The first part of the Havamal gives a number of particularly revealing insights into the Nordic cultural ethos of that time and focuses particularly on the etiquette and behavioural relationships between hosts and guests. The first stanza exemplifies the practical behavioural advice it offers:
The second section of Havamal deals with morals, ethics, correct action and codes of conduct. It is directed to the dwarf Loddfaffner, who stands in the place of the reader (or, as was the case at the time, the listener).
The latter section, which is spectacularly metaphysical, exposes the depths of this poem, and these can best be exemplified wherein Odin talks of his self-sacrifice (to himself) in stanza 138:
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