The Nine Noble Virtues

Courage takes on various forms, encompassing both physical and moral dimensions. It does not always involve engaging in physical combat with another person. Rather, it involves the boldness to do what is right, even when the situation may be challenging. It requires standing up for your beliefs and convictions, even when it may not align with popular opinion. Following the Nine Noble Virtues (NNV) requires significant courage, particularly if you reside in an area dominated by mainstream religions. Having the moral courage to uphold your convictions in the face of opposition from larger religious groups can be as challenging as engaging in physical combat.

The concept of truth encompasses various aspects, including being honest with oneself and others. Truth-telling is often more challenging than one might assume, and it can be tempting to tell people what they want to hear rather than express one's true feelings. In contemporary society, few people can handle the truth, and sometimes, people refrain from telling the truth to avoid hurting others. However, withholding the truth can ultimately lead to disappointment and resentment in relationships. While it may be easier in the short term, being dishonest will eventually damage trust and reputation. Therefore, it is crucial to handle the truth with care and always prioritize honesty. The truth is akin to an oath and must never be compromised or dishonored.

The second I rede thee, | to swear no oath If true thou knowest it not; Bitter the fate | of the breaker of troth, And poor is the wolf of his word. Sigrdrífumál – 23

A person's moral character and reputation are highly valued among Heathens, with honor being a fundamental aspect of this. Honor serves as a reminder that our actions, words, and reputation will outlast our physical existence and that our legacy will endure long after we have passed. As a result, it is essential to be recognized as an upstanding member of the community, someone whose advice is sought out, and whose words can be trusted. Conversely, if people avoid us or seek validation for what we say, it may indicate a lack of honor. The Havamal encapsulates this concept in two stanzas dedicated to honor.

Cattle die, | and kinsmen die, And so one dies one’s self; But a noble name | will never die, If good renown one gets. Hávamál 77 Cattle die, | and kinsmen die, And so one dies one’s self; One thing now | that never dies, The fame of a dead man’s deeds. Hávamál 78

Remaining loyal to the Gods and the people around us is not a simple matter but an essential aspect of fidelity. Similar to honor, fidelity is a quality that endures and is highly valued. In early heathen societies, taking an oath was a sacred agreement, and breaking it was viewed as a shameful and dishonorable act, whether it was to a spouse, friend, or business partner. The Nine Noble Virtues (NNV) are interconnected, and failure to uphold one can make it challenging to adhere to the others. Disappointing others or the Gods amounts to turning your back on the community and everything it represents.

To his friend a man | a friend shall prove, And gifts with gifts requite; But men shall mock | with mockery answer, And fraud with falsehood meet. Hávamál 42

Discipline involves using our willpower to uphold honor and other virtues. In modern times, it is not an easy task to maintain ethical and just behavior. It requires considerable effort and mental discipline. One must exercise their willpower to uphold these virtues as it is a conscious choice to do so, and ignoring them to conform to society's expectations is much easier. Discipline is the ability to display courage, loyalty, and self-reliance when faced with personal challenges

Hospitality encompasses more than just welcoming a guest into your home. It involves treating others with respect and contributing to the welfare of society. For our ancestors, hospitality was not merely an act of kindness but a means of survival. Travelers often found themselves alone for days on end, and arriving in a new village meant not only access to food and shelter but also companionship and safety. In the past, sharing a meal with a guest meant that they were entitled to the host's protection and safety for as long as they remained under their roof.

He hath need of fire, who now is come, numbed with cold to the knee; food and clothing the wanderer craves who has fared o’er the rimy fell Hávamál 3 He craves water, who comes for refreshment, drying and friendly bidding, marks of good will, fair fame if ’tis won, and welcome once and again. Hávamál 4

The principle of industriousness urges us to strive for our goals through hard work. It is important to put effort into everything we do - not only for our own benefit, but also for the sake of our family, community, and deities. Our ancestors understood the necessity of hard work for their survival - if they didn't work, they didn't eat. Therefore, it is important to keep our minds and bodies active, and to always aim for a sense of accomplishment. This does not mean we cannot take breaks, but rather that we should prioritize productive work as much as possible.

He must early go forth | who fain the blood Or the goods of another would get; The wolf that lies idle | shall win little meat, Or the sleeping man success. Hávamál 58 He must early go forth | whose workers are few, Himself his work to seek; Much remains undone | for the morning-sleeper, For the swift is wealth half won. Hávamál 59

Self-Reliance involves caring for oneself while still maintaining a relationship with the divine. Balancing the needs of the body, mind, and spirit is crucial. Heathens prioritize taking care of themselves while contributing to the greater good. It's vital to strike a balance between self-care and being a reliable member of a community. Even those with limitations can contribute to society to the best of their abilities, as the only ones exempt from contributing are the successful and the deceased. The strongest individuals and communities are those that can function independently without depending on external support.

The lame rides a horse, | the handless is herdsman, The deaf in battle is bold; The blind man is better | than one that is burned, No good can come of a corpse. Hávamál 71

Perseverance is the virtue of pushing through obstacles and continuing on in the face of adversity. It's not enough to simply accept mediocrity or settle for the bare minimum. To truly succeed, we must learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones to greater things. Even when things seem impossible or difficult, we must push forward and strive for excellence. Our religion teaches us that the world is flawed and imperfect, and success doesn't come easily. We must be willing to work hard and continue seeking our goals, even in the face of setbacks. For example, if someone loses their job because of their religion, they shouldn't give up and hide away. Instead, they should continue to pursue their dreams and find a new path where they can thrive and live as a Heathen. Perseverance isn't about how many times we fall, but how many times we get back up and keep going.