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this is not very clear from the history, something of this kind must be understood, to render the poem intelligible.

“To save the necessity of many notes, we must remind the Reader, that Odin or Woden was worshipped in the northern nations, as the god of war, and as father of the other gods. Such as died in battle were believed to be received into the habitation of the gods, and there to feast and carrouse full goblets of the northern nectar Ale and Beer; this place or Elizium was called Valhall or the hall of slaughter. To receive an invitation to Valhall or the palace of the gods meant the same as to receive a death-summons.