The Wanderer's Havamal

by Jackson Crawford

Then Thór spoke up and said, “Álfhild, Starkađ’s mother, chose a crafty giant to be the father of her child instead of Thór of the Æsir, and so I decree that Starkađ will have neither a son nor a daughter, and thus will be the last of his family line.” Óđin said, “I decree that he will live three lifetimes.” Thór said, “I decree that he will commit a shameful crime in each one.” Óđin replied, “I decree that he will have the best weapons and clothes.” Thór said, “I decree that he will never own land.” Óđin said, “I decree that he will have plenty of money.” Thór said, “I decree that he will never think it’s enough.” Óđin said, “I give him victory and outstanding skill in every battle.” Thór said, “I decree that he will receive a horrible injury in each one.” Óđin said, “I give him the art of poetry, so that he will compose poems as effortlessly as he speaks.” Thór said, “He will not remember what he composes.” Óđin said, “I decree that he will be the favorite of all the noblest of men and the best.” Thór said, “He will be hated by the middle class.”