The 9 Noble Virtues.
The Controversial Pagan Community Guidelines. Why are they so fiercely debated?
These are a bit more modern than the practice of Norse / Germanic Paganism. There are people who say that these principals are racist, or inspired by Nazi’s, and they clearly have a built in bias of some sort. That seems to be the main argument against them. So, lets take a look at these “virtues” and break down what they mean. Maybe we can even find the esoteric racism and bias that is allegedly hidden within them.
Below, I will go over these virtues individually, and then we will see if we can determine where the controversy stems from. Then we will cover the origin point of these societal guidelines. Finally, I will explain why I personally find these to be an extremely important piece of work. Keep in mind while reading, that within the Stanzas known as Havamal is much important context for understanding these Virtues. Context that is not understood, nor referenced by those arguing against them.
Imagine someone speaking out against the ten commandments, while having no frame of reference, or context of the biblical scriptures. Yes, it's an awkward concept, criticizing something without the nuance and the understanding the whole context, but, it's done with the 9 Noble Virtues almost daily as you can see from the image above.
So let's just cut through the loads of bull shit, and get right to it.
1. Courage :
I will face my fear, and defend my family and kindred from all danger.
I'm trying to play the devil's advocate here, but I really can't find an argument against this one, or how it can be spun in a negative light.
Perhaps there are some that will argue that the government has been tasked with our physical protection, but they have clearly never stepped outside of their big, wealthy, guarded and gated communities.
2. Discipline :
I do what is necessary and right of my own accord, without bribe or threat.
This one also just seems like a fairly basic rule to being a descent human, and it's also a good virtue for an adult in general. Some people however have no concept of community, or a unified humanity. Maybe many of these are the same people who want to be awarded for everything, the “participation trophy 🏆” generation if you will.
3. Fidelity :
I am true to family, friends, kindred, and those who I pledge my service.
I'm sorry guys, but I'm gonna need some help with the “possibly negative” aspect of this one. If someone makes an agreement to help a family member, neighbor, or friend, then they should do it. 🤷🏼♂️ Am I wrong ?
4. Honor :
I stand by my oaths and honor my ancestors, by keeping my name pure among the kindred.
This can be argued as, people are keeping archaic traditions that are no longer socially popular. Caring what your neighbors think is an outdated concept to lots of people now. Christianity teaches that only God can truly judge you, but I'm here to tell you that within life, you will surely see plenty of judgement, whether it is right, wrong, or indifferent is irrelevant.
If you say that you are going to do something, you should probably be fairly sure that you can follow through with it.
Ex. - Don't tell your neighbor that you will care for their lawn while they are away, then neglect it. When they come back and their grass is grown up to their windows, they will surely tell other neighbors that your word is unreliable.
5. Hospitality :
I share hearth food and drink, with my friends, my kindred, and the weary traveler at my door.
The only negative implication that I can possibly pull from this one, would be helping the weary traveler at your door, because it may invite unexpected dangers. Again, and especially with this one, there is additional context in Havamal that covers some of the much needed nuance regarding this virtue.
6. Industriousness :
I take joy and labor and hold nothing back from the work I pledge to do.
This is a virtue that many claim is racist, classist, and all kinds of other “ist’s.” This claim is solely made on the basis, that doing hard work, and being punctual or on time, is a racist concept. It's a modern Marxist argument. 🤮
7. Perseverance :
I press on against all odds until my goal is met, the task is finished, and I have done all I have said I will do.
This virtue is clearly in the same line of thinking as Honor, and Industriousness. It is quite similar to some of the prior virtues, in that this concept is highly unappealing to the generations that came after the advent of “participation trophies.” Keep in mind these same folks idea of equality, is that everyone gets the same reward regardless of the amount of work they do.
8. Self Reliance :
I learn skills and grow strong so that I may learn my way in the world and be no burden to others.
Ughhhh, not again. 😂🤣 refer to the prior virtue, and the argument against it.
This one personally has been especially meaningful, and important to me. Working in construction, especially for a general contractor who runs all phases, from land clearing, to finishing work was a great skill building experience. My first decade in the work force was spent working for builders. One of my bosses even encouraged me to get certifications in building design, and engineering, so I did. Learning new skills like that has left me with the ability to design, engineer, and build structures out of nearly any medium you can imagine.
Hail Odin, the god of wisdom, and seeking knowledge.
9. Truth :
I seek the truth even when it may be the hard truth. I speak true words or stand in silence, and I defend the truth from those who do not honor it.
This is another virtue with heavy context within the stanzas of Havamal, and several other stories of the Eddas of Odin's quests for learning. Defending the truth from those who do not honor it, has gotten many people banned from social media platforms, fired from their jobs, and having their lives overturned, and that's just over the last 5 years since Covid began. We all know how the modern narrative feels about the balance of “Facts vs Feelings.”
Where Did the 9 Noble Virtues Come From?
Let's ask Google . . .
Wow that is a ridiculously basic and empty answer by googles AI. I'm not surprised, but dig a little bit deeper and you quickly find that there is a choose your own adventure version of the facts. One source will say it was dreamed up by Nazis, the next says it is a modern Heathen concept that happened in the 1970’s in America.
In my opinion that is all irrelevant.
The fact of the matter, is that these Virtues were born out of the concepts of the Eddas, more specifically, Havamal. For those who are unaware, Havamal is an individual “chapter” of the Prose Edda, or Elder Edda. The word Havamal means “Words of Odin,” so this “chapter” if you will, has been exceptionally important to all Germanic, and Norse Pagans of modern day. It is a set of parables, (stanzas) that deal with the rules of society, and how to be a good person, and valuable member of your community.
Just like you may have deduced from the 9 noble virtues above, these concepts are far from being racist, classist, or whatever other label people try to apply to them. Honestly, it truly does not matter to me where, or when they even originated. Whether it's just these 9 simple concepts, or the entirety of Havamal being followed, it does lead to a robust, and productive community full of happier, and safer people. If you don't want to believe me, and insist on reading the Havamal for yourself…. You should, that's a good thing. After you have, if you have found some secret agenda hidden within it, please do come back and let me know.
Discourse between people of differing ideas, is the thing we encourage most within our Tribe. We firmly believe that every group of people be they cultural, religious, or ethnic, they all have something to teach us, and potentially even something to learn from us. This world is a vast place full of things that we could easily judge as being bad, simply because we don't understand them. We strive not to do that, we have seen that mistake fatally made already in the Crusades, Inquisitions, and the Witch Hunts. Tens of millions were butchered, or enslaved because they had different religious beliefs.
Fortunately that time is over, at least within the U.S. and most of Europe. People are free to practice the religious lifestyles of their own choosing. They are also free to openly discuss those ideas now. So the time to share, and learn from one another has never been better. We have to encourage people to use the Internet for what it was truly destined to do, and that is to unite us all. #UniteTheTribesOfMan
Make your Family proud.
Make your Community proud.
Make your Ancestors proud.
Keep their homes, communities, and traditions alive and safe.
Thank you for reading. Please feel free to comment, share, vigorously attack the like 💚button with a hand axe, or criticize my work.
Without you all, whether you are fellow Tribe members, old die hard readers, or brand new subscribers, we would not be here today.