We would be amiss to not discuss and cover the Nine Noble Virtues before diving into the other VéRúnian Tenants. The Nine Noble Virtues, for those unaware, are a set of ethical and moral guidelines that are widely considered to be core principles by many heathen or Norse faith groups. There are a small handful of versions that have been more officially codified and implemented.
Regardless of how you were raised or what philosophy you have followed in the past, The Nine are easily accepted and understood as components of what many would consider “being a good person”.
The following is the list that The Order considers to be the standard. I have added clarifications, expansions, and interpretations as to what each Virtue specifically means to me. Meditation and deep thought surrounding each of The Nine are greatly encouraged to gain an understanding of what each Virtue says to you on a personal level and how those ideas can be applied to your life.
These are powerful guidelines to build a life well-lived. Internalizing and practicing The Nine will lead you down a path of fulfillment and success for yourself and for those within your circle.
Courage
Face your fears and defend your loved ones from all encroaching danger. It takes courage to stand by your kindred and your faith. When the times seem darkest, you must pull from deep within. Search your innermost wells of strength.
Act with intelligence. Act deliberately. Plan and strategize, but above all… act. Speak when the moment calls for words. Strike when the moment calls for blows.
Courage means having the fortitude to do what needs to be done when even the light of the moon has failed you and your heart trembles.
Discipline
Wake early if you want another man’s life or land. No lamb for the lazy wolf. No battle is won in bed.
~The Hávamál
Your immediate desires will not always guide you on a straight path towards your long-term goals. In fact, the two may not intersect, especially when beginning a new endeavor.
You must strive to do what is necessary, even when that path is perilous. It takes discipline to awaken and begin each day. It takes discipline, not just to start a task but to grind against the stone; each day you will grow sharper and more refined.
It may take many moons, but your crop will yield great returns if your grip has not slackened too often upon the instruments of growth.
Fidelity
Do not waver. Stay true to your family, kindred, order, and to all whom you pledge your oaths.
Be one who can be trusted in all ways. Keep the secrets of your tribe. Loose lips for quick reward will be met with scorn and hatred far into the future.
Humans are often less than predictable. In an ocean of uncertainty, be the solid ground upon which a friend may rest.
Do not pledge your word to just any that you meet, but keep it true once offered. In this, you will gain trust and honor among your kin and folk.
Honor
Eagles should show their claws, though dying.
~The Saga of Olaf Haraldsson, c.186
Honor is often difficult to describe and yet we can feel the meaning of this word within the core of our very being. Think of what first comes to mind when you hear the word. Who do you know whom you could truly describe as “Honorable”?
Honor is more than your level of respect amongst your peers, although this does greatly factor into one’s assessment. The honorable man does what he knows to be right. Unfortunately, those outsiders, those corrupted by the far-reaching Empire do not live by the same code. They often react from a place of emotion and feel attacked by imaginary foes. No, honor can no longer be measured by your standing within the group at large if the group itself (general society) lacks even the ability to conceptualize the idea.
Maintain and stand by your oaths. Ignore the scornful mutterings of the herd. Honor your kindred, your family, your tribe. Honor your ancestors and those who have come before. Understand the order, learn the true meaning of honor, and embody this!
Hospitality
When able, strive to offer hearth, food, and drink to your kindred or tribe. The weary traveler at your door should not be excluded, within reason. Be humble and kind to a stranger, you never know with whom you will have shared a glass.
Potential alliances and future friendships are often formed through simple kindness. Limitless rewards may result from small acts. You may even find yourself surprised at the long-term gain although that should not be your goal or ultimate motivation.
These acts are not related to direct personal boon, although you will find your spirit warmed regardless.
Industriousness
Work not done, needs no reward.
~Grettir Saga, c.17
Take joy in your work. Labor will strengthen the body. Cherish your endeavors and push on to complete an agreed-upon task.
Work is not beneath you. When your team slips, be not afraid to grab ahold of the reins. Hard work pays off. If you do not see these rewards in time, you may wish to change taskmasters or become strictly your own.
Work until you work for yourself. If this is not obtainable, work for your tribe, family, and kindred. This will always bring contentment.
Perseverance
It is better to ride a whole wagon home.
~Egil’s Saga, c.38
Press on! Press against all odds. This life will continue to issue challenge after trial after obstacle. This will not cease. The Order moves and champions forward.
If you agree to a given task, own it. Take the responsibility and shoulder the load. This task is now yours. Your word is your bond. Persevere through the many blizzards and storms that will howl against your effort. Struggle through the rain and the cold until you reach your chosen destination.
He knows most who most has tried.
~Grettir Saga, c.17
Many claim this trait of determined perseverance. Let them show it through their actions. Those true of spirit will be shown and revealed when the hammer strikes. The ice and the wind will wear away at the truly weak, to reveal their nature as well.
Self-Reliance
When one wolf hunts for another he may eat the prey.
~Laxdaela Saga, c.23
Being self-reliant does not mean blindly rejecting all help or assistance. It also means that you are not playing the part of an intentional burden to those that you love.
Learn skills that may assist you in your journey. Grow strong and fit so that you may handle your own when required. A tribe, a kindred… a group demands competence. Every ounce of this will count.
Your spouse, children, elderly… who among them will feel more secure with you on the scene? Self-reliance equals the confidence and strength to allow others to rely on you when needed. Self-reliance also means having the strength to strike out on your own.
Truth
Speak the truth as you know it to be. One has never suffered so much as when choosing to be silent when faced with others speaking half-truths.
The truth is often hard, it will not always come easy. The truth you speak will possibly offend, indeed this might happen often depending on the company that you keep. This is not to be regarded as a reason to keep your mouth sewn shut. The opposite is likely true. Offensive or controversial ideas might be among the most important ideas to bring forth.
Defend the truth from those who do not honor it. Realize that your perceived truth may not always be fact. Seek out the reality. Seek the truth. Accept when your words have been proven false. When still seeking the truth and discovering, remaining silent can sometimes be the correct course of action. One must listen to gain knowledge.
Honor and truth walk hand in hand. Strive to be truthful and humble in the majority of your dealings.