From Odin himself we take a look at what he has to say about Mead drinking and how to behave when you have drunk it. This is probably one piece of advice the Vikings forgot about when out on a raid.
From Havamal, the Words of Odin, the High One
Less good than belief would have it
Is mead for the sons of men:
A man knows less the more he drinks,
Becomes a befuddled fool
When he meets friends, the fool gapes,
Is shy and sheepish at first,
Then he sips his mead and immediately
All know what an oaf he is.
Drink your mead, but in moderation,
Talk sense or be silent:
No man is called discourteous who goes
To bed at an early hour.
Picture: Odin, chased by Suttungr, spits the mead into several vessels
Hávamál: (Sayings of the high one) is presented as a single poem in a collection of Old Norse poems from the Viking age. The poem, itself a combination of different poems presents advice for living, proper conduct and wisdom. The verses are attributed to Odin much like the biblical Book of Wisdom is attributed to Solomon.
Picture: Odin
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