Havamal #49, and #53

[EyeInWell]

I'm reading the Poetic Edda (Hollander trans.) and having trouble deciphering #49 and #53. I did a search here and I think #49 means "do not run naked; people will think less of you". I think #53 means "beware of half-wits; they are everywhere". I'm not sure I have this figured out right or not. Did Scandinavia have a problem with guys running around naked in the snow? Am I one the "half-wits" we've been warned about for bringing this up? Any help would be appreciated.

Heil Odin!

[EyeInWell]

I realize now that I should have posted this thread in the "Havamal" section. Sorry to all. :o

[Ve'dis Vindhler]

49

Two wooden stakes stood on the plain,
on them I hung my clothes:
Draped in linen, they looked well born,
But, naked, I was a nobody


To me this speaks of how man may judge man on appearance and be able to discern his class through the garments and outer ware that he dones.

53

Little a sand-grain, little a dew drop,
Little the minds of men:
All men are not equal in wisdom,
The half-wise are everywhere

To me this states for man to not be to full of himself no matter how learned and wise he may be for though he may be greater than some he is still less than others as well and the all of us combined are still only half wise meaning we will never achieve perfection while the constant goal is to ever try.

I don't care for Hollander myself. Bellows is mellow though. :cool:

[EyeInWell]

:) Thanks Ve'dis Vindhler. That makes more sense. The Hollander trans. gets a little confusing. Who knew "weeds" means "clothes"? Anyway I appreciate the help.

FFF
Guy

[Ve'dis Vindhler]

You are most welcome Eye in the Wall.

Let's do some more!

:)

Meet me in the Edda forum...................

[SirThorgil]

# 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!


#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

Its always helpful to seek out other translations to see what how the translations differ and maybe make a bit more sense.

Thanks to olive bray of www.pitt.edu for this translation