05/27/2021
THE NINE HEATHEN NOBLE VIRTUES,
ORIGIN AND ADAPTATION FOR THE MODERN HEATHEN.
The Nine Heathen Noble Virtues are a series of Heathen moral and situational ethical-guidelines developed by various Heathen organizations including Odinic Rite, Asatru Folk Assembly, European Congress of Ethnic Religions, and others.
Any codified system of the Heathen noble virtues was unknown in the ancient Germanic world. But this idea of such a list is not without precedent in antiquity.
The concern for a concise and clear outline of the ethical standards of Heathenism arose in the 1960s and 70s as the faith emerged from a conceptual ideal to a practical religious expression. The “types” of various individual virtues were identified and drawn, from the Poetic and Prose Eddas, and the Sagas- but principally from the Havamal.
Two of the ancient systems that were seemingly emulated in the development of the various Heathen noble virtues lists were The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism (first committed to writing C.100 BCE in the Pali Canon of Theraveda Buddhism) and the Seven Heavenly Virtues (first set to writing about 400 CE in the epic Christian poem; the Psychomachia.)
Although the Nine Noble Virtues have been loosely modeled upon these historic forms, they are distinctly Heathen in nature. Virtues such as Courage, Honor, and Industriousness are distinct to the Northern religions and their literatures. But the lists have continued to evolve and been refined over time. This is due as much to terminology that smacks of Christian influence, such as Fidelity and Truth, as with any inherent ethical or great moral inconsistency with the ideals expressed in Eddic Lore.
The version found here addresses several additional issues.
First, We have refined theologically-charges terms, replacing them with ideas that more closely match the ideals found in Lore. ‘Truthfulness’ has been transposed to the more subtle and Germanic ‘Forthrightness’; Perseverance has been refined to Self-Discipline.
Secondly, the 1970’s order of the virtues has been changed to reflect the more mature nature of 21st Century Heathenism. Courage, usually listed first, cannot be achieved without foundations in the others.
Finally, the most radical change has been to place the Virtues in a distictly Heathen context. They are ranked in three Aettir, or families, of related Virtues, from the most basic to the most challenging to master. This triadic structure reflects the triplicate nature of human creation (Votan, Villi and Ve) as well as the three-tier structure of initiation found in the Elder Futhorc Runes. The three Aett are Foundational, Societal and Masterful, based on the realms in which they must be developed and are dedicated to Heimdal, Freyr and Wotan/Odin, respectively.
This system was developed specifically for use in institutional settings for the benefit of incarcerated Heathens and to aid in their successful reentry into society. But we believe it will be of service to all Heathens.
The Nine Heathen Noble Virtues
The Three Foundational Virtues or Heimdal’s Virtues
• Self-Discipline is self-control and respect for lawful societal behavior. Self-Discipline enables us to achieve all of the other virtues.
• Self-Reliance is responsibility, self-sufficiency and independence. Self-Reliance enables us to support our family and friends and society.
• Industriousness is dedication to hard work and striving to do one’s best. Industriousness is that old-fashioned work ethic that your grandparents observed.
The Three Societal Virtues or Freyr’s Virtues
• Hospitality is courtesy, generosity, and compassion for all that cross your path. Hospitality is one of Heathenism’s most ancient and universal virtues.
• Steadfastness is loyalty, patient, resolute and perseverance. Steadfastness applies to all of our relationships, commitments and oaths.
• Forthrightness is commitment to honesty at all times and in all situations. Forthrightness is not subjective, but holding one’s tongue can express wisdom.
The Three Masterful Virtues or Othin’s Virtues
• Honor is upright and noble action and intention in all aspects of our life. Honor within enable us to demonstrate honor to those who may be less honorable.
• Fidelity is duty and loyalty to family, community, nation, and planet. Fidelity is not limited to our immediate family, friends and/or tribe.
• Courage is bravery in the face of challenges and difficulty. Courage requires restraint at least as often as it requires action.
Originally developed for Asatru Institutional Ministry, P.O. Box 22430, Kansas City MO 64113
A Prison Outreach by Heimdall’s Hearth, April 2013
