The Nine Noble Virtues

I’ve been trying to get more deeply into the moral/religious aspects of Heathenry/Paganism recently so I can better understand how to live as a ‘good’ heathen. So in honour of Midsummer here is something about Heathenry:

A large part of the practice of Heathenry (Norse Neo-Paganism), are the nine noble virtues: Courage, truth, honour, fidelity, hospitality, discipline, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance. These nine virtues make up the ‘Moral Code’ of the heathen way. The fact of the matter is the intent of meaning behind these virtues might not be what all people might think. Worshipers of the Old Ways did not see things like honour and truth the same way people now days do. Sometimes the idea is to go back to the root of what the word means, and sometimes it is how the word applies to you and your everyday life. As Heathenry and Asatru etc are largely self interpreted religions you can pretty much play with the definitions of these noble virtues to make them fit your view, as long as you stay within the general consensus/ideas of the collective community or your Kindred. As I don’t have a Kindred to ask, or rely on at the moment here are my thoughts on what the nine noble virtues mean to me.

Courage:

The courage to live as yourself. Acknowledge your beliefs and stick by them. The courage to face adversity and not waver. The bravery to live as authentically as possible, and be prepared to pay the price of one’s actions and choices. The courage to do what is right, always. The courage to stand up and say what you believe, and what is right.

Truth:

Tell the truth, always. To others and to yourself. This does not mean be an ass. This does not mean blurt out every thought that crosses your mind, but to be honest and open when called on. To be sincere in your praise or criticism. Your word is your oath, and therefore your truth. Speak the truth to yourself. Know your limitations and flaws and embrace them. Know enough about yourself to honestly work to better your flaws. Seek your own Truth and always strive to live it.

Honour:

Be honourable. Earn your honour by your deeds for others, for your community. Find your honour by living with truth and courage. Your honour is your value. Keep your honour as your moral compass. It is your guide. Follow this and your reputation will grow.

Honour the memory of your ancestors. All of them.

Fidelity:

Be loyal to your belief in your gods. Be loyal to your kindred and community, and to your family (immediate, extended or otherwise). Defend them with your life.  Be loyal to yourself, and your faith.

Hospitality:

Be willing to share. Share your good fortune, share your shelter. Be willing to lend a hand. Open your home to friends, family, and even strangers. Be respectful to guests. Make them feel welcome and cared for. Work for a common good in your community.

Discipline:

Self-discipline, an exercise of personal will to up hold the other virtues. The ability to hold, or act on one’s impulses .

Industriousness:

Work hard. Work towards keeping your faith alive, and inspire others to work with their beliefs. Do things! Do things you love, do things you don’t love but that you know need to be done. Add to things, get things done. Work hard and with pride at your daily life. Be vital, and live life to the full.

Self-Reliance:

Take your own way, and don’t feel a need to rely only on others. Take strength from yourself. Make yourself worthy by working for your goals yourself. Make your way in the world and be proud of that way. Take ownership of your actions, and your situations. Don’t try and blame unfair systems, deal with them.

Perseverance:

Nothing in this world is perfect, but you need to keep going. Work towards the goals you have and strive for good things. When they don’t come to you at once, keep working. Acknowledge any failures, learn from them and try again. Do not give in to adversity.

Odin, give me the Wisdom to know what is right.

Tyr, give me the Courage to choose what is right.

Thor, give me the Strength to make what is right a reality.

Cheers

Sláinte

Skol