|
|
|
Heathenry Heathen Ásatrú was a distinct faith, unrelated to any other religion, even though it may bear a superficial resemblance to some. Although followers strived to emulate the noble virtues and esteem erudite teachers, because of the emphasis on self-reliance, there was no dogma or organized religious hierarchy. The Heathenry and Heathen Ásatrú guidelines for daily living were derived mainly from the Hávamál of the Poetic Edda, but they were not set in stone and varied somewhat from Heathenry and Heathen Ásatrú Kindred to Kindred. The most prevalent list of these codes of conduct for the Heathens was: Courage, Discrimination, Fidelity, Honor, Hospitality, Industriousness, Perseverance, Self-Reliance, and Truth. The Noble Virtue of Courage - one must be brave, fearless, heroic, determined, and undaunted in the pursuit of righteousness, daring to do what is right regardless of the consequences or personal safety. The Noble Virtue of Discrimination - one must be astute, perceptive, and knowledgeable about specific characteristics, judiciously distinguishing individual intentions with refined precision. The Noble Virtue of Fidelity - one must be totally loyal, reliable, and trustworthy in regard to one's gods and goddesses, family, and kinsmen without taint of reservation, uncertainty, or trepidation.
The Noble Virtue of Honor - one must strive for internal integrity and integration of the inherent perfect beingness of the gods and goddesses, resulting in respect of self and an unblemished reputation. The Noble Virtue of Hospitality - one must be courteous, cordial, generous, and decorous to others, giving unstinting and heartfelt welcome and regard to the virtuous without mental reservation. The Noble Virtue of Industriousness - one must be diligent, attentive, thorough, and hard working, producing their personal best at all times without thought of reward or honors. The Nobel Virtue of Perseverance - one must seriously and objectively pursue peak performance with modest, impartial endeavor until a carefully completed outcome results. The Noble Virtue of Self-Reliance - one must be independent, confident, enduring, and assured with enough mental fortitude, resilience, and personal authenticity to ward off harm. The Noble Virtue of Truth - one must be resolute and committed to the diligent search for comprehension of correct concepts, valid thoughts, and intrinsic ideals both in principle and in actuality. Heathenry Heathen Asatrú was a religion that honored ancestors, community, and the Nine Noble Virtues of Courage, Discrimination, Fidelity, Honor, Hospitality, Industriousness, Perseverance, Self-Reliance, and Truth.
The Heathen "Way of the
Troth", which esteemed fairness, courage, honor, and loyalty to self, family, and community, was a living religion currently practiced
by a steadily increasing number of Heathens worldwide.
|