In the beginning, there was an idea.

I've loved myths and folktales as long as I can remember. They were among the first material I read as a young child, and knowing them has enriched my sense of spirituality and made me feel like a part of something greater. Being a writer, I tell stories as well, but no matter what I write about, I always feel as though these stories, these ancient tales that were passed down from generation to generation, are more perfect than anything that has come from the mind of a writer in this day and age. So, recently, I began to toy with the idea of sharing these myths with readers all over the world. Only a few days before this blog was created, my mother and I were talking and she suggested I make a blog and gather together information that would otherwise remain scattered over literature and the Internet. Why not myths? Why not make a blog that tells, picks apart, and analyzes popular (and even not-so-popular) myths, stories and folktales from around the world?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

I'm late! I'm late!

I can't believe I completely forgot about the blog today. Since I have neither the time nor the will to rewrite a folktale, I'll just share with you some verses from the Havamal.


"A kind word need not cost much
The price of praise can be cheap
With half a loaf and an empty cup
I found myself a friend."

"The man who stands at a strange threshold
Should be cautious before he cross it
Glance this way and that
Who knows beforehand what foes may sit
Awaiting him in the hall?"

"WHo travels widely needs his wits about him
The stupid should stay at home
The ignorant man is often laughed at
When he sits at meat withthe sage."

"Of his knowledge a man should never boast
Rather be sparing of speech
When to his house a wiser comes
Seldome do those who are silent make mistakes
Mother wit is ever a faithful friend."

"Fortunate is he who is favored in his lifetime
With praise and words of wisdom
Evil counsel is often given
By those of evil heart."

"Silence becomes the son of a prince
To be silent but brave in battle
It befits a man to be merry and glad
Until the day of his death."

"The coward believes he will live forever
If he holds back in the battle
But in old age he shall have no peace
Though spears have spared his limbs."

"He who has seen and suffered much
And knows the ways of the world
Who has travelled, can tell what spirit
Governs the men he meets."

"An ill-tempered, unhappy man
Ridicules all he hears
Makes fun of others, refusing always
To see the faults in himself."

"The fool who fancies he is full of wisdom
While he sits by his hearth at home
Quickly finds when questioned by others
That he knows nothing at all."

"Wise is he not who is never silent
Mouthing meaningless words
A glib tongue that goes on chattering
Sings to its own harm."

"A small hut of one's own is better
A man is his master at home
A couple of goats and a corded roof
Still are better than begging."

"If you deal with another you don't trust
But wish for his goodwill
Be fair in speech but false in thought
And give him lie for lie."
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