The Gods normally did not get involved in the affairs of men, unless they could frustrate the schemes of the giants by doing so. With Odin's precognitive skills, the Gods helped men in order to help themselves at Ragnarok. To this end the Valkyrie searched the battlefields for the bravest and best fighters, to carry them to Valhalla to await Ragnarok.
Another practice of Odin's was to set tests for heroes and other candidates for Valhalla. When you deal with Odin or shamanism, there is a great potential for power, and a certainty that you will be placed in situations which will force you to grow up, develop yourself, and to move forward. After all, the entire motivation for Odin is to protect Asgard and to prepare for Ragnarok.
If you are going to gain the attention of Odin, you must be prepared to be thrown into situations which will train, challenge and test you. When you work with shamanism and the runes together you will definitely draw the attention of Odin. He is interested in heroes, not wimps.
If you can not develop the moral character, skills and courage he requires, there is little concern as to whether you pass or fail the test. The test will always be scrupulously fair, but very difficult, and failures can always be dangerous. Valhalla is not for the faint of heart.
