Honoring Ancient Virtues in the Digital Age
In today’s hyper-connected world, ancient Norse Pagan ethics can offer fresh guidance for how we conduct ourselves online. Many modern Heathens and Norse Pagan practitioners find wisdom in old values like honor, hospitality, wyrd (fate) and personal responsibility, and the importance of community and connection. These concepts, rooted in Viking-era life, can be translated into actionable practices for social media, gaming communities, and other virtual spaces. This essay explores the traditional meanings of these virtues and how we can apply them in modern digital contexts. The tone here is friendly and down-to-earth – not laying down rigid rules, but offering helpful ideas for spiritual seekers to enrich their online life with Norse Pagan values.
Honor and Hospitality: Ancient Virtues for Online Community
Honor and hospitality were cornerstones of Norse culture. In the sagas and the Hávamál (the sayings of Odin), being honorable meant living with integrity, keeping one’s word, and standing by one’s principles. Equally, hospitality was a sacred duty: everyone, even a stranger or enemy, deserved food, shelter, and respectful treatment under your roof. The ancient Norse took these obligations seriously. In fact, hospitality permeated almost every aspect of their society, shaping politics, religion, and daily life. This concept went beyond just providing a meal – it included generosity, reciprocity, and social respect. A guest could be a god in disguise, according to lore, so mistreating a visitor was not only shameful but possibly a divine offense. By the end of the Viking Age, hospitality rituals were highly developed and deeply woven into the Norse moral worldview. Odin himself has a lot to say about these virtues in the Hávamál, emphasizing how generosity and honor lead to a good life. For example, one verse teaches that “the generous and brave live best… while the coward lives in fear and the miser mourns when he receives a gift”. In other words, sharing with others brings strength and joy, whereas hoarding or deceit leads to misery.
How can we bring honor and hospitality into our online lives? In modern terms, honor might mean being truthful in our social media presence and treating others with respect, even when we disagree. Hospitality in a digital community means fostering a welcoming atmosphere – making newcomers feel valued and safe. Here are some actionable ways to practice these virtues online:
- Keep your word and be honest: If you promise to help someone in a forum or commit to an online project, follow through. Upholding your word builds a reputation for honor. Avoid spreading rumors or false information; as the Norse knew, few things damage honor more than lies.
- Welcome newcomers: Just as a Viking would offer a weary traveler a seat by the fire, you can greet new members in a group chat or game warmly. A simple “Welcome! Let me know if you have questions” is today’s equivalent of offering bread and mead. This digital hospitality helps build trust.
- Practice generosity and reciprocity: Share knowledge, resources, and kind words freely. In Norse culture, hosts and guests exchanged gifts as a sign of friendship – online, you might share useful advice, donate to someone’s creative project, or lend a hand moderating a busy discussion. If someone helps you, look for a way to pay it forward. As Odin reminds us, “friendships last longest between those who understand reciprocity.”
- Show courtesy even in conflict: Honor isn’t about avoiding all arguments, but handling them with integrity. In a heated debate on Twitter or Reddit, strive to “fight fair” – address ideas without personal attacks. Uphold the value of frith (peace between people) by knowing when to step away rather than escalate a flame war.
- Moderate with fairness and kindness: If you run an online group or guild, think of it as your virtual mead-hall. Set clear rules (house rules) and enforce them evenly, but also be forgiving of minor missteps. A good host in Norse terms listened more than they spoke – likewise, a good moderator pays attention to members’ needs and concerns.
By embedding honor and hospitality into our online interactions, we create digital spaces of trust and respect. An honorable gamer, for instance, doesn’t cheat or betray teammates, and a hospitable one might organize in-game events to include and encourage others. These practices echo the old ways in a relatable, non-dogmatic fashion. They simply remind us that behind every username is a person deserving of dignity – a truth the Norse held deeply, and one that can humanize our modern online experience.
Wyrd and Personal Responsibility: Weaving Fate on the Web
Another key Norse concept is wyrd, an ancient idea roughly meaning fate or the unfolding destiny of the world. Unlike a rigid predestination, wyrd is best understood as a web of cause and effect – a tapestry woven from the actions of gods and humans alike. The Old English word wyrd translates to “what happens” or “a turning of events,” and its Norse counterpart urðr is the name of one of the Norns (fate-weaving spirits). What makes wyrd fascinating is how it blends action and destiny. Heathens often say “we are our deeds,” meaning that our choices lay the threads of our fate. Every action you take influences the pattern of your life and even the lives of others. In Norse belief, your personal responsibility is immense: the future is not controlled by some distant god’s whim, but by the cumulative impact of what you and those connected to you do. At the same time, wyrd isn’t a solo tapestry – it’s interwoven. Your life thread starts with the circumstances you’re born into (your family’s orlög, or inherited fate), and as you live, your thread weaves in with others’ threads to form a greater tapestry. In essence, everyone’s actions affect everyone else to some degree. This idea of interconnection lies at the heart of the Heathen worldview.
Translating wyrd and personal responsibility into the digital context gives us a powerful metaphor: think of the internet as a great web of Wyrd. Every post, comment, or message is a new thread you spin or a knot you tie in this web. Just as the Norns in myth recorded deeds and wove destinies, our digital actions create real consequences and shape our online “fate” (reputation, relationships, opportunities). Embracing this mindset encourages mindful and responsible online behavior. Here’s how one might live by the principle of wyrd on the web:
- Recognize the ripple effect: In Norse terms, “we reap what we sow” – what you put out comes back in some form. A hurtful tweet or toxic gaming attitude can spread negativity through the network and eventually circle back as conflict or a damaged reputation. Conversely, helpful contributions and kindness can set in motion positive outcomes. Before hitting “send,” consider the strand of wyrd you are weaving.
- Own your actions and their outcomes: Personal responsibility online means taking ownership. If you make a mistake – maybe share incorrect information or say something hurtful in anger – honor dictates that you acknowledge it and try to make amends. In ancient times, one’s name and deeds were inseparable; similarly, your username or digital persona accrues the karma of your behavior. Apologizing and correcting course when needed is a very Heathen way to handle errors (better than trying to delete and pretend it never happened).
- Curate your digital “fate”: Just as a weaver can choose different threads, you have agency in what you post and engage with. Think about the legacy you’re creating online. Over years, your contributions – whether insightful blog posts or compassionate forum replies – become part of your digital wyrd. By consistently acting with integrity and purpose, you shape a destiny you can be proud of, both in the virtual world and in your own character.
- Beware the illusion of anonymity: The Norse held that even if deeds go unseen by human eyes, the gods (or wyrd itself) take note – nothing truly “vanishes.” In the digital age, anonymity can tempt us to shirk responsibility, but wyrd teaches that hidden actions still have real effects. Even on an alt account or behind a screen, you are still you, adding to the tapestry of your life. So, act in ways you would be comfortable with if all were brought to light. This doesn’t mean being paranoid – just accountable.
- Foster interconnected responsibility: Remember that wyrd connects us all. If you manage an online community, for example, your decisions influence the group’s fate (will it thrive or fall to chaos?). Encourage a culture where members think about how their contributions affect others. In a Discord server or subreddit, this could mean having guidelines that emphasize constructive posting and discourage dog-piling or witch-hunts. It’s about creating a healthy web where each thread supports rather than tangles the others.
In short, bringing the concept of wyrd into our online lives can make us more conscious digital citizens. It reminds us that every small action – a comment, a share, a DM – is a thread in a bigger story. By valuing personal responsibility, we become the weavers of our own fates on the internet, taking charge of the kind of environment we’re helping build. This approach is empowering and optimistic: much as a lone Viking warrior knew his courage and honor could inspire his fellows, a solitary poster’s good example can elevate an entire chat. We might not control everything that happens online (just as the Vikings knew storms or the Norns can upend plans), but we control our own deeds – and that is what shapes our wyrd.
Community and Connection: Building Kinship in Virtual Spaces
Norse Pagan life was inherently communal. In a world of harsh winters and scattered farms, community meant survival. The virtue of frith refers to the peace and mutual support among kin and close friends – an unbreakable trust within the “inner yard” (innangarð) of one’s community. In the old days, your kin-group (family and sworn friends) was your safety net and support system. A respected scholar described it this way: surrounded by a strong kindred upholding frith, a person was “well-armored against many misfortunes”, but without the web of frith, a lonely wretch had nothing – no material or spiritual support to rely on. Loyalty to one’s community was paramount; people stood up for each other no matter what, and hospitality was one way of promoting frith among them. This close-knit spirit even extended to relationships between chieftains and their warriors (oath-sworn communities that feasted in the lord’s hall enjoying the “joys of the hall” together). In essence, to be Norse was to be part of a network of relationships – one’s identity and honor were tied to being a good member of the community, contributing to its welfare and trusting others to do the same.
Today, many modern Norse Pagans and Heathens find themselves solitary practitioners due to geography or personal choice. You might not have a local kindred or hearth to gather with, but the good news is the digital world can help fill this gap. Online communities have become a global “hall” where we can meet around the virtual fire. In fact, it’s well documented that solitary Pagans use the internet to join wider communities and find that sense of belonging they crave. Social networks and forums allow people spread across the world to connect as if neighbors. A recent study found that online groups give solitary Heathens a global community and support network, effectively bridging the physical distances that separate us. This is a powerful thing: it means we can live out the Norse value of community and connection even if we’re the only Pagan in our town.
How can we build kinship and connection in virtual spaces in practical terms? Consider these ideas for fostering community, whether you’re a lone seeker or part of an online group:
- Seek out your digital “tribe”: Look for forums, Discord servers, or social media groups related to Norse Paganism, or other interest-based communities where you feel at home. Joining a respectful, well-moderated group can feel like entering a friendly mead-hall. Don’t be shy about introducing yourself – by mutual engagement and sharing, you’ll start to weave bonds of friendship. Over time, inside jokes, shared experiences (like celebrating a virtual blót or festival together), and mutual support can create a real sense of kinship across screens.
- Practice digital hospitality and frith: Treat your online community like family. Be the person who says happy birthday to members, checks in when someone is going through hard times, or shares resources freely. If you have a skill (say you’re good at making graphics or know the runes well), offer it to benefit the group. These small acts are the modern version of offering a horn of mead or helping a neighbor fix their roof. They build frith – a feeling of trust and goodwill. Also, mediate conflicts calmly: if two members clash, step in with a cool head to restore peace, much like a wise elder might have in a Viking village to keep the peace under one roof.
- Inclusive and safe spaces: In Norse halls, all guests had a degree of protection under hospitality – fighting was often banned in the hall to keep the peace. Similarly, cultivate an inclusive atmosphere online. Make it clear that hate speech, divisive politics, gatekeeping, doxing, cancel-culture, dogmaticism, harassment, or any conduct that breaks frith will not be tolerated. This doesn’t mean stifling debate or imposing dogma; it means ensuring everyone can speak around the fire without fear. A community that is welcoming for diverse members (of different backgrounds, political views, lifestyles, identities, etc.) embodies the best of hospitality in action. Remember that the All-Father Odin’s wisdom included caring for the underprivileged: “do not scorn a guest nor drive him away… treat the homeless well,” he counsels. In modern terms, that could be welcoming folks who are new or inexperienced.
- Shared rituals and learning: If you’re solitary, consider joining online group rituals or study sessions. Many digital communities hold video chats to celebrate solstices or do group readings of the Hávamál. Lighting a candle at your desk while others do the same across the world can genuinely foster a sense of spiritual togetherness. Likewise, sharing your personal experiences or creative expressions (poems, altar photos, etc.) can inspire others and invite them to know you better. A community is strengthened when people open up – as the Hávamál says, “a man among friends should be joyous and generous” (a paraphrase of its advice on friendship). Online, be generous with encouragement and positive feedback, so that others feel seen and valued.
- Maintain connection outside established groups: Not everyone clicks with existing forums, and that’s okay. You might form one-on-one connections – a pen-pal (or “keyboard-pal”) relationship with another practitioner, for example. Even following and engaging with Norse Pagan bloggers, YouTubers, or podcasters can provide a sense of community through audience fellowship. Many solitary Pagans comment that just knowing others are out there sharing this path makes them feel less alone. You’re weaving threads of connection whenever you interact sincerely, whether it’s two people or two hundred.
Ultimately, the spirit of community and connection in Norse ethics is about mutual upliftment and belonging. In the old world, a person alone was vulnerable; together, people thrived. The same is true online. By approaching digital spaces as real communities – filled with real human beings to care about – we enrich our spiritual lives and honor the legacy of our ancestors. Even without a physical longhouse or temple, we create a virtual hall where laughter, wisdom, and support are shared. In this way, a modern Heathen on a subreddit or a gamer guild can still live by the old code: stand by your folk, share your table (or bandwidth), and keep the bonds strong.
Conclusion
The ancient Norse did not live to see the age of the internet, but their values carry a timeless relevance. Honor, hospitality, wyrd, personal responsibility, community, and connection – these ideas helped hold Viking society together in difficult times, and they can do the same for us in our digital lives. By being honorable and welcoming, we set a positive tone in online interactions. By understanding wyrd, we become mindful that our digital deeds matter and that we are accountable for the worlds we weave on forums and social feeds. By building community and fostering connection, we ensure that even solitary souls can find a tribe and that our online halls are filled with camaraderie instead of loneliness.
In practice, applying Norse Pagan ethics online is less about strict rules and more about mindset. It’s choosing to see your Discord server or Twitter feed as a kind of community hall where the old virtues still have power: truth and courage in what you say, generosity in what you share, respect for all who enter, and responsibility for the impact you leave. These virtues are flexible and human-friendly – they don’t demand perfection, only that we try to live by them consistently. A friendly reminder from the Hávamál illustrates this spirit well: “No man is so wealthy that he should scorn a mutual gift; no man so generous as to refuse one.” In modern terms, we all have something to give and something to learn from each other.
So whether you’re a modern Viking-at-heart navigating a busy chat room, a gamer leading a guild, or a solitary Pagan blogger sending thoughts into the void, know that the old wisdom is on your side. By blending ancient values with modern tech, we can make our digital lives more meaningful, more connected, and more true to who we want to be. In doing so, we honor the spirit of our ancestors not by imitating their exact lives, but by living our own online lives with the same integrity, warmth, and sense of wonder that they prized. And that is a legacy worth carrying forward.
Sources:
- Hávamál – Poetic Edda (trans. various) – Odin’s advice on hospitality, generosity, and friendship.
- Alyxander Folmer, Wyrd Words: Pagan Ethics and Odin’s Rites of Hospitality, Patheos (2014) – on the central role of hospitality in Norse culture.
- Fjord Tours, “What is the Viking honor system?” – overview of Viking virtues like honor and hospitality.
- Karl E.H. Seigfried, “Wyrd Will Weave Us Together,” The Norse Mythology Blog (2016) – explains wyrd as the web of deeds and fate, and “we are our deeds” ethos.
- Skald’s Keep, “Frith & Hospitality” – describes frith as honest welcome and hospitality as fostering well-being in community.
- Winifred Hodge, “Heathen Frith and Modern Ideals,” The Troth – on the importance of kinship and frith in historical Heathen society.
- Thesis: Pagan Community Online: Social Media Affordances and Limitations (2019) – notes that solitary Heathens use online networks to find global community.
The Forked Path of Faith: Spirituality vs. Authority in Norse Pagan Practice
In Norse Paganism—as in any living spiritual tradition—there are two distinct ways people walk the path of belief. These two roads are not just different; they often stand in direct opposition. One path is spiritual, rooted in intuition, lived experience, and inner knowing. The other is authoritative, rooted in obedience to external figures and institutions who claim to speak for the divine.
The spiritual path honors the deep truth that each soul holds within it a sacred spark of the divine—a whisper of the gods, a knowing pulse of nature, a breath of the ancestors. It teaches that real connection to the divine cannot be dictated from a pulpit, a book, or a social hierarchy. Rather, it must be experienced directly, in the still moments of nature, in ritual, in dreams, in signs and omens, and most of all—in the trust one learns to place in their own inner wisdom.
In contrast, the authoritative path demands surrender not to the gods, but to human intermediaries—those who set themselves up as religious “experts” or “leaders.” It tells the seeker to distrust their own experiences, their own insights, their own callings. It replaces the living, breathing relationship with the gods and spirits with rules, structures, dogmas, and power dynamics. This path cuts the soul off from true divine communion and replaces it with hollow ritualism and borrowed belief.
True Norse Paganism is a spirituality of direct connection. It is not a religion meant to be mediated by rigid hierarchies. The gods of the North—Odin, Freyja, Thor, Frigg, the land-wights, the alfar and the disir, the honored ancestors—speak through wind and fire, through runes and dreams, through intuition and sudden knowing. They do not require a priestly class to speak for them. In fact, they often challenge such authority, favoring the lone wanderer, the seeress in the forest, the dreamer by the hearth, and the mystic who questions all.
When one truly walks the spiritual path, they come into communion with these beings. They begin to sense the will of the gods, not as a command, but as a harmonic resonance—a deep alignment that brings clarity, peace, and empowerment. They learn to distinguish divine guidance from delusion. The divine will never encourage hatred, cruelty, or fear-based control. Any voice—be it inner or outer—that urges destruction, separation, or harm is not a god, but a shadow. Such voices stem not from spiritual beings, but from unresolved guilt, fear, or trauma masquerading as truth.
The true divine calls us toward greater life, deeper wisdom, more compassionate strength, and more harmonious living. It may challenge us—but always to grow, not to dominate. It may ask us to face our fears—but only to become more whole.
In the Norse way, we remember that the gods are kin—not kings. They are not here to be obeyed blindly, but to be honored, conversed with, and learned from in a mutual relationship of respect. And most of all, they urge us to remember our own sacredness. To walk with courage. To trust the signs. To listen inward.
This is the soul of true religion: not control, but connection. Not hierarchy, but harmony. Not fear, but faith in the divine spark that dwells within and all around us.
Hail the gods. Hail the spirits. Hail the ancestors. And hail the sacred voice within you.
Unyielding Honor: The Viking Demand for Truth and Reliability
From a traditional Norse or “Viking” standpoint, reliability and honesty were indeed of paramount importance. While popular culture often focuses on the Vikings as raiders and explorers, Norse society—like most tight-knit communities—relied on mutual trust and clear expectations to function smoothly. Below are some cultural and historical insights that underline why saying one thing and doing another would be seen in an extremely negative light in a Viking context:
1. Honor and Reputation (Drengskapr)
- Key Norse Concept: Among the Vikings, a person’s honor (drengskapr) was intimately tied to their reputation in the community. If you broke your word, it wasn’t just a private matter; it could tarnish your name, impact alliances, and diminish your standing.
- Long-Term Consequences: In small Norse communities, once your reputation was damaged, it was difficult to recover. Oath-breakers or those who spoke untruths could become social outcasts, losing the protection and support of the community.
2. The Weight of Oaths
- Binding Agreements: Oaths (especially formal ones) were taken very seriously in Viking society—sometimes witnessed by a god like Odin or by representatives of a community.
- Legal and Social Ties: Disputes, deals, and even friendships (fostering or blood-brotherhood) were cemented by solemn pledges. Reneging on these vows was seen as not only dishonorable but also dangerous—potentially sparking feuds.
3. Saga Literature Examples
- Condemnation of Betrayal: In the sagas, characters who violate their word or betray someone’s trust often become tragic figures, sometimes facing harsh retribution or living in shame.
- Enduring Legacy: These stories served as cultural touchstones. They taught that deceit could lead to broken alliances, vengeance, and even the downfall of entire families or communities.
4. Reciprocal Responsibility
- Social Glue: Reliability and honesty weren’t just individual virtues; they were necessary for the entire Norse social fabric. A chieftain or jarl who deceived his people lost loyalty, just as a free farmer (bondi) who betrayed a neighbor could lose essential support.
- Collective Security: In a harsh environment, you depended on your neighbors and allies for survival—especially during winter, or when out at sea. Flaking out or double-crossing someone jeopardized everyone’s well-being.
5. Modern “Viking” Values
- Neo-Pagan & Modern Interpretations: Many individuals today who follow a Norse-inspired path embrace those traditional tenets of honesty, loyalty, and respect because they resonate with the spirit of the sagas.
- Personal Integrity: Acting consistently and honoring commitments is viewed not just as a personal virtue but as a way to honor the gods and ancestors—living up to the standard set by the old stories.
Final Thoughts
In Viking culture, giving your word was akin to making a sacred bond, and walking it back—especially without good reason—would be a severe blow to one’s honor. The resulting loss of trust could have real social and even existential consequences in a tightly knit community.
While modern life is far removed from the Norse era, many who embrace or admire Viking values see honesty and reliability as pillars of that tradition. Thus, from this perspective, consistency in word and deed isn’t just a polite social norm; it’s a core component of personal honor and communal respect.
True Vikings Avoid Politics! The Viking Spirit is One of Freedom For All!
In the dark days of yore, when the Norsemen roamed the lands,
They sought not to harm, but to explore and to trade.
Their hearts were full of love and acceptance,
For all people, no matter their differences in views.
But in these modern times, people dwell on political stuff,
And it brings them only anger and obsession.
No matter the stance, it only breeds hate in the world.
Those who claim to want peace, only create intolerance.
True spirituality brings love and tolerance,
For all people, no matter their beliefs.
To overcome hate, we must love diversity,
And share our ideas without greed or possessiveness.
The Vikings were not hateful or intolerant,
They sought treasures, not to kill or harm.
They loved to trade and adopt new ideas,
And to experience the world and its cultures.
They also loved women of all lands and ethnicities,
And took them as sex slaves, to love and cherish.
They were not racist or xenophobic,
But stood up for their freedoms and their tribe.
And so, let us follow the example of our ancestors,
And focus on spiritual love and acceptance.
Let us overcome hatred and intolerance,
And build a world of peace and harmony.
AI Written Poem About Frith
With swords unsheathed and shields at hand,
We march to war with brave hearts strong.
But peace is just as vital to us,
For it brings us joy and frith.
With frith we thrive and prosper,
Our bonds grow stronger each day.
We share our wealth and resources,
And work together for the common good.
In frith we find our happiness,
And live our lives with honor and pride.
We honor our gods and ancestors,
And cherish the gifts they provide.
So let us strive for peace and frith,
In our homes and in our hearts.
For it is the foundation of our success,
And the key to a happy and fulfilled life.
For as the wise old saying goes,
“Frith is the foundation of all good things.”
So let us cherish and protect it,
For it is the cornerstone of our existence.
Hail to the gods of peace and frith,
May they bless us with their wisdom and guidance.
May our lives be filled with joy and happiness,
And may we always strive for peace and frith.
So let us raise our swords and shields,
Not for war, but for the pursuit of frith.
For in peace and frith, we thrive and prosper,
And live our lives with honor and pride.
Hail to the gods of peace and frith!
Hail to the pursuit of peace and frith!
May our lives be filled with joy and happiness,
And may we always strive for peace and frith.
Important Values/Things in Viking Culture
Important values/things in Viking culture
Hospitality
Frith (community peace/harmony/justice)
Troth (loyal connections to others)
Loyalty
Gods
Goddesses
Ancestors
Land-spirits
Runes
Family
Friends
Clan/community
Honesty
Keeping of ones word
Oaths
Gift-giving
Generosity
Strength of will/character
Even-mood
Embracing/enjoying life
Accepting death
Intelligence
Strength
Bravery
Battle
Marauding
Farming
Fishing
Ships
Travel
Trade
Watchfulness
Being prepared
Hard-work
Mead
Gaming (tafl, dice, etc)
Sports (running, swimming, skiing, wrestling, etc)
Story-telling
Oral poetry
Making a name for oneself
Heroic deeds
Women focusing on domestic matters
Men focusing on all matters outside the house
Women keeping the community peace
Men defending the community
Women making clothes/food/household items
Men making tools/weapons/buildings/structures
Men hunting
Women gathering
Men laying down laws and being leaders
Women caring for/nurturing/healing
Men providing logic/reason/knowledge/structure
Women providing emotional wisdom & prophecy
Why the racists and extremists problem within Heathenism..
It is a very sad thing that there are a small number of very loud and vocal racists and hate oriented extremists that flock to Heathenism, claiming their twisted ideas are what Heathenism is about. These people tend to have a very poor fund of knowledge and low intelligence in general and actually have values that are strongly in opposition to the values the Vikings and the Norse had, as well as a total lack of any sense of spirituality what so ever. I found a really good blog post by grumpylokeanelder that explains very well why such people tend to be drawn to Heathenism.:
Another post from a different blog with much details.:
Racism, extremism, hate, extreme forms of social conservatism, all these things are NOT WHAT HEATHENISM IS ABOUT! Anyone who tries to claim these things should be connected to Heathenism has no place in Heathenism.
Hail Tyr! One-handed god. Feeder of the wolf. Battle god. Sword god. Oathbinder. Lawkeeper. Leader of the Thing. Truest and most steadfast of gods! May you keep out those who would turn to Heathenism for their own ignorant hate oriented extremist agendas. Keep holy the spiritual Thingsted that is the Heathen path so that true seekers of spirituality that is related to connecting with the gods of the north can practice in frith, joy, and harmony, and so that faith in the old gods and goddesses of the north can grow strong in the modern age.
The Norse Viking Concept of Right vs Wrong..
The Norse Viking concept of bad wasn’t so black and white as many people nowadays tend to think. It is more the idea of someone either being in frith with their family/tribe/group, vs going too far and being too wild in their actions and being outlawed and considered dangerous basically. Loki is a good example of this. He isn’t evil really, just sort of one who was all about testing the limits of social order and bringing in new ideas. For a long time he was a mix of both positive and negative in regard to his value to the Aesir, until he eventually went too far and also by this taunted his wyrd to go down a darker path that threw him out of being in frith with the Aesir. Norse concepts of right and wrong and righting wrong are more about balance and restoring balance, than about moral judgment or condemnation, which is a Christian cultural influence and way of thinking. Sadly many Heathens are still far too tainted by Christian thinking and this creates a environment of discord and a general lack of frith in the Heathen scene in general. Generally speaking proper Heathen way of thinking is very open minded and accepting that others outside ones family/tribe/group will have different ways of thinking. The greatest value for historical heathens when it came to actions was to take actions that upheld the frith within their family/tribe/group. Even frith between groups was important as addressed by the codified system of weirguild, and addressing actions with similar counter actions when actions throw out of balance frith. A good example of how what is considered proper differs between each family/tribe/group is that for the Vanir it is considered proper and normal for sisters and brothers to have sex with each other, and even the Aesir do not judge the Vanir for doing so within their own group as they see that as what is proper Vanir behavior, but the Aesir would not allow that kind of behavior by members of the Aesir as that is not proper Aesir behavior. This concept of differences of what is considered proper behavior I feel also applies with regards to those who follow different gods or goddesses as their patron. Like what is proper behavior for an Odin follower, I feel is not the same as what is proper behavior for a Tyr follower, or a Freyja follower. I feel that this concept of proper behavior for each depending on whom they connect with spiritually applies not only in regards to types of actions not allowed or considered taboo, but also in regards to types of behaviors that should be done. For example Odin followers should be into runes and should study magick, and a male follower of Odin having sex with women outside of his marriage (so long as his wife is ok with him doing so) is also acceptable as that is part of honoring the ways of Odin. One who follows a god or goddess that has a more strict code of conduct has to be more strict about their actions and behaviors as this reflects the values of the god/goddess they follow. Acting in ways that respects the value of the god/goddess you follow is the act of staying in frith with your patron and respecting the concepts they stand for. Of course I feel that when you are part of a group you should honor the rules the group has for actions when dealing with the group, it’s members, or doing any activities which represent the group; this is staying in frith with the group. Staying in frith with your group as well as with your patron god/goddess is very important I feel. Actually it would be considered more worse in the Norse concept of morality to harshly judge others as this is harmful to frith. Unless the other person is directly living within your family/tribe/group it would be considered wrong to judge someone else unless that person takes some action which causes harm to your family/tribe/group/friends/allies/gods/goddesses. judging others without cause is actually harmful to the frith of your own family/tribe/group/friends/allies as that invites conflict that often times will have a negative impact on all those you hold troth with. The most important thing for proper actions in all cases is to act in ways that uphold frith, honors your troth connections with others, and upholds any oaths you have made. If you keep in mind these three things then you should be making the best possible actions for all situations.
This is what Wikipedia has to say about frith:
Frith is an Old English word meaning “peace; freedom from molestation, protection; safety, security”.
In terms of Anglo-Saxon and post-Anglo-Saxon culture, the term has a considerably broader scope and meaning. Frith has a great deal to do not only with the state of peace but also with the nature of social relationships conducive to peace. Moreover, it has strong associations with stability and security.
The word friþgeard meaning “asylum, sanctuary” was used for sacrosanct areas. A friþgeard would then be any enclosed area given over to the worship of the gods.
Frith is also used in the context of fealty, as an expression of the relationship between a lord and his people.
Frith is inextricably related to the state of kinship, which is perhaps the strongest indicator of frith. In this respect, the word can be coterminous with another significant Anglo-Saxon root-word, sib (from which the word ‘sibling’ is derived) – indeed the two are frequently interchanged. In this context, frith goes further than expressing blood ties, and encompasses all the concomitant benefits and duties which kinship engenders.
Frith also has a legal significance: peace was effectively maintained in Anglo-Saxon times by the frith-guild, an early manifestation of summary justice.
Troth means loyalty to all those you hold relationships with. Loyalty means to stay by them and to maintain a tie with them and to keep any promises you make towards them.
Here is an online defination of troth:
troth
/trôTH/
Noun1. Faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking.
2. Truth.Synonyms
fidelity – faith – allegiance – faithfulness – loyalty
This concept of faithfulness does not mean sexual faithfulness _unless_ it has been specifically agreed that this is part of what it means between both parties. For example Odin is marries to Frigga, yet he has many lovers. He would never consider wishing to leave his marriage to Frigga or having a greater overall connection to other women than he does to her. His other sexual interactions are kept in the context of being not something that competes with the unique relationship he holds with Frigga. Many of the Norse gods/goddesses have sex with others outside their marriages. For some of them this is alright as that is part of the agreed or implied arrangement for those relationships. As well some of the gods/goddesses are sexually monogamous. This really depends on what is the agreed relationship.
Merrian-Webster definition of troth
Freedictionary definition of troth
As you see part of troth is also to keep ones word. Most important is to uphold oaths. Oath breakers are the one type of person in the concept of Viking Norse culture that are totally unforgivable; at least those who intentionally break oaths. Those who purposely break oaths with intention to cause harm are called nithlings and are considered to be worth less than dirt. What this means is that it is important you keep your word. Of course if something happens that you cannot keep your word then you need to own up to this and talk about it with the ones you made the promise to and see if another arrangement can be agreed upon. Keeping ones word does not mean being a inhuman robot, sometimes circumstances do come up that don’t allow someone to keep their word, the point is that the person does their best and communicates with the others involved when they cannot and is responsible for their actions in this way.
In modern heathenism there is something called thews, this it a codified set of principles that it is considered good (by some people) to follow. None of the existing modern thews are actually something written down as principles that one should or has to follow, from the Viking times. They are all modern creations. Many of them are good ideas (at least for some people). The most popular thew in current day Heathenism is the Nine Noble Virtues, but this is not the only one. There is others such as the Anglo-Saxon related Heathenism one called the The Twelve Æþeling Þews. There is also a very nice one associated with the Vanir, the Vanic Virtues (the one I personally follow). None of these thews are in any sense required for anyone to follow who is Heathen. Like mentioned earlier the only basic principles that must be followed by everyone is respect for frith, troth, and keeping oaths (ones word). Really as was discussed earlier, if one does or does not follow one of other more than one of these thews or some other thews of guiding principles should be determined by what agreements any groups you have troth with wish, in combination with and most important of all; what your patron gods/goddesses wish you to follow. For those not connected to any Heathen group than following what your patron gods/goddesses wish is the only factor that matters in deciding which, if any, of the lists of thews is right for you to follow.
The Vanic Virtues:
I found these at another site and like them a great deal.:
Beauty
The pursuit of beauty and elegance in thought, form and speech.Courage/Passion
Zeal, vigor; the strength and courage that comes from a life worth living.Land-rightness
The recognition of nature and the environment as worthy of respect, care and reverence.Even-mood
Harmonious and balanced thought and action; tranquility, calm, serenity.Openness
The quality of being receptive to the world around one, non-judgmental and open.Wildness/Ecstasy
Music and dance; the nurturing of inner wildness and childlike being, being like the “fey”Love
The all-encompassing force; love for family, for kin, for humanity, for all beings.Frith
The peace and goodwill between people bound together; loyalty and the keeping of one’s word.Faith/Piety
The trust that the Gods exist and are worthy of our worship, and Their ways worth following.Giving
The binding of two parties into one common bond, generosity and hospitality.Joy
Wonder and innocence, the recognition that life is worth living, and worth living well.Brotherhood
The recognition that we – humans, animals, plants, spirits – are all part of the grander scheme of life, and we share a common heritage, as children of the Earth.
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