English translation and original Old Norse text of the Völuspá and Hávamál, the two most important poems of the Elder Edda. Aelfric Avery presents a literal translation made by a heathen for heathens, with the translation beside the original Old Norse text. Avery's translation does not add or take away anything from the original text, nor does it offer the assumptions, interpretations and rationalizations that are found in other translations. The purpose of this translation is for heathens to be able to understand what the original text of these poems actually says and to be able to read the text in Old Norse and know what it means. Further, Old Norse words which do not translate well into Modern English but which are central concepts in heathenry are explained with notes in the Wordhoard. An Old Norse pronunciation guide is also included.