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Wisdom for Wanderers and Counsel to Guests
1.
At every door-way,
ere one enters,
one should spy round,
one should pry round
for uncertain is the witting
that there be no foeman sitting,
within, before one on the floor

2.
Hail, ye Givers! a guest is come;
say! where shall he sit within?
Much pressed is he who fain on the hearth
would seek for warmth and weal.

3.
He hath need of fire, who now is come,
numbed with cold to the knee;
food and clothing the wanderer craves
who has fared o'er the rimy fell.

4.
He craves for water, who comes for refreshment,
drying and friendly bidding,
marks of good will, fair fame if 'tis won,
and welcome once and again.

5.
He hath need of his wits who wanders wide,
aught simple will serve at home;
but a gazing-stock is the fool who sits
mid the wise, and nothing knows.

6.
Let no man glory in the greatness of his mind,
but rather keep watch o'er his wits.
Cautious and silent let him enter a dwelling;
to the heedful comes seldom harm,
for none can find a more faithful friend
than the wealth of mother wit.

7.
Let the wary stranger who seeks refreshment
keep silent with sharpened hearing;
with his ears let him listen, and look with his eyes;
thus each wise man spies out the way.

8.
Happy is he who wins for himself
fair fame and kindly words;
but uneasy is that which a man doth own
while it lies in another's breast.

9.
Happy is he who hath in himself
praise and wisdom in life;
for oft doth a man ill counsel get
when 'tis born in another's breast.

10.
A better burden can no man bear
on the way than his mother wit;
'tis the refuge of the poor, and richer it seems
than wealth in a world untried.

11.
A better burden can no man bear
on the way than his mother wit:
and no worse provision can he carry with him
than too deep a draught of ale.

12.
Less good than they say for the sons of men
is the drinking oft of ale:
for the more they drink, the less can they think
and keep a watch o'er their wits.

13.
A bird of Unmindfulness flutters o'er ale feasts,
wiling away men's wits:
with the feathers of that fowl I was fettered once
in the garths of Gunnlos below.

14.
Drunk was I then, I was over drunk
in that crafty Jötun's court.
But best is an ale feast when man is able
to call back his wits at once.

15.
Silent and thoughtful and bold in strife
the prince's bairn should be.
Joyous and generous let each man show him
until he shall suffer death.

16.
A coward believes he will ever live
if he keep him safe from strife:
but old age leaves him not long in peace
though spears may spare his life.

17.
A fool will gape when he goes to a friend,
and mumble only, or mope;
but pass him the ale cup and all in a moment
the mind of that man is shown.

18.
He knows alone who has wandered wide,
and far has fared on the way,
what manner of mind a man doth own
who is wise of head and heart.

19.
Keep not the mead cup but drink thy measure;
speak needful words or none:
none shall upbraid thee for lack of breeding
if soon thou seek'st thy rest.

20.
A greedy man, if he be not mindful,
eats to his own life's hurt:
oft the belly of the fool will bring him to scorn
when he seeks the circle of the wise.

21.
Herds know the hour of their going home
and turn them again from the grass;
but never is found a foolish man
who knows the measure of his maw.

22.
The miserable man and evil minded
makes of all things mockery,
and knows not that which he best should know,
that he is not free from faults.

23.
The unwise man is awake all night,
and ponders everything over;
when morning comes he is weary in mind,
and all is a burden as ever.

24.
The unwise man weens all who smile
and flatter him are his friends,
nor notes how oft they speak him ill
when he sits in the circle of the wise.

25.
The unwise man weens all who smile
and flatter him are his friends;
but when he shall come into court he shall find
there are few to defend his cause.

26.
The unwise man thinks all to know,
while he sits in a sheltered nook;
but he knows not one thing, what he shall answer,
if men shall put him to proof.

27.
For the unwise man 'tis best to be mute
when he come amid the crowd,
for none is aware of his lack of wit
if he wastes not too many words;
for he who lacks wit shall never learn
though his words flow ne'er so fast.

28.
Wise he is deemed who can question well,
and also answer back:
the sons of men can no secret make
of the tidings told in their midst.

29.
Too many unstable words are spoken
by him who ne'er holds his peace;
the hasty tongue sings its own mishap
if it be not bridled in.

30.
Let no man be held as a laughing-stock,
though he come as guest for a meal:
wise enough seem many while they sit dry-skinned
and are not put to proof.

31.
A guest thinks him witty who mocks at a guest
and runs from his wrath away;
but none can be sure who jests at a meal
that he makes not fun among foes.

32.
Oft, though their hearts lean towards one another,
friends are divided at table;
ever the source of strife 'twill be,
that guest will anger guest.

33.
A man should take always his meals betimes
unless he visit a friend,
or he sits and mopes, and half famished seems,
and can ask or answer nought.

34.
Long is the round to a false friend leading,
e'en if he dwell on the way:
but though far off fared, to a faithful friend
straight are the roads and short.

35.
A guest must depart again on his way,
nor stay in the same place ever;
if he bide too long on another's bench
the loved one soon becomes loathed.

36.
One's own house is best, though small it may be;
each man is master at home;
though he have but two goats and a bark-thatched hut
'tis better than craving a boon.

37.
One's own house is best, though small it may be,
each man is master at home;
with a bleeding heart will he beg, who must,
his meat at every meal.

38.
Let a man never stir on his road a step
without his weapons of war;
for unsure is the knowing when need shall arise
of a spear on the way without.

39.
I found none so noble or free with his food,
who was not gladdened with a gift,
nor one who gave of his gifts such store
but he loved reward, could he win it.

40.
Let no man stint him and suffer need
of the wealth he has won in life;
oft is saved for a foe what was meant for a friend,
and much goes worse than one weens.

41.
With raiment and arms shall friends gladden each other,
so has one proved oneself;
for friends last longest, if fate be fair
who give and give again.

42.
To his friend a man should bear him as friend,
and gift for gift bestow,
laughter for laughter let him exchange,
but leasing pay for a lie.

43.
To his friend a man should bear him as friend,
to him and a friend of his;
but let him beware that he be not the friend
of one who is friend to his foe.

44.
Hast thou a friend whom thou trustest well,
from whom thou cravest good?
Share thy mind with him, gifts exchange with him,
fare to find him oft.

45.
But hast thou one whom thou trustest ill
yet from whom thou cravest good?
Thou shalt speak him fair, but falsely think,
and leasing pay for a lie.

46.
Yet further of him whom thou trusted ill,
and whose mind thou dost misdoubt;
thou shalt laugh with him but withhold thy thought,
for gift with like gift should be paid.

47.
Young was I once, I walked alone,
and bewildered seemed in the way;
then I found me another and rich I thought me,
for man is the joy of man.

48.
Most blest is he who lives free and bold
and nurses never a grief,
for the fearful man is dismayed by aught,
and the mean one mourns over giving.

49.
My garments once I gave in the field
to two land-marks made as men;
heroes they seemed when once they were clothed;
'tis the naked who suffer shame!

50.
The pine tree wastes which is perched on the hill,
nor bark nor needles shelter it;
such is the man whom none doth love;
for what should he longer live?

51.
Fiercer than fire among ill friends
for five days love will burn;
bun anon 'tis quenched, when the sixth day comes,
and all friendship soon is spoiled.

52.
Not great things alone must one give to another,
praise oft is earned for nought;
with half a loaf and a tilted bowl
I have found me many a friend.

53.
Little the sand if little the seas,
little are minds of men,
for ne'er in the world were all equally wise,
'tis shared by the fools and the sage.

54.
Wise in measure let each man be;
but let him not wax too wise;
for never the happiest of men is he
who knows much of many things.

55.
Wise in measure should each man be;
but let him not wax too wise;
seldom a heart will sing with joy
if the owner be all too wise.

56.
Wise in measure should each man be,
but ne'er let him wax too wise:
who looks not forward to learn his fate
unburdened heart will bear.

57.
Brand kindles from brand until it be burned,
spark is kindled from spark,
man unfolds him by speech with man,
but grows over secret through silence.

58.
He must rise betimes who fain of another
or life or wealth would win;
scarce falls the prey to sleeping wolves,
or to slumberers victory in strife.

59.
He must rise betimes who hath few to serve him,
and see to his work himself;
who sleeps at morning is hindered much,
to the keen is wealth half-won.

60.
Of dry logs saved and roof-bark stored
a man can know the measure,
of fire-wood too which should last him out
quarter and half years to come.

61.
Fed and washed should one ride to court
though in garments none too new;
thou shalt not shame thee for shoes or breeks,
nor yet for a sorry steed.

62.
Like an eagle swooping over old ocean,
snatching after his prey,
so comes a man into court who finds
there are few to defend his cause.

63.
Each man who is wise and would wise be called
must ask and answer aright.
Let one know thy secret, but never a second, --
if three a thousand shall know.

64.
A wise counselled man will be mild in bearing
and use his might in measure,
lest when he come his fierce foes among
he find others fiercer than he.

65.
Each man should be watchful and wary in speech,
and slow to put faith in a friend.
for the words which one to another speaks
he may win reward of ill.

66.
At many a feast I was far too late,
and much too soon at some;
drunk was the ale or yet unserved:
never hits he the joint who is hated.

67.
Here and there to a home I had haply been asked
had I needed no meat at my meals,
or were two hams left hanging in the house of that friend
where I had partaken of one.

68.
Most dear is fire to the sons of men,
most sweet the sight of the sun;
good is health if one can but keep it,
and to live a life without shame.

69.
Not reft of all is he who is ill,
for some are blest in their bairns,
some in their kin and some in their wealth,
and some in working well.

70.
More blest are the living than the lifeless,
'tis the living who come by the cow;
I saw the hearth-fire burn in the rich man's hall
and himself lying dead at the door.

71.
The lame can ride horse, the handless drive cattle,
the deaf one can fight and prevail,
'tis happier for the blind than for him on the bale-fire,
but no man hath care for a corpse.

72.
Best have a son though he be late born
and before him the father be dead:
seldom are stones on the wayside raised
save by kinsmen to kinsmen.

73.
Two are hosts against one, the tongue is the head's bane,
'neath a rough hide a hand may be hid;
he is glad at nightfall who knows of his lodging,
short is the ship's berth,
and changeful the autumn night,
much veers the wind ere the fifth day
and blows round yet more in a month.

74.
He that learns nought will never know
how one is the fool of another,
for if one be rich another is poor
and for that should bear no blame.

75.
Cattle die and kinsmen die,
thyself too soon must die,
but one thing never, I ween, will die, --
fair fame of one who has earned.

76.
Cattle die and kinsmen die,
thyself too soon must die,
but one thing never, I ween, will die, --
the doom on each one dead.

77.
Full-stocked folds had the Fatling's sons,
who bear now a beggar's staff:
brief is wealth, as the winking of an eye,
most faithless ever of friends.

78.
If haply a fool should find for himself
wealth or a woman's love,
pride waxes in him but wisdom never
and onward he fares in his folly.

79.
All will prove true that thou askest of runes --
those that are come from the gods,
which the high Powers wrought, and which Odin painted:
then silence is surely best.

Maxims for All Men
80.
Praise day at even, a wife when dead,
a weapon when tried, a maid when married,
ice when 'tis crossed, and ale when 'tis drunk.
81.
Hew wood in wind, sail the seas in a breeze,
woo a maid in the dark, -- for day's eyes are many, --
work a ship for its gliding, a shield for its shelter,
a sword for its striking, a maid for her kiss;

82.
Drink ale by the fire, but slide on the ice;
buy a steed when 'tis lanky, a sword when 'tis rusty;
feed thy horse neath a roof, and thy hound in the yard.

83.
The speech of a maiden should no man trust
nor the words which a woman says;
for their hearts were shaped on a whirling wheel
and falsehood fixed in their breasts.

84.
Breaking bow, or flaring flame,
ravening wolf, or croaking raven,
routing swine, or rootless tree,
waxing wave, or seething cauldron,

85.
flying arrows, or falling billow,
ice of a nighttime, coiling adder,
woman's bed-talk, or broken blade,
play of bears or a prince's child,

86.
sickly calf or self-willed thrall,
witch's flattery, new-slain foe,
brother's slayer, though seen on the highway,
half burned house, or horse too swift --
be never so trustful as these to trust.

87.
Let none put faith in the first sown fruit
nor yet in his son too soon;
whim rules the child, and weather the field,
each is open to chance.

88.
Like the love of women whose thoughts are lies
is the driving un-roughshod o'er slippery ice
of a two year old, ill-tamed and gay;
or in a wild wind steering a helmless ship,
or the lame catching reindeer in the rime-thawed fell.

Lessons for Lovers
89.
Now plainly I speak, since both I have seen;
unfaithful is man to maid;
we speak them fairest when thoughts are falsest
and wile the wisest of hearts.
90.
-- Let him speak soft words and offer wealth
who longs for a woman's love,
praise the shape of the shining maid --
he wins who thus doth woo.

91.
-- Never a whit should one blame another
whom love hath brought into bonds:
oft a witching form will fetch the wise
which holds not the heart of fools.

92.
Never a whit should one blame another
for a folly which many befalls;
the might of love makes sons of men
into fools who once were wise.

93.
The mind knows alone what is nearest the heart
and sees where the soul is turned:
no sickness seems to the wise so sore
as in nought to know content.

Odin's Love Quests
94.
This once I felt when I sat without
in the reeds, and looked for my love;
body and soul of me was that sweet maiden
yet never I won her as wife.
95.
Billing's daughter I found on her bed,
fairer than sunlight sleeping,
and the sweets of lordship seemed to me nought,
save I lived with that lovely form.

96.
"Yet nearer evening come thou, Odin,
if thou wilt woo a maiden:
all were undone save two knew alone
such a secret deed of shame."

97.
So away I turned from my wise intent,
and deemed my joy assured,
for all her liking and all her love
I weened that I yet should win.

98.
When I came ere long the war troop bold
were watching and waking all:
with burning brands and torches borne
they showed me my sorrowful way.

99.
Yet nearer morning I went, once more, --
the housefolk slept in the hall,
but soon I found a barking dog
tied fast to that fair maid's couch.

100.
Many a sweet maid when one knows her mind
is fickle found towards men:
I proved it well when that prudent lass
I sought to lead astray:
shrewd maid, she sought me with every insult
and I won therewith no wife.

Odin's Quest after the Song Mead
101.
In thy home be joyous and generous to guests
discreet shalt thou be in thy bearing,
mindful and talkative, wouldst thou gain wisdom,
oft making me mention of good.
He is "Simpleton" named who has nought to say,
for such is the fashion of fools.
102.
I sought that old Jötun, now safe am I back,
little served my silence there;
but whispering many soft speeches I won
my desire in Suttung's halls.

103.
I bored me a road there with Rati's tusk
and made room to pass through the rock;
while the ways of the Jötuns stretched over and under,
I dared my life for a draught.

104.
'Twas Gunnlod who gave me on a golden throne
a draught of the glorious mead,
but with poor reward did I pay her back
for her true and troubled heart.

105.
In a wily disguise I worked my will;
little is lacking to the wise,
for the Soul-stirrer now, sweet Mead of Song,
is brought to men's earthly abode.

106.
I misdoubt me if ever again I had come
from the realms of the Jötun race,
had I not served me of Gunnlod, sweet woman,
her whom I held in mine arms.

107.
Came forth, next day, the dread Frost Giants,
and entered the High One's Hall:
they asked -- was the Baleworker back mid the Powers,
or had Suttung slain him below?

108.
A ring-oath Odin I trow had taken --
how shall one trust his troth?
'twas he who stole the mead from Suttung,
and Gunnlod caused to weep.

The Counseling of the Stray-Singer
109.
'Tis time to speak from the Sage's Seat;
hard by the Well of Weird
I saw and was silent, I saw and pondered,
I listened to the speech of men.
110.
Of runes they spoke, and the reading of runes
was little withheld from their lips:
at the High One's hall, in the High One's hall,
I thus heard the High One say: --

111.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
rise never at nighttime, except thou art spying
or seekest a spot without.

112.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
thou shalt never sleep in the arms of a sorceress,
lest she should lock thy limbs;

113.
So shall she charm that thou shalt not heed
the council, or words of the king,
nor care for thy food, or the joys of mankind,
but fall into sorrowful sleep.

114.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
seek not ever to draw to thyself
in love-whispering another's wife.

115.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
should thou long to fare over fell and firth
provide thee well with food.

116.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
tell not ever an evil man
if misfortunes thee befall,
from such ill friend thou needst never seek
return for thy trustful mind.

117.
Wounded to death, have I seen a man
by the words of an evil woman;
a lying tongue had bereft him of life,
and all without reason of right.

118.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
hast thou a friend whom thou trustest well,
fare thou to find him oft;
for with brushwood grows and with grasses high
the path where no foot doth pass.

119.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
in sweet converse call the righteous to thy side,
learn a healing song while thou livest.

120.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
be never the first with friend of thine
to break the bond of fellowship;
care shall gnaw thy heart if thou canst not tell
all thy mind to another.

121.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
never in speech with a foolish knave
shouldst thou waste a single word.

122.
From the lips of such thou needst not look
for reward of thine own good will;
but a righteous man by praise will render thee
firm in favour and love.

123.
There is mingling in friendship when man can utter
all his whole mind to another;
there is nought so vile as a fickle tongue;
no friend is he who but flatters.

124.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
oft the worst lays the best one low.

125.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
be not a shoemaker nor yet a shaft maker
save for thyself alone:
let the shoe be misshapen, or crooked the shaft,
and a curse on thy head will be called.

126.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
when in peril thou seest thee, confess thee in peril,
nor ever give peace to thy foes.

127.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
rejoice not ever at tidings of ill,
but glad let thy soul be in good.

128.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
look not up in battle, when men are as beasts,
lest the wights bewitch thee with spells.

129.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
wouldst thou win joy of a gentle maiden,
and lure to whispering of love,
thou shalt make fair promise, and let it be fast, --
none will scorn their weal who can win it.

130.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
I pray thee be wary, yet not too wary,
be wariest of all with ale,
with another's wife, and a third thing eke,
that knaves outwit thee never.

131.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
hold not in scorn, nor mock in thy halls
a guest or wandering wight.

132.
They know but unsurely who sit within
what manner of man is come:
none is found so good, but some fault attends him,
or so ill but he serves for somewhat.

133.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
hold never in scorn the hoary singer;
oft the counsel of the old is good;
come words of wisdom from the withered lips
of him left to hang among hides,
to rock with the rennets
and swing with the skins.

134.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
growl not at guests, nor drive them from the gate
but show thyself gentle to the poor.

135.
Mighty is the bar to be moved away
for the entering in of all.
Shower thy wealth, or men shall wish thee
every ill in thy limbs.

136.
I counsel thee, Stray-Singer, accept my counsels,
they will be thy boon if thou obey'st them,
they will work thy weal if thou win'st them:
when ale thou quaffest, call upon earth's might --
'tis earth drinks in the floods.
Earth prevails o'er drink, but fire o'er sickness,
the oak o'er binding, the earcorn o'er witchcraft,
the rye spur o'er rupture, the moon o'er rages,
herb o'er cattle plagues, runes o'er harm.

Odin's Quest after the Runes
137.
I trow I hung on that windy Tree
nine whole days and nights,
stabbed with a spear, offered to Odin,
myself to mine own self given,
high on that Tree of which none hath heard
from what roots it rises to heaven.
138.
None refreshed me ever with food or drink,
I peered right down in the deep;
crying aloud I lifted the Runes
then back I fell from thence.

139.
Nine mighty songs I learned from the great
son of Bale-thorn, Bestla's sire;
I drank a measure of the wondrous Mead,
with the Soulstirrer's drops I was showered.

140.
Ere long I bare fruit, and throve full well,
I grew and waxed in wisdom;
word following word, I found me words,
deed following deed, I wrought deeds.

141.
Hidden Runes shalt thou seek and interpreted signs,
many symbols of might and power,
by the great Singer painted, by the high Powers fashioned,
graved by the Utterer of gods.

142.
For gods graved Odin, for elves graved Daïn,
Dvalin the Dallier for dwarfs,
All-wise for Jötuns, and I, of myself,
graved some for the sons of men.

143.
Dost know how to write, dost know how to read,
dost know how to paint, dost know how to prove,
dost know how to ask, dost know how to offer,
dost know how to send, dost know how to spend?

144.
Better ask for too little than offer too much,
like the gift should be the boon;
better not to send than to overspend.
........
Thus Odin graved ere the world began;
Then he rose from the deep, and came again.

The Song of Spells
145.
Those songs I know, which nor sons of men
nor queen in a king's court knows;
the first is Help which will bring thee help
in all woes and in sorrow and strife.
146.
A second I know, which the son of men
must sing, who would heal the sick.

147.
A third I know: if sore need should come
of a spell to stay my foes;
when I sing that song, which shall blunt their swords,
nor their weapons nor staves can wound.

148.
A fourth I know: if men make fast
in chains the joints of my limbs,
when I sing that song which shall set me free,
spring the fetters from hands and feet.

149.
A fifth I know: when I see, by foes shot,
speeding a shaft through the host,
flies it never so strongly I still can stay it,
if I get but a glimpse of its flight.

150.
A sixth I know: when some thane would harm me
in runes on a moist tree's root,
on his head alone shall light the ills
of the curse that he called upon mine.

151.
A seventh I know: if I see a hall
high o'er the bench-mates blazing,
flame it ne'er so fiercely I still can save it, --
I know how to sing that song.

152.
An eighth I know: which all can sing
for their weal if they learn it well;
where hate shall wax 'mid the warrior sons,
I can calm it soon with that song.

153.
A ninth I know: when need befalls me
to save my vessel afloat,
I hush the wind on the stormy wave,
and soothe all the sea to rest.

154.
A tenth I know: when at night the witches
ride and sport in the air,
such spells I weave that they wander home
out of skins and wits bewildered.

155.
An eleventh I know: if haply I lead
my old comrades out to war,
I sing 'neath the shields, and they fare forth mightily
safe into battle,
safe out of battle,
and safe return from the strife.

156.
A twelfth I know: if I see in a tree
a corpse from a halter hanging,
such spells I write, and paint in runes,
that the being descends and speaks.

157.
A thirteenth I know: if the new-born son
of a warrior I sprinkle with water,
that youth will not fail when he fares to war,
never slain shall he bow before sword.

158.
A fourteenth I know: if I needs must number
the Powers to the people of men,
I know all the nature of gods and of elves
which none can know untaught.

159.
A fifteenth I know, which Folk-stirrer sang,
the dwarf, at the gates of Dawn;
he sang strength to the gods, and skill to the elves,
and wisdom to Odin who utters.

160.
A sixteenth I know: when all sweetness and love
I would win from some artful wench,
her heart I turn, and the whole mind change
of that fair-armed lady I love.

161.
A seventeenth I know: so that e'en the shy maiden
is slow to shun my love.

162.
These songs, Stray-Singer, which man's son knows not,
long shalt thou lack in life,
though thy weal if thou win'st them, thy boon if thou obey'st them
thy good if haply thou gain'st them.

163.
An eighteenth I know: which I ne'er shall tell
to maiden or wife of man
save alone to my sister, or haply to her
who folds me fast in her arms;
most safe are secrets known to but one-
the songs are sung to an end.

164.
Now the sayings of the High One are uttered in the hall
for the weal of men, for the woe of Jötuns,
Hail, thou who hast spoken! Hail, thou that knowest!
Hail, ye that have hearkened! Use, thou who hast learned!

Odin (or, depending upon the dialect Woden or Wotan) was the Father of all the Gods and men. Odhinn is pictured either wearing a winged helm or a floppy hat, and a blue-grey cloak. He can travel to any realm within the 9 Nordic worlds. His two ravens, Huginn and Munin (Thought and Memory) fly over the world daily and return to tell him everything that has happened in Midgard. He is a God of magick, wisdom, wit, and learning. He too is a psychopomp; a chooser of those slain in battle. In later times, he was associated with war and bloodshed from the Viking perspective, although in earlier times, no such association was present. If anything, the wars fought by Odhinn exist strictly upon the Mental plane of awareness; appropriate for that of such a mentally polarized God. He is both the shaper of Wyrd and the bender of Orlog; again, a task only possible through the power of Mental thought and impress. It is he who sacrifices an eye at the well of Mimir to gain inner wisdom, and later hangs himself upon the World Tree Yggdrasil to gain the knowledge and power of the Runes. All of his actions are related to knowledge, wisdom, and the dissemination of ideas and concepts to help Mankind. Because there is duality in all logic and wisdom, he is seen as being duplicitous; this is illusory and it is through his actions that the best outcomes are conceived and derived. Just as a point of curiosity: in no other pantheon is the head Deity also the God of Thought and Logic. It's interesting to note that the Norse/Teutonic peoples also set such a great importance upon brainwork and logic. The day Wednesday (Wodensdaeg) is named for him.

Thor, or Donnar, also known as the Thunderer, was considered to be a son of Odin by some, but among many tribes Thor actually supplanted Odin as the favorite god. He is considered to be the protector of all Midgard, and he wields the mighty hammer Mjollnir. Thor is strength personified. His battle chariot is drawn by two goats, and his hammer Mjollnir causes the lightning that flashes across the sky. Of all the deities, Thor is the most "barbarian" of the lot; rugged, powerful, and lives by his own rules, although he is faithful to the rest of the Aesir. The day Thursday (Thorsdaeg) is sacred to him.

Freya is considered to be the goddess of Love and Beauty, but is also a warrior goddess and one of great wisdom and magick. She and her twin brother Freyr are of a different "race" of gods known as the Vanir. Many of the tribes venerated her higher than the Aesir, calling her "the Frowe" or "The Lady." She is known as Queen of the Valkyries, choosers of those slain in battle to bear them to Valhalla (the Norse heaven). She, therefore, is a psychopomp like Odhinn and it is said that she gets the "first pick" of the battle slain. She wears the sacred necklace Brisingamen, which she paid for by spending the night with the dwarves who wrought it from the bowels of the earth. The cat is her sacred symbol. There seems to be some confusion between herself and Fricka, Odin's wife, as they share similar functions; but Fricka seems to be strictly of the Aesir, while Freya is of the Vanic race. The day Friday (Frejyasdaeg) was named for her (some claim it was for Fricka).

Freyr (Fro Ingwe) is Freya's twin brother. He is the horned God of fertility, and has some similarities to the Celtic Cernunnos or Herne, although he is NOT the same being. He is known as King of the Alfs (elves). Both the Swedish and the English are said to be descendents of his. The Boar is his sacred symbol, which is both associated with war and with fertility. His golden boar, "Gullenbursti", is supposed to represent the daybreak. He is also considered to be the God of Success, and is wedded to Gerda, the Jotun, for whom he had to yield up his mighty sword. At Ragnarok, he is said to fight with the horn of an elk (much more suited to his nature rather than a sword.)

Tyr (or Tiw, Ziw) is the ancient god of War and the Lawgiver of the gods. He sacrifices his hand so that the evil Fenris wolf may be bound. At one time he was the leader of the Norse Pantheon, but was supplanted by Odin much later. There is nothing to indicate how this occurred; one assumes that he simply "stepped back" and let Odin assume the position of leadership. Tyr is excellent in all manners of Justice, fair play, and Right Action.

Loki, the Trickster, challenges the structure and order of the Gods, but is necessary in bringing about needed change. He is also known as the god of Fire. Neither an Aesir or a Vanir, he is of the race of Ettins (Elementals) and thus possesses some daemonic qualities. He is both a helper and a foe of the Aesir; he gets them out of predicaments, but spawns the worst monsters ever seen on the face of the Earth: the Fenris Wolf and Jormurgandr, the Midgard Wyrm. His other children include the goddess Hel (Hella, Holle), and Sleipnir, Odin's 8-legged horse; these beings are at least benign, if not somewhat terrifying to behold.

Heimdall is the handsome gold-toothed guardian of Bifrost, the rainbow bridge leading to Asgard, the home of the Gods. The rainbow bridge seems to be a common symbol in many religious traditions other than Norse Heathenism. In the Vedic tradition, it represents the Antakaranha of humanity (connection between the body and the soul). Other traditions see it as a message from the Gods, or a Bridge between the Gods and Mankind. This would tend to indicate that the Norse/Germanic people were aware of the presence of an overshadowing Soul for each individual, as well as a group or tribal intelligence. It is Heimdall who is to sound the signal horn to the Aesir that Ragnarok, the great destruction (or transformation?) is beginning.

Skadi is the Goddess of Winter and of the Hunt. She is married to Njord, the gloomy Sea God, noted for his beautiful bare feet (which is how Skadi came to choose him for her mate.) Supposedly the bare foot is an ancient Norse symbol of fertility. The marriage wasn't too happy, though, because she really wanted Baldur for her husband. She is the goddess of Justice, Vengeance, and Righteous Anger, and is the deity who delivers the sentence upon Loki to be bound underground with a serpent dripping poison upon his face in payment for his crimes. Skadi's character is represented in two of Hans Christian Anderson's tales: "The Snow Queen" and "The Ice Princess."

Frigga (Frigg, Fricka), Odin's wife, was considered to be the Mother of all; and protectoress of children. She spins the sacred Distaff of life, and is said to know the future, although she will not speak of it. Some believe that Friday was named for her instead of Freya (see above), and there is considerable confusion as to "who does what" among the two.

The Norns (Urd, Verdande, and Skuld), are the Norse equivalent of the greek Fates. It is they who determine the orlogs (destinies) of the Gods and of Man, and who maintain the World Tree, Yggdrasil.

The goddess of the dead and the afterlife was Hel (Holle, Hulda), and was portrayed by the Vikings as being half-dead, half alive herself. The Vikings viewed her with considerable trepidation. The Dutch, Gallic, and German barbarians viewed her with some beneficence, more of a gentler form of death and transformation. She is seen by them as Mother Holle; a being of pure Nature, being helpful in times of need, but vengeful upon those who cross her or transgress natural law.

Odin's son, Baldur, the god of Love and Light, is sacrificed at Midsummer by the dart of the mistletoe, and is reborn at Jul (Yule). Supposedly his return will not occur until after the onslaught of the Ragnarok, which I see as a cleansing and enlightenment more than wanton, purposeless destruction. Baldur's blind brother Hodur was his slayer, whose hand was guided by the crafty Loki. He is married to the goddess of Joy, Nanna.

SPRING

RAGNAR LODBROK DAY
Lenting (March) 28th
Ragnar was one of the legends' most famous Vikings. On this day in RunicYear 1145, he raided Paris. It just happened to be Easter Sunday. Today toast Ragnar, and read from his Saga.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR JARL HAKON OF NORWAY
Ostara (April) 9th
As ruler of the western part of the realm, Hakon restored the worship of the Old Gods and cast out the alien Christ.In the process, the common folk regained political liberties which were erased under the Chrirtian yoke,and the flame of our Troth burned brighter in an era of gathering gloom.It may be that Hakon's defense of our ancestral ways helped encourage the survival of our traditions in Iceland, where they eventually became the seeds of modern day Asatru. On this day, reflect an how the actions of the individual can impact world events.

SUMARSDAG/SIGRBLOT SUMMER'S DAY
Ostara (April) 22th
Celebrates the first day of Summer in the old Icelandic calendar. In Iceland it probably had strong agricultural overtones, but elsewhere throughout the Nordic world, mid-April was a time to sacrifice to Odin for victory,called the Sigrblot.

WALBURG
Ostara (April) 30th
This is better know as Walpurgisnacht or May Eve. Walburg is a Goddess of our Folk combining some of the traits of her better know peers. Reflect this day on Freya's sinister side, on Hel, and an Frigga as the repository of the glorious dead, and you will have an idea of Walburg's nature. On this day, pour a horn of mead upon the earth in memory of our heroes.

FRIGGA BLOT
Merrymoon (May) 27th
Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred campout, a blot to honor the AllMother and thank her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.

LINDISFARNE DAY
Midyear (June) 8th
On this day in the year 1043 Circra, three Viking ships raided the isle of Lindisfarne and sacked a monastery there, officially opening the Viking Age. Toast those brave warriors who struck out against the enemies of Asatru.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR SIGURD THE VOLSUNG
Midyear (June) 9th
He is the consumate Germanic hero. His wooing of the valkyrie Brynhild,the winning of the treasure of the Nibelungs, and the constant theme of Odinic initiation that weaves itself throughout his story are priceless parts of our Asatru heritage, that provide endless material For contemplation,and inspiration for action. A day for Sigurd the Volsung is very fitting.

ASATRU ALLIANCE FOUNDING DAY
Midyear (June) 18th
On this date 2238 R.E. seven Kindreds of the former Asatru Free Assembly joined together by ratifying a set of bylaws to preserve and continue to promote the cause of the AFA and Asatru in Vinland. On this day reflecton just what YOU can do far our cause.

SUMMER

MIDSUMMER
Midyear ( June 21st )
This is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Now Suna begins its long decline, sliding into the darkness which will culminate six months from now at Yule. Identifying the sun with the brightness of Baldur, we celebrate in honor of both. Perform the Greeting to Suna early in the morning, bask in her rays later in the day. This was the traditional time for holding the Allthing in ancient times.

FOUNDER'S DAY
Haymoon ( July ) 4th
On this day we honor the unselfish personal sacrifice and unswerving dedication to our Folk exemplified by the founders of modern Asatru/Odinism : H. Rud Mills of Australia and Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson of Iceland. On this day reflect on just what YOU can do to promote the growth of our ancestral religion and protect our sacred heritage and traditions.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR UNN THE DEEP MINDED
Haymoon ( July ) the 9th
Unn was a powerful figure fron the Laxdaela Saga who emigrated to Scotland to avoid the hostility of King Harald Finehair. She established dynasties in the Orkney and Faroe Islands by carefully marrying off her grand daughters. As a settler in Iceland she continued to exhibit all those traits which were her hallmarks - a strong will , a determination to control , dignity , and a noble character . In the last days of her life , she established a mighty line by choosing one of her grandsons as her heir . She died during his wedding celebrations , presumably having accomplished her goals and worked out her orlog here in Midgard . She received a typical Nordic ship burial , surrounded by her treasure and her reputation for great deeds.

STIKKLESTAD DAY
Haymoon (July) 29th
Olaf the Lawbreaker ( " St. Olaf " ) was killed at the battle of Stikklestad on this date in the year 1280 R.E. Olaf acquired a reputation for killing , maiming , and exiling his fellow Norwegians who would not convert to christianity , and for carrying an army with him in violation of the law to help him accomplish this repression . Today honor the Asatru martyrs who died rather than to submit to the slavery of the christ . Also honor the warriors that brought justice to the Lawbreaker.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR RADBOD
Harvest ( August ) 9th
On this arbitrarily chosen date , we honor Radbod a king of Frisia who was an early target for christian missionaries . Just before his baptism ceremony , he asked the clergy what fate his befallen ancestors who died loyal to Asatru . The missionaries replied that Radbod's ancestors were burning in Hell - to which the king replied : " Then I will rather live there with my ancestors than go to heaven with a parcel of beggars . " The baptism was canceled , the aliens expelled , and Frisia remained free of grey slavery . Drink a horn this day , in memory of Radbod.

FREYFAXI
Harvest ( August ) 28th
Freyfaxi marked the time of the harvest in Iceland . Dedicated to the God of the harvest , it was time for celebration with horse races , martial sports , and of course a Blot to Freyr and a feast.

AUTUMN

WINTER FINDING
Shedding ( September ) the 21st
The Fall Equinox ; Summer and Winter balance for a moment and the cold , old man wins - for now . Brace yourself for longer nights and the onset , eventually , of the cold of Winter . Call on Odin for inspiration to get through your personal lean times , whenever they may strike . This is the traditional time for Fall Fest and the celebration of the harvest .

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ERIK THE RED
Hunting ( October ) 8th
Praise the stalwart founder of Greenland , and father of Leif , the founder of Vinland . Erik remained loyal to Thor even when his wife left the Gods and refused to sleep with her heathen husband . Pause in memory of Erik today , drink a toast in his honor . No doubt he gets enough warmth in Har's Hall to make up for his wife's coldness.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR LEIF ERIKSON
Hunting ( October ) the 9th
This is a day that even the U. S. Government admits we should dedicate to the man who beat Columbus to the shores of Vinland by 500 years . Don't let it slide by quietly - write your local newspapers and share the word with your neighbors .

WINTER NIGHTS / VETRARBLOT
Hunting ( October ) 12th
In the old Icelandic Calendar , Winter begins on the Satyr's day between Hunting 11th and 17th . Winter Nights celebrates the bounty of the harvest and honors Freya and the fertility spirits called Disir , that she leads ( sometimes these beings are thought of as ones female ancestors ) . So you don't plow the fields ? Someone does , or you wouldn't eat ! Give glory to Freya and pour a libation of ale , milk , or mead into the soil as an offering to the Disir and the Earth itself.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR QUEEN SIGRITH OF SWEDEN
Fogmoon ( November ) the 9th
When Olaf the Lawbreaker had been king of Norway for three years , he asked Queen Sigrith of Sweden to marry him . She agreed , but when he insisted that she give up the Gods Sigrith replied , " I do not mean to abandon the faith I have led , and my kinsmen before me . Nor shall I object to your belief in the god you prefer . " As usual , Heathen tolerance was met with christian imprecations and a blow to the face . The wedding was off - depriving Olaf of political power that could have sped the christianization of Scandanavia . Hail Sigirth , defender of Asatru , and women of stubborn virtue !

FEAST OF THE EINHERJAR
Fogmoon ( November ) 11th
The chosen heroes who sit in Odin's Hall are the Einherjar . Today we honor those dead kin who gave their lives for Family and Folk . If you have friends of relatives who died in battle , visit their graves today . If that is not possible , drink a libation in their memory .

THE FEAST OF ULLR
Fogmoon ( November ) the 23rd
The Feast of Ullr was to celebrate the Hunt and to gain the personal luck needed for success . Weapons are dedicated on this day to Ullr . If your arms were blessed by the luck of the God of the Hunt , your family and tribe shared the bounty with a Blot and Feast to Ullr .

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR EGIL SKALLAGRIMSSON
Yule ( December ) 9th
Odin was his God , and the blood of berserks and shape-shifters ran in his family . His lust for gold and for fame was insatiable . Yet the same man was passionately moved by the love of his friends and generously open-handed to those who found his favor . The same brain that seethed with war-fury also composed skadic poetry capable of calming angry kings . Can it be by accident that Egil followed Odin , the great resolver of paradoxes and riddles ? Indeed all Asafolk - but especially those who follow the one-eyed God of battle and magic - can learn much from the life of this amazing man.

WINTER

MOTHER NIGHT
Yule (December) 20th
As the night before the Winter Solstice, this is the time when the New Year is born. We honor the beginning of the Sun's return and the breaking of Winter's spell. This is a time to honor Thor and Frey, celebrate by drinking a toast to them. Have a Yule party with family and kindred. Decorate a tree with sunwheel and light a Yule Log.

TWELVTH NIGHT
Yule (December) 31st
This culminates the traditional twelve days of Yule. Each day of which is a month of the preceding year in miniature Reflect on the past year. Take stock and lay a course for the future. Make New Year's resolutions in the old way by swearing your oath on Frey's boar or on your Hammer.

CHARMING OF THE PLOW
Snowmoon (January) 3rd
This is the date of an agricultural ritual performed in Northern Europe, when grain crates were offered for the soil's fertility, and Father Sky and Mother Earth were invoked to that end. Meditate upon your dependence on the soil, and crumble upon the soil a piece of bread (natural or homemade of course) as you call upon Odin, Frigga and the Land Spirits to heal the Earth and to keep it safe From harm.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR RAUD THE STRONG
Snowmoon (January) 9th
Raud was a land owner in Norway who was put to death by Olaf Tryggvason (Olaf the Slime) far his loyalty to Asatru by having a snake forced down his throat. His lands were of course confiscated in the name of the king and his monks. Raise a horn in honor of Raud and all of our kinsmen who gave their lives rather than submit to the enforced "love" of the empire of the Christians.

THORRABLOT
Snowmoon(January) 20th
This holiday began the Old Norse month of Snorri. It is still observed in Iceland with parties and a mid-winter feast. It is of course sacred to Thor, and the ancient Icelandic Winter spirit, Thorri. On this day we should perform a blot to Thor and invite the mighty Asaman to the Feast.

BARRI
Horning (February) 2nd
This is the day we celebrate the wooing by Frey of the Maiden Gerd, a symbolic marriage of the God of Fertility with the Mother Earth. It is a festival of fertility, of the planted seed and the flowed furrow. For those of you who garden, this is the time to plant seed indoors to later be transplanted into the Summer Garden.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR EYVIND KINNRIFI
Horning (Febuary) 9th
Olaf tortured him to death by placing a bowl of red-hot embers on his stomach until his body burst open. Eyvind's crime was steadfast loyalty to the Old Gods.
FEAST OF VALI

Horning (February) 14nd
This feast was originally celebrated the death of Hodr by Vali. This late Winter festival relates to the triumph of the return of the light of the sun over the dark days of winter. Today in the traditional celebration of the family. A time for the customary exchange of cards and gifts with loved ones.It is also a time for the renewal of marriage vows and an occasion for marriages/handfastings.

HIGH FEAST OF OSTARA
Lenting (March) 21st
This is the Spring Equinox. The end of Winter and the beginning of the season of rebirth. Today we honor Frigga, Freya and Nerthus. Pour a libatian of mead onto the Earth, celebrate the rebirth of nature, Aratru, and the new hopes of the Folk.

Dort treffe ich dann meine Vater, dort treffe ich meine Mutter und meine Schwestern und meine Brüder. Dort treffe ich all jene Menschen meiner Ahnenreihe von Beginn an. Sie rufen bereits nach mir. Sie bitten mich meinen Platz zwischen Ihnen einzunehmen.
Hinter den Toren von Valhalla, wo die tapferen Männer für alle Ewigkeit leben!

Lo, there do I see my father.
Lo, there do I see my mother, my sisters and my brothers.
Lo, there do I see the line of my people back to the beginning.
Lo, they do call to me.
They bid me take my place among them
in the halls of Valhalla,
Where the brave may live forever.

Only now after so long when it is to late do i see myself for what i had become.... something that i am not.... yet now it is too late, what i had become has driven away my good, what i am now.... is not me nor who i am, yet it has done its damage, and me as an idiot, i let it....

what has become of me..... this is nothing of who nor what i am.... the guy people used to like to be around, tho one someone loved to be around, i now fall to a void in myself, consumed and engulfed in what i am not.... yet that is what became of me..... a destruction upon myself when i had blamed others for the events i had caused to come in my life.... an overly judgemental asshole..... look upon my eyes, the eyes of one self-damned to dispair, to be notheing but a shell of ones self..... that is what i have become....

yet the memories of who i was and what i had in my life, at its peak, i was perfect, i had it all, i had the best, i was happy, yet i took this great gift for granted, and i slipped into what i became.... only now to realise what i have destroyed at my own mortal faults.... ohh.... how i loath what i now am... who i am...

but as always in my life it was taken, lost, or destroyed, and due in time to this, now, alas it was at my undoing.....all has slipped and fallen to shatters and shards upon this stone floor within myself.... a cold...dark damp place in which my soul should reside.... now is only my self created and crafted void.... i am slipping away... and this shall be what i can not fix finaly.....

yet to still gaze upon the moon and remember what i had once had as mine.... the best.... when we had looked upon the moon up in the sky....sitting by a tree on a cold night so long ago... only a moon in the sky..... and a happiness imeasurable by mortal mind...... truelly it was one time, the only time such a magic will ever, alas, flow through my life.... for i, as the fool, let it slip so foolishly away, whilst trying to clutch to it, yet it hath slipped through my mear weak fingers, taking my strength, pride, and everything i was ever with it.

to bo one.... a mear person alone now..... in a darkness more dark then anything concievable to man, is what i now am..... a shell... a fucking case.... of the man i used to be.... and all i once had in my mortal life..... i was more happy then a king upon his thrown, in my mind and soul, nothing could have taken me higher once so long ago....

but alas meine uble, you have gone.... a pleasantry not due to me..... nor what i am.... or thought i was.... it has now faded to a madness of which... i can not much take to be in this lifetime and of what it may be.... this subtle life i once had as mine to call my own and these feeling of such an immense happiness and pleasure, only to fade...... drift like sand in a grate, away from me, and i, there just to stare and watch as nothing i could do could be done..... perhaps i had treasured it not so much as not, but too much?

wo to behold here i am as i sit in a room, all to my one, on a spiral downfall, a dance of death and dispair, ever so increasingly day by day, into the demise of who i now am.... for these are the words of one broken and soon forgotten, tho one who so was a fool, to merely be in existance now, barely.... by a candlelight that fades and soon shall flicker and die, only the smell of a burnt wax to vaguely remain for a gander.. and soon that as sooth shall be faded.....

So long ago.... I have perished from within myself and who i once was....

Evelyn Hackett

My Great-Grandmother, and second mother to me.... one of the best people I have ever known.... and what an honor it was to know such an amazing person....

Sadly..... she started going downhill in the nursing home last week.... she had a bad infection from not being able to get out of her bed, and she couldn't handle alot of meds....

We got a call from my real mother saying that my great-grand mother was asking for my grandmother.... and right away panic set in. We all rushed out there right away.. well, when i got there she wasn't able to speak, probably from the painkillers they gave her for her leg...

She really started to go downhill from there... for once all of our family, my uncles, cousins, everyone... we were actualy all together... We didn't get many responses from her.... well not many people did... She knew me right away man.... despite all the meds and pain, I was able to see how happy she was when she recognised me.... lol...

Well.... yesterday, March 26th she turned 89 years old.... man she saw it all, WWII, depressons, inventions, tv's, vietnam, hippies, hair metal, kennedy, 9/11, the first moon landing, she lived it all!

Well the next day, I was tired and needed to come home and get a little rest, so I gave her a hug and a kiss and told her in her ear I was going to go take a nap and that I love her.... and to close her eyes and get some rest as well, I hope to... well whatever religions right if there is one, that she heard me and understood what I said...

I came home to rest a while at 2 in the morning..... Then about 6 a.m my grandfather woke me up.....I swear the fucking world fell on me.... Today, March 27th 2007, at about 5:40 a.m. My Great-Grandmother.....she closed her eyes...... poor sweet lady.... god damn it I miss her -_-

Right away I went out to the nursing home... got in her room... just looked at her, walked over and fell to my knees holding her hand.... I have no idea how long it was for, but I know it wasn't long enough... But I know she ws still there in a different form, she's the kind who sticks around... and she was definatly in all of us....

I have never known someone so kind and caring, so full of love as she was, and I know I never will...she wasn't one of a kind, ohh no.... she was her own kind, the best, rarely heard of. I'm just so glad I was able to know her, and to be able to have been so close to her.

Thank you again for everything Nana, had it not have been for you, I have no idea where I would be in my life right now.... and I probably don't want to have an idea.... You will always be in my heart and mind, and you will live on through me always, until I am with you again hopefully.... for now you can wait for me there with Jenny, Skipper, great-grandpa, your parents, your two sons, and everyone else who's been waiting for you.

Bless you... you will always be the best.... And I will never forget all the love you showed me

I love you...

~Harley~

holy shit, I swear this on all my love for her, as I was messing with the font color to make this memorial, my light dimmed, I have one of those bulbs that they guarantee for like 3 years, it started acting really weird dimming and going bright, well it used to be hers... and out of just wanting to talk to her I said "Nana, is that you?" and I swear the bulb just burned out the second after I asked! its not an old or bad bulb or anything, and the power everywhere is perfectly fine, I checked every damn thing!!!! im so fucking happy! I know that was her!

Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm a man, of hate and pain. I drove the tank und held the Generals rank, when the Blitzkrieg raged, and the bodies stank. Pleased to meet you. Hope you guessed my name. Something puzzling you? The nature of who I am?

Fearless, unwearied, to Valhalla I ride,
With axe in hand, and a sword at my side,
Wet still with the blood of those who fell,
Sent screaming headlong into hell.
Worn is my harness, bloodied my shield,
Red the axe I yearn to wield,
A final time in battle’s light...
A god, eternal as the night.

At Valhalla’s gates I stand;
Stood proud at Odin’s right hand.
Now, at last, in death, I am free.
White robed Valkyries carrying me,
Through blood-streaked golden skies,
Fierce as the fire that dances in their eyes.
And in those eyes, I see once more,
The darkness of death beyond Asgard’s door.

~SDRAWKCAB REYARP S'DROL EHT~
NEMA! LIVEE, MORF SU REVILLED TUB NOISHAYTPMET OOTNI TON SUH DEEL SUS TSHAIGA SAPSERT TAHT YETH. VIGRAWF EU ZA SESAPSERT RUA SUH VIGRAWF DERB ILAID RUA YED SITH SUH VIG NEVEH NI SI ZA THRE NI NUD EEB LIW EYTH MUCK MODNGIK EYTH MAIN EYTH EEB DWOHLAH NEVAH NI TRA CHIOO. RETHARF RUA!

Dont just check out the profile....rating people to get your levels. try actualy looking at the portfolios and reading the profiles!!!!!!

Otherwise, I may not even rate back. Too bad if you dont like it. But if you click a profile, scroll down without reading shit, enter a comment thats bullshit, and thats all, its obvious you only care about ratings. With that said, heres the profile.....

What to say....

ok i'll give it a shot.

well, I'm Harley, of German, Irish and scottish blood, a good 6'0 alcoholic with a beard hehe.. No longer do I have the mohawk i have in alot of my photos, when my Great-Grandmother Evelyn passed away, I chopped it off and burried it with her. Currently growing my hair back though.

Currently I live in hellorado (Colorado). I am a piercer/modificationist and modified. I have... let me count.... 13 tattoos, and for now 7 piercings though I had many many more before I had to do a little time and most closed up.

I play lead guitar in Energy Flux (name soon to change likely). I've played for about ten years. Finally after a few years of trying I have got something serious going now. Currently doing alot of work on setting up a band page, writting and rehearsing/practicing the guitar pieces and lyrics for song. More to come from us in that.

Lead- me
Rhythm-James
Bass- Temporarily my friend Mark, owner of the guitar shop/recording studio.

All we have so far is low quality samples recorded here in my home, better stuff yet to come within the next few months.

Myspace.com/energyflux

My name is Harley (yes thats my REAL name)
I am stuck here in shitty colorado....I really hate it here,
Hmm what else to say....
I'm straight
I play lead guitar..I've played guitar for about 10 years....I own a Jackson Randy Rhoads model King "V", or called a RR3
I listen to mostly death metal and Viking metal.
.....I like to visit graveyards alot....
I guess I'm a decent person....I dunno just ask me if theres anything you wish to know.

Abandoned
Adorned Brood
Abraxas
Abydos
Accuser
Agathodaimon
Aidean
Amon Amarth
Angel Dust
Arrow
Assassin
At Vance
Atlain
Atrocity
Attack
Avalon
Avantasia
Avenger
Ax'n Sex
Axe La Chapelle
Axe Victims
Axxis
Backslash
Backwater
Bathory
Baton Rouge
Battlefield
Betrayer
Biss
Black Destiny
Black Jack Co.
Black Messiah
Blackend
Blind Guardian
Bloodflowerz
Boomerang
Bonfire
BoysVoice
Brainfever
Brainstorm
Bullet
Burden Of Grief
Burke, Raimund
Cacumen
Cannon
Capricorn
Carrie
Casanova
Centaur
Century
Châlice
Charade
Charisma
Charon
Chimaera
Chinchilla
Chroming Rose
Circle Of Tyrants
COE
Corvus Corax
Courageous
CP24
Craaft
Crematory
Crossroads
Crystal Shark
Custard
Cutty Sark
Cyberya
Damien
Dark At Dawn
Dark Millennium
Darxon
Dawn Of Winter
Dawnrider
Dark Age
Dark Sky
Darkness
Deathrow
Delirious
Demon Drive
Demonic Symphony
Demons & Wizards
Deris, Andi
Desaster
Despair
Desperados
Destillery
Destination's Calling
Destiny Dreaming
Destruction
Deterrent
Dew-Scented
Digger
Doernberg, Ferdy
Domain
Donnerkopf
Doomshine
Dorian Gray
Doro
Dreamscape
Dreamtide
Duke
Edguy
Electric Sun
Elvenpath
Enola Gay
Epitaph
Equilibrium
Eternal Flame
Eternal Reign
Eure Erben
Evereve
Everon
Evidence One
Evolution
Exotherm
Exumer
Ez Livin
Fact
Fair Warning
Faithful Breath
Fargo
Fatal Embrace
Final Breath
Finntroll
Flaming Anger
Flowing Tears
Forced Entry
Forces at Work
Formel 1
Freedom Call
Frontline
Gamma Ray
Galloglass
Gallows Pole
GB Arts
Gladiators
Glenmore
Graaf
Grapow, Roland
Grave Digger
Gravestone
Grinder
Gun Barrel
Haggard
Hazzard
Helicon
Headhunter
Headstone Epitaph
Heartline
Heavens Gate
Heavenward
Helfahrt
Helloween
High Tension
Hoffmann, Wolf
Holy Moses
Horizon
House Of Spirits
Human Fortress
Human Zoo
Hunter
In Extremo
Inhuman
Invader
Iron Angel
Iron Savior
Ivanhoe
Ivorie
Ivory Tower
Jaded Heart
Jester's March
King Leoric
Kingdom
Kiske, Michael
Kreator
Lakehurst
Lanfear
Laos
Lanadrid
Lanzer
Lawdy
Lee Z
Letter X
Liar
Life Artist
Lions Breed
Living Death
Logar's Diary
Lost Century
Lucifer's Heritage
Louis Cypher
Mad Butcher
Mad Max
Majesty
Mania
Manowar
Mass
Masterplan
Megace
Meisel, Hubi
Mekong Delta
Menhir
Mercury Tide
Metal Inquisitor
Metalium
Michael Schenker Group
Midnite Club
Midnite Sky
Mighty D.
Mind Masque
Mind Odyssey
Minotaur
Missa Mercuria
Mob Rules
Moon'Doc
Morbid Jester
Morgoth
Moshquito
Mottek
Mourning Caress
MP
My Darkest Hour
Mydra
Mystic Circle
Mystic Prophecy
Necronomicon
Neon Dream
Neon Sunrise
Night In Gales
Nikki Puppet
No Trouble
Nocte Obducta
Noisehunter
Not Fragile
Onkel Tom
Orden Ogan
Osyris
Out Of Order
Outside
Overdose
Paragon
Paradox
Parche, Alex
Path Of Golconda
Payne's Gray
Pell, Axel Rudi
Perzonal War
Pillow Killz
Pink Cream 69
Place Vendome
Poison
Poison Asp
Poverty's No Crime
Powergod
Predator
Primal Fear
Protector
Psychotron
Pump
Pyracanda
Ra's Dawn
Rage
Railway
Rampage
Rawhead Rexx
Razorback
Re-Vision
Reactor
Reaper
Rebellion
Reckless Tide
Red Aim
Reflection
Regicide
Repent
Restless
Risk
Ritual Steel
Roko
Rosy Vista
Rough
Rough Silk
Roy Last Group
Rumble Militia
Runamok
Running Wild
S.A.D.O.
Sacrament
Sacred Chao
Sacred Steel
Saidian
Saltatio Mortis
Sanvoisen
Sardonic
Sargant Fury
Satan's Pharynx
Savage Circus
Saxorior
Scanner
Scenes
Schandmaul
Scorpions
SDI
Secrecy
Sencirow
Seventh Avenue
Shock Machine
Sieges Even
Sign
Silent Force
Silver Maiden
SIN
Sinner
Skew Siskin
Sodom
Solar Fragment
Solemnity
Soul Cages
Soul Demise
Soul Doctor
Spiral Tower
Spirit Corpse
Squealer
Starstruck
Stranger
Steeler
Steeltower
Step Into Liquid
Stormage
Stormblade
Stormgarde
Stormhammer
Stormwarrior
Stormwitch
STS 8 Mission
Subway To Sally
SuidAkrA
SupaRed
Superior
Sweet Cheater
Symphorce
Talon
Tarot's Myst
Tankard
Tankwart
Tanner
Taraxacum
Tempest
Temple of the Absurd
The Armada
The Claymore
The Hand Of Doom
The Mystery
The Sygnet
The Traceelords
The Unchallenged
Thought Sphere
Thunder
Thunderhead
Tomorrow's Eve
Torian
Torment
Tox
Toxic Shock
Tragedy Divine
Trance
Trancemission
Trans Am
Trinity
Twyster
Tyran' Pace
Tyrant
U.D.O.
Universe
Unrest
Unscared
V2
Val'Paraiso
Valley's Eve
Vamp
Vanden Plas
Vanize
Vectom
Velvet Viper
Vendetta
Veto
Vice
Victory
Violent Force
Viron
Viva
Voice
Wallop
Wardance
Warhammer
Warhead
Warlock
Warrant
Weinhold, Jutta
Wicked Sensation
Wild Frontier
Witchburner
Wizard
Wolfen
Wolfs Moon
X-Wild
Xandria
Xandril
Xiron
Xxaron
Yargos
Zar
Zardoz
Zed Yago
Zeno
Zillion
Fuck it the list is eternal....

If you wish to see more pictures, look at my portfolio....just be careful....horridness may hurt your eyes....you've been warned.

..... Ahh another thing, I'd really like to get to know people here, so if you wanna chat....please let me know, I'd appreciate it alot!

There will be blood....ohh yes....there WILL be blood.....

Damn i love stuff that shoots or blows up ^_^

Lets see... i have a variety of things;
Graveyards
Bitting
Blood most definatly
Bondage
Chains
Piercings
The night time
Blasting my guitar untill i get the police called on me for it
Occult things
Anton Lavey
Tattoo designs
Meeting decent people(if any, please contact me)

Paranormal inverstigation (sounds dumb to some I know, but my house is haunted by a quite interisting spirit)

Liars
Indians
Backstabbers
Druggies... you all die!
Politics
People who judge me before they know me
PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY GIVE YOU A 10 AND DON'T
I don't give a fuck for ratings, but I HATE liars
Snapping guitar strings
Anxiety/ panic attacks
Police
Distances
My Insomnia
C-rap "music"
Sluts
Cheaters
Christianity
Labels
The person who killed Dimebag Darrel (the guitarist from Pantera
and alot of other stuff

Well....this is my profile....I guess theres not really much to say about me. If you don't like my profile, GET THE FUCK OUT OF IT! And if you do then thanks.
Muahahaha

YES I AM UGLY, LEAVE ME ALONE!

~Please visit again, And thanks for stopping in.

Well thats my profile. If you didn't like it, don't rate or comment. You are no one to judge me. If you just wanna bitch and complain about it, me, or my style, go mature a little bit, then come back.