within the Eddas (namely the Volsungs, and the Lays of Atli) concern a Hunnic chief called Atli (Atilla) and tell of his conflicts with the Gothic peoples (namely the Ostrogoths and their king Earmanaric, whom the Norse called Iormenrekkr). Which highlights a curious reintroduction of Odin from an earlier Germanic culture into the remerging younger Germanic culture of the Medieval Norse. My take, Germanic stories may have been particularly subject to variation and interpretation, hence why historical attempts to assemble an Ovidian-style chronology of Norse myth only seem to yield inconsistencies and confusion.
However, it does also serve to mention that "Christian corruption" is inherently difficult to interpret, and is not just unique to Norse paganism, see the Christian corruption of the works of Cicero or Plato as Christianity adopted pagan laws and structures wholesale, but detached the religion. It should also not be underestimated that the stories within the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda were transmitted verbally well before they were written down; and the fact that they were transmitted by a society that did not write anything down beyond the runes. We date the poems in the Poetic Edda at an earlier date (about 850-1000 A.D.) than Snorri's later Prose Edda; as Snorri represents the earliest record of these stories assembled in some kind of chronological prose, not the earliest recorded existence of these stories. Hence the misconception that Snorri "invented Norse mythology".
Christian corruption likely became more apparent as the Prose Edda was copied, but it is worth highlighting that scholars in Iceland (Christian by this time) held a unique interest in preserving the old lore. Inherently it is difficult to interpret the corruption this way as we also have archaeological evidence that depicts pre-Eddaic scenes that were later written down in poetry and prose.
@@Nikelaos_Khristianos Yeah exactly.
@@Nikelaos_Khristianos Would that be the Germanic tribal called the Franks which is a type of spear where the phrase 'be frank about it' or 'get to the point(frank)'
and as I see it the Christians were an off shoot of the cult of Serapis
The Historia Augusta is a collection of often spurious biographies of Roman emperors that was written in the late fourth century AD (about the time of Theodosius, when the Temple of Serapis was destroyed). Hadrian is purported to have addressed a letter from Egypt to his elderly brother-in-law Servianus, who was Roman consul in AD 134 (by which time Hadrian himself was back in Rome). In Alexandria, he relates: "There those who worship Serapis are, in fact, Christians, and those who call themselves bishops of Christ are, in fact, devotees of Serapis" (The Four Tyrants, VIII.1).
@@MrBlazingup420 I'm really not sure how to put this, but that "letter that Hadrian wrote" was never actually written by Hadrian. It's been proven to be a forgery by the enigmatic author of the Historia Augusta, in other words, your source is fake. Not to mention that "often spurious" is being generous, the Historia Augusta is renowned as an historical source, not for its usefulness, but because it is a truly baffling document. It is more or less a complete forgery written by someone living 200 years after the time; and the Latin it is written in is exceptionally odd as it bears little semblance to the written Latin of writers such as Suetonius or Tacitus. Authors like Suetonius may be infamous for reporting the most scandalous version of events, but his works are not forgeries like the Historia Augusta.
Additionally, that is an old internet pseudo-myth that links Serapis Christus with Jesus Christ. The two cults are completely unrelated; you can even see the incredulity in the author's tone (at least in translation) at these pagans using the term "Christ" and calling themselves "Christians", even though "Christos" is a Greek word that means "Chosen One" and is far older than Jesus.
Btw, I didn't actually use the phrase "a Germanic tribe", I actually referred specifically to Gothic peoples, but I can be even more precise as I was referring to the Ostrogoths. Additionally, I made no mention of a "spear tip", you may have me confused with the other commenter who was referring to Germanic tribal traditions. But what I can say is that is also false that "to be frank" means "to be to the spear-tip", as neat as that sounds. Yes, the word "Franko" may have been based on a Proto-Germanic word for a javelin. But English receives the word "Franc" from Old French and Medieval Latin where it came to be known as "free". In other words, "to be frank" with someone is closer to "speak freely" with someone.
Only a week ago I didnt evan know there were practicing Norse polytheist and now I'm in the process of converting. I've always felt a calling to more polytheistical ideals but didnt know where to start. Then the RUclips algorithm randomly placed you in front of me. I am eternally grateful for your videos! They have made me feel a excitement about religion again I havnt felt since I was a child. Truly thank you!
Maybe you should check out Arith Härger on RUclips as well. Loads of non bs information. Neil Price, 'the children of ash' is a must as well. Velkommin bróðir. ;)
Welcome home brother.
Lol
Also, Jackson Crawford's "Cowboy Havamal" is amazing ans should be read (or heard) by everyone interested in this sort of thing.
I really should get a copy. Dr. Crawford knows his stuff.
@@j3tztbassman123 Yes you should, and yes he does! I think my favorite translation of the Havamal is his, so pick up his version of the Poetic Edda. Now, it's my favorite translation for ease of reading. If there is a most accurate, or most in the spirit of the text, I don't know. I'm not anything close to an expert.
Just ordered it, on Amazon
@@RazeAVillage I literally just ordered my copy of his Havamal. Will be arriving Tuesday!
Shout-out to his translation to his translation of Saga of the Volsungs (with the Saga of Ragnar Shaggy-pants). It's excellent. 👌
Though I personally prefer J.R.R. Tolkien's poetic translation of the Saga of the Volsungs (the New Lays of Sigurd and Gudrun); as he preserves the Old Norse poetic techniques in a Skaldic fashion (essentially a long lay, or a poem), rather than the style of a Saga. It also distances the Saga of the Volsungs from Ragnar's Saga, which is a change I personally welcome. The Volsungs don't need to be connected to Ragnar and vice versa, they are more than capable of standing on their own, and the story doesn't really lose much by omitting Aslaug.
But both are marvellous, and worth reading, it just depends if you prefer poetry over a story, or vice versa.
New to your channel and the channels of your circle in general, but the last few weeks now have been a breath of fresh air in terms of deepening my understanding and fascination in Norse paganism. Hail from Norway!
One of the things I have told to various people of different faiths is that "truth is truth no matter where it comes from." Christians are surprised at just how similar the Havamal is to verses in Proverbs, and that is how I came up with this little saying of mine.
Great video. I've found much of the advice in the Havamal valuable. In particular, the advice about not trusting people, at least not right away, has never proven wrong. This isn't to say that no one should be trusted so much as that trust needs to be earned, and we are better off mostly keeping our own council while doing more listening than talking. At least that's what I get from it mostly.
Outstanding tribute to Odin. Learning much from you. So happy I found you!
Another great Video Ocean! Learned something new about the origins!
That pun at the beginning. I’m speechless. I’m flabbergasted. I’m genuinely impressed. As a self-proclaimed Pun Lord, I salute you.
Great video! Thank you so much for creating this!
I’m so glad I found your channel! I hope you keep these going!
I absolutely loved this! Thank you for sharing such wisdom 🍻
Also I love the Jerald and Katriel I. The patreons. Thank you for including us together.
I figured that was the right way to do it
"In the beginning was the word, and the word was with Woden and the word was woden" , seems to flow better than saying "God" don't you think?
Interestingly enough, both the words god and Woden come from a single common PIE word.
Binge watching your videos! Finally found a channel I feel I can trust the info!
Such a good well made video, you deserve many more subs brother!
Great work as always.
Having watches something around 20 of your videos in the last couple weeks, I've gotta say the puns are a high percentage of the reason I subscribed.
The tone of this video is just really nice and really warm. 👍🏼
I’ve watched like 10 of your videos And I still feel like I haven’t learned enough thank you for your vids!
There is so much information to go over. I feel like I have so much left to do
Excellent video !! Just gained a subscriber... well done I hope you've got more content layed out like this.
Hey Ocean,
Love the channel. I don't know a lick about this religion (until yesterday I didn't realize there were still people who literally believed in the Norse gods, as I'd only met more modernized Pagans who revere the mythology and culture, but see the gods as metaphor). Since I found your channel, though, I haven't been able to stop watching. I'm not a believer, but I have Norse ancestry (the origin of my mother's maiden name was "Descendant of Thor") and I find this stuff fascinating from a cultural perspective.
On your recommendations, I just picked up a copy of "The Viking Spirit" and a Jackson Crawford translation of the Havamal (chosen because I saw your subscribers speaking highly of him). I can't wait to learn more.
One question I wonder if you might be interested in covering is the Oath Ring. I discovered your channel and that of another prominent Heathen RUclipsr (who I promptly stopped watching once I saw a video of yours regarding his problematic history), and in it he was wearing the style of ring seen on shows like Vikings, as a bracelet, and talking about it as his "Oath Ring", but some very basic research I'd done into the idea some time ago seemed to suggest that the use of this style of ring in Norse/Viking media was somewhat anachronistic. I'd love to hear what you know/think on the matter, if you deem it a worthy topic of discussion.
Keep up the great work.
My suspicion is the same. I’ve been passively looking for references on that and all I’ve found is Odin swearing on his ring in the Havamal. But its an oath he famously breaks. I have not seen any other references, and no references that I’m aware of that it was a cultural practice. Though I havent really dug in looking for them either. If I do a video on it, I’ll dig much deeper and pursue the issue.
The arm ring produced 9 new ones every 9 days. Made by the dwarves.
But you won’t dig into whether celebrities are hijacking your god?
The words of the Hávámal is why I love Odin so much, and foremost... Though he may break oaths and trick, there is a deepness within him that just makes me admire him. 🖤
@@mrpoop123 That he is. 🖤
@@mrpoop123 Oh. I didn't know that's what you meant when you said that. I thought you were referring to the fact he made us and the worlds and that's why we are here.
@@mrpoop123 Well. I like it here. If I can quote something Bishop Headman said to Lagertha on Vikings "Life is joy... It's pain, it's feeling, it's suffering." Life is full of ecstacy and things we may not find in the afterlife. Maybe I'm wrong. But living life to the fullest before you die and enter the nonmaterial world is always something I like to do. To me, living life is like living a movie or a story. How you play out that story is what you'll be able to reflect on when your in the afterlife someday.
This has been my favorite video so far , I have to say having to seek out this information on my own I'm often skeptical of those presenting the information but nothing ventured nothing gained
I just started the Havamal. I look forward to even the smallest knowledge from Odin being 🚿 ed on me. Lol
the Havamal is so helpful in daily life advice. I try read a stanza a day and meditate on it.
I can't stop listening. His voice is so welcoming
I used to learn about the Hávamál when i was younger Most of the Mál are Just common logical sence but a ton of them really are helpful for day to day life it's basically telling you what you ought to do / act or else you might be seen as a or be a fool/idiot
I’m so glad I found you channel love you vids
That’s good content dude. Stylish & Classy-
Fantastic video! I would love to hear of the veneration of the runes and perhaps any animistic qualities of your religion
Yeah.... 1st time watching your videos. 4 minutes in, subscribed. Awesome stuff!
This book review brought you my respect. And subscription. Thank you.
so this was hella good gj
I enjoyed this video very much, thank you 👍
Grats on 12k subs! 🙌
🎉
i'm still kinda reeling from the onslaught of new people showing up
Thank you this makes so much sense
I have a great grandson named Odin & he now has a 1 yr old sister named Valkyrie
I started my journey a few weeks ago askikg Odin to give me knowledge on the religion and then I found this channel and i think its helping a lot
I really connect a lot with this video and with a lot of things I hear about Odin. Especially his qualities of wandering and seeking knowledge and wisdom. I think I might have a look at this Havamal.
Nice Video Viking Brother!
A great explanation brother.
This is beautiful, can't wait to buy a copy of Havamal!
Killing it!
Hey yall! Glad to see you.
Instant like for the Havamal pun at the beginning of the vid, but honestly, this would have received a like at the end anyways. Another great bit of content.
Read it for the first time yesterday in my read-through of the Poetic Edda. I found myself smiling and laughing a lot. Great advice.
The dad jokes at the beginning of your videos are gold!
Many thanks to you for posting this... Odin be with you ..
Hail to you Ocean.
Havamal = common sense and courtesy
Hi, I’m a new subscriber, I myself have been really into and practicing my Norse blood. I joined a Viking HEMA group about 4 years ago and we practice on Saturday in fighting in the Viking way. We use steel weapons with dulled edges and it is awesome! But I have been wanting more the last couple years. I have been really interested in the Norse religion to be able to do/bring some of our rituals . For example, we have events during the summer and we have lags all around the world, there are 1000’s of us and we have events were say a few lags will get together and we will for a weekend have battles. So on Friday when we all get to the place we are having our event and have a ceremony on Friday night for the battles to come over the weekend. I would love to bring that to the group! And I am really thinking of becoming a Norse pagan, I really love my Heritage and love what I do know of the Norse . Being a historian I have a lot of knowledge about the Norse and a basic understanding of there gods. But I as well would love to be able to do pagan weddings. How would i get started? Thank you! Skal
Runes “FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE”-HEATHEN”
I always forget you do puns in your openings and every time I'm very pleasantly surprised. :)
Great rendition. I feel you get this from all angles. I however resonate with Odin as the lord of the gallows who encountered his own Rind before and constantly tries to avoid any other versions of Rind.
I especially like the part on death
Yes if you must die in battle make it glorious, but it's better to survive and keep fighting, keep working, keep loving your family.
This video really warmed my heart and body. Hearing about the gods, especially Odin & Tyr, helps me forget about the shitty day I have had. Hail the Allfather
Fantastic channel
Best opening joke! Good one 🤘🏻
For some reason i been getting notified alot about your videos without being subbed to you cant say im mad though this is interesting as fuck
that's amazing
Found your channel by accident and got me curious in the Havamal. Love norse mythology but hardly know anything about the religion.
agreed thats true plus being disabled i have never let it hold me back
Well explained thank you very much!
In Hebrew, "Dan" - Judge\"speaks in a matter of formal conversation regarding various matters"
Dayan - People who speak formally about controversies and solutions to them "Speaker" (In a formal way)
Hu - Dan : "He is judging" ( "Hu" - He in English. Combined sounds as if you are saying "Wodan" because there is a minor "hh" breath between the two words which gives it the "Woo" sound to complete it to "Wodan"
The name "Dan" represents one of the 12 sons of Jacob, who had a tribe who were called "Bnei Dan" , who represented retaliation and more.
I find this coincidence oddly comfortable.
The people of Israel (maybe Isu and Israel have a connection from past...) suffered many prosection from foreign powers, and our Torah "kinda" spread through the whole world in many names "Bybaal" (bible) for example
As a Judaist, it actually brought me to realize the Norse *Powers* that run in the Norse world in Conjunction to the Tor-ah, of the Sons of Israel which has many similarities.
Hope these anecdotes will serve you well,
Thank you again.
Skal!
as he said you laugh when those you don't trust do because you keep your friends close but then you keep your enemies closer so as to keep them out of mischief
I don't worship the Nordic gods, but I am very familiar because my ancestors did so. All of this is so fascinating because it's usually something I might've missed in my research or just now learning the modern adaptations of Norse. And I like the jabs at Christianity like it's the 800s
I've recently discovered your channel and others that talk about paganism and polytheism and although I'm an atheist I still find things like this so interesting as well as insightful. I've always been drawn to norse and greek polytheistic religions which compared to Christianity or any Abrahamic religion seem to be much more interesting and close to humanity, maybe because in a way the gods feel more real in their actions and relationship with humans than just having an almighty, perfect and unreachable god that we should never question or try to understand for he is above human comprehension. Anyways enough rant, love your videos and the way you present ideas, keep it up!!
Am I the only person who after the into instantaniausly heard the Sound of
I wanna be the very best
Like no one ever was
Clinging in my head
I will travel across the land
Searching far and wide
To find them is my real test
“Why be with one woman, When you can have them all?”
Why be with one man when you can be with them all.
@@juliblanchard1602 yaass queen! That’s what I’m saying!
Right up to that one woman or man thats unavailable :)
Why only be with men, or women, or anything between, when you can be with them all? :3 romantically or not, i don't mind. I'll raise a toast for all!
I feel very connected to Odin having blindness in my left eye and having to ware an eye patch for most of my childhood.
I'm new here! I'd love to see a video about your own journey and experience!
I do appreciate the advice of stanza thirty-eight, and fortunately, I live in a state that lets me practice it.
we truly need magic and runes today thank you
When we see this ODEn to Odin that is the Havamal, we can't stop WODANring where it came from.
I am thinking about taking this path my self so its a good insight to stuff about the all fathers him self among the other gods
I am sooo glad that I put the free book on my phone. It's a very interesting read
Love the content bro, but where did you get your necklace from?
I found one at a Fleamarket years ago.
Hail to you. I just wanted to thank u for all that you do for the heathen community.
Great video. What are the movies in the intro?
Thank you. :)
Im currently seeking more knowledge my breathren do you have any advice one literature and were i may learn more about this sacred and precious beautiful pantheon?
Hi Ocean! I discovered your channel a few days ago and I've been bingeing your backlog ever since. BTW: Since I started watching your videos, I've been suddenly inundated with Christian ads on YT. Conspiracy? Lol
But seriously, your content is great. Your approach to paganism - with a distinct lack of woo-woo - is a revelation. Your videos are so clear and thoughtful, I have already learned an incredible amount over just a few days. I was under the impression for a long time that all pagans were "fluffy bunnies." I'm very glad to be proven wrong.
I wonder if making a hanged man talk is in the context that he was good at getting those to be hanged to talk over staying or being silent. Just a thought.
That's because Odin was an ancestral warlord of mysticism, even in the text. Their use of the term "God" is a dramatic transliteration for their self-deification before Mankind after having defeated Ymir...hence the term "God" deriving from an Old Germanic name for Odin.
New pagan here, I'm looking for a hardcover or paperback version of the havamal to buy and keep in my home and I was wondering which English translation of the havamal in physical copy form you personally recommend as a "jumping off point" so to speak. Is the Jackson crawford translation a good one, or is there another version of the havamal I should seek out?
I like the Jackson Crawford one personally. The oxford press copy of the Poetic Edda is fantastic and also contains the Havamal.
"Find a way or make one" Gods yes I love it
I saw the sacrificing himself to himself to gain knowledge of the Runes very simply, you have to put yourself into learning and try not to stop, it is this important. I'm not saying everyone has to be a genius but willful ignorance is definitely not encouraged here.
Do you have any book recommendations to learn everything about Norse polytheist
Above all and if anything and what ever journey you are on in life! It should simply make you a better version of yourself period!!!
"Find a way... or make one" shivers!
I have enjoyed a great deal of relief in knowing that the wisdom of Orin’s words is available to humanity. I have visited them many times, listening to the translated videos, sometimes holding those in my earshot hostage to possibly absorb some of the advice I know to be very valuable. On occasion I’ve tested my own children, knowing that they haven’t experienced some of the random chaos that exists in the world. I would catch them off guard, scare the begeezus out of them, then gauge their reaction to appraise their ability to survive. Unfortunately, my only good advice at the time was to quote the great Cypress Hill by singing, “When the sh*T goes down, you better be ready”. However, when you know better you do better, so these days I just blast Havamal, now that’s good parenting as far as I’m concerned.
I am a staunch athiest and i don't even know how this was recommended. But I will definitely be purchasing a copy of the havamal.
The thing I love the most about the havimal is that it's wisdom that's easy to absorb. You don't have to be a scholar or a particularly learned person to understand it or apply it to your own life. Which is good for me because I got donkey brains lol