The Hávamál is a collection of wisdom verses, proverbs, and advice on topics such as:
* Social conduct: How to behave in different situations, how to deal with others, and the importance of hospitality.
* Self-improvement: The importance of learning, self-control, and perseverance.
* Ethics and morality: The values of honesty, loyalty, and courage.
* Fate and destiny: The inevitability of death and the importance of living a good life.
Here is an excerpt from the Hávamál:
> "Better to be silent than to speak foolishly.
> Better to be alone than in bad company.
> Better to be poor than to be a thief.
> Better to be dead than to be dishonored."
Why is it famous?
* Ancient and profound: The Hávamál dates back to the 9th century, making it one of the oldest surviving texts from the Viking Age.
* Practical wisdom: The poem offers timeless advice on how to live a good and fulfilling life.
* Influence on culture: The Hávamál has had a lasting impact on Scandinavian culture and has been translated into many languages.
While not a traditional "poem" in the modern sense (more like a collection of verses and proverbs), the Hávamál is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential works from the Viking Age.