The Tenets of Ásatrú
Guiding Principles for Good Living
Ásatrú, a modern revival of Norse paganism, emphasizes core values inspired by Norse mythology, the Hávamál, and Icelandic sagas. Though Ásatrú lacks a single holy text or strict dogma, adherents commonly emphasize the following tenets that are central to Norse pagan ethics:
Honor: Personal honor is paramount in Ásatrú, encompassing integrity, reliability, and responsibility. Actions and words should align with one's values and promises.
Courage: Followers are encouraged to face challenges boldly, with strength and determination. Courage is seen as necessary for living authentically and facing life’s trials.
Truth: Being truthful and honest is a core virtue, as honesty builds trust within one’s community and family. Truth also means staying true to oneself and one’s beliefs.
Fidelity: Loyalty and faithfulness to family, friends, community, and the gods are highly valued. Fidelity in Ásatrú often extends to honoring one's cultural heritage.
Discipline: Self-discipline is emphasized as a way to build resilience, focus, and control over one's actions. Adherents believe discipline allows for the pursuit of long-term goals and personal development.
Hospitality: Inspired by Norse traditions, Ásatrú emphasizes welcoming and respecting guests, sharing resources, and aiding those in need. The spirit of hospitality is a reciprocal act, fostering bonds within the community.
Self-Reliance: Followers value independence and self-sufficiency, promoting the ability to care for oneself and contribute to one’s community.
Perseverance: In keeping with the Viking spirit, perseverance is essential in overcoming hardships, staying committed, and remaining determined, even when facing setbacks.
Industriousness: Hard work and dedication to one's goals, whether in one's career, family, or personal pursuits, are celebrated as forms of self-expression and contribution.
Frith (Peace and Harmony): Frith refers to maintaining peace, harmony, and cooperation within one's community and family. Building positive, trusting relationships is considered essential to social stability.
Respect for Nature and the Cycles of Life: Ásatrú followers often feel a deep spiritual connection with nature, as it reflects the power and presence of the gods. They value and respect the natural world, acknowledging life’s cycles and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Ancestral Veneration: Honoring ancestors is central in Ásatrú, as they are believed to influence the present and future. Many followers hold rituals to remember and celebrate their ancestors, considering them part of the spiritual lineage.
Tools as Extensions of Self and Connection to the Divine: Tools, whether agricultural, crafting, or daily-use, are similarly respected. They represent productivity, industriousness, and connection to one’s environment. In Ásatrú, tools are seen as vital instruments through which one can express skills, provide for others, and transform the world—attributes celebrated as part of the virtue of industriousness. Tools are often tied to the gods of Ásatrú, who themselves wield powerful weapons (like Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, and Odin’s spear, Gungnir). Possessing or using such items in Ásatrú can feel like a spiritual connection to these gods, invoking their protection, wisdom, or strength.
These principles serve as a moral framework and a way to live a balanced life, grounded in personal responsibility, loyalty to family and community, and reverence for nature and the divine. Ásatrú is also a flexible faith that emphasizes individual interpretation, allowing followers to tailor their practices and beliefs to personal values and traditions.