Odin's Magic Songs

What powers do Odin's songs have?

In *Havamal*, Odin describes the magic songs he knows, one by one. The first is called “Help.” It is useful in times of trouble and sorrow. His 3rd song dulls the blades of his enemies' weapons. When he sings the 4th, shackles fall from his feet and the bonds around his hands come loose.

With the 7th, he puts out a fire in a hall where his companions are gathered. With the 9th, he calms the wind to protect a ship and lulls the waves to sleep. With the 12th, he works magic on a dead person hanging from a tree. When he carves and colors runes, the person begins to walk and speaks to Odin.

The last song, the 18th song, is a secret. Odin says he will not teach it to a young woman or another man's wife. But he makes an exception: he will teach it only to the woman who holds him in her arms, or to his sister. He does not reveal its power. He also says it is better that he alone should know it.

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