A Modern Day Havamal

By: Donngal mac Ronain

Narrated by: Geoff Scott

Length: 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Modern Day Havamal is a fresh and new take on the words of Odin presented in many previous translations. This book is designed to offer the Havamal in a easy-to-understand and current take on the English language. Modern followers of Norse Heathenry, Asatru, and other pagan paths should find this version of the Havamal to be a good listen and deliver the spirit of the words of Odin in a new way.

©2019 Donngal mac Ronain (P)2019 Donngal mac Ronain

it is what it says.

Lots of license taken with it to bring it in to the modern world. Such as when Odin recommends you buy the item you want on Wish.

Excellent Modern Day Havamal

With so many Havamal translations, why pick this one? The author takes the Havamal and brings it into the modern day with his language choices. The narrator is engaging and correctly pronounces Old Norse words.

Well being the only English version of the Havamal I listened

Narrator sucked. Some of the translations aren’t good either. I need 15 words to write a review.

okay but seems archaic

Don't get me wrong, this is probably a fantastic translation/summarization but some of the "teachings" contained therein just seem a little archaic by modern standards. don't get me wrong, if you're interested in Vikings and want a little insight into their way of life, this is a great place to start. Just don't expect any groundbreaking truths here...

Hands down my favorite version of the Havamal

This version of the Havamal feels so much more direct than the other versions I've read, as it is in the language that a wise friend would use were they to sit you down to talk. Which is true to the nature and intent of the original.
I deeply appreciated the neutrality in the relationship section, as it allows the point to properly come across instead of being muddled.
These words are clear and comforting, which is only amplified by the quality of the narration.

Clear Translation and Narration

This version of the Havamal aims to make the classic text approachable and understandable to the modern listener. In this it succeeds admirably. The translation is into clear, colloquial, modern American English. There are very few archaisms, nor are there any painful attempts at the latest slang, either. Instead, the overall effect is at once timeless and contemporary. Without detracting from the text’s power, the translation makes it clear that the Havamal is a practical book, intended to give advice both useful and also morally beneficial.

Given that this is an audio edition, a word must be said about the narration, as well. The narrator has a clear, resonant voice, with which he speaks slowly and absolutely understandably throughout the recording . Every word is perfectly audible. Meaning is conveyed with precision, in terms perfectly understandable to the vast majority of listeners.

Overall, this is an excellent Havamal, on every level.

Fantastic Narrator.

I've read many translations of the Hávamál. The narrator does an excellent job with the Old Norse pronunciations throughout the book . His cadence is perfect for this material. A very pleasant listening experience.

Enjoyed this version of The Havamal

This is something to revisit time and time again.
There is something to be said for the more antiquated versions available. I own several versions in printed book form. One tends to get caught up in the words rather than the meaning at times. This version is in plain English and propels me to give more thought to some of the sayings at times. The narration (an important role in an audiobook) is done very well and the speaker has a good quality that one looks for in audio form.
Well done!

Good Listen

I felt like this was a good modern take on the Havamal. Easy to listen to, and a good perspective.

Too dumbed down.

I understand the want to make The Hávamál more readable for a modern audience but you could get The Poetic Edda and get The Hávamál and so much more. It's incredibly dumbed down too. Like insulting so at times unfortunately.

simple easy

it is a simple and easy to understand version of the writings but no details given

Wonderful

A great modern telling of the Havamal. I would recommend this for beginners looking for a clearer understanding of Odins words.

Easy listening words for life

The narration is clear and easy to listen to. Some of the american slang was a little harsh on this english ear. However, I understood the gist of what was said, except for one stanza which I did not get at all, hence 4 stars. I would still recommend it though.

If only everyone lived by these words

Super easy listen or read. Not so much a story but you are left with sound advice.

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