> Good luck to who gives;
> a guest^["Guest or Gest: Odin"] has entered;
> where should he find somewhere to sit?
> <br>
> Very jumpy's the one who by the blaze
> must make a test of his luck.
- Commonly thought that the 2 halves of the stanza are unrelated in context
- joined together by the ravages of time??
- First Stanza
- It is good luck to be generous, you never know whom your guest may be
- It is best to have one's first thought go towards hospitality
- It could be a commoner, a warrior, a king, a wanderer, it might even be Odin himself
- Where will you sit your guest?
- Placement often could be an insult or an honor
- Wanderers entertained for the news of the world were often welcomed
- Potential warnings of threat or danger, scorn them and you miss the boon of their warning
- A close place next to the Jarl / Host would be appropriate to share the news of the day and to entertain one's guest
- Second Stanza
- The people who cling to safety and comfort in life
- (the blaze, a nice calming, warm, comfortable fire)
- Are quick to give in to nerves when confronted by tests of their luck
- i.e. (risk, danger, opportunities, battle)