The Praiseworthy Virtues of the North

 

This list of praiseworthy ethics is taken directly from the lore of Northern Europe. Nothing listed is modern opinion but, instead, comes from the very words of our Northern European ancestors. Their wisdom and knowledge was recorded in the sagas and Eddas. This word-hoard to the English-speaking peoples in its legend, song, and story is our source. It is a very mine of “noble and pleasant beauty and high manhood,” as Sparling terms the Eddas and sagas in his introduction to the Morris and Magnússon translation of Völsunga Saga. These ancestors of the Northern European peoples are the source of what is thought to be praiseworthy. Their wisdom is timeless and what was praiseworthy then is praiseworthy now. For a more complete examination of these ethics as they appear in Northern lore, see Trúlög and Sögumál.

What is praiseworthy?

1. Gifting is praiseworthy.

2. Generosity is praiseworthy.

3. Moderation is praiseworthy.

4. The maintaining of peace in all circumstances is praiseworthy.

5. Courage is praiseworthy.

6. The seeking of good over ill is praiseworthy.

7. Hospitality is praiseworthy.

8. Courtesy is praiseworthy.

9. Tolerance is praiseworthy.

10. The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is praiseworthy.

11. The defence of freedom is praiseworthy.

12. Industriousness is praiseworthy.

13. Vigilance is praiseworthy.

14. The protection, nurturing and forbearing of kin is praiseworthy.

15. Showing respect for elders is praiseworthy.

16. Loyalty to friends and kin is praiseworthy.

17. Keeping an oath is praiseworthy.

18. Honouring the sanctity of marriage is praiseworthy.

19. Refraining from mockery is praiseworthy.

20. Refraining from arrogance is praiseworthy.

21. Making kin, honour and justice more important than gold is praiseworthy.

22. Cleanliness is praiseworthy.

23. The maintaining of one’s dignity in all situations is praiseworthy.

24. Good organization is praiseworthy.

25. Persistence is praiseworthy.

26. The rule of law is praiseworthy.

27. To try one’s steel against an opponent fairly is praiseworthy.

28. Respect for the dead is praiseworthy.

29. For a man to never strike a woman is praiseworthy.

30. To not abuse one’s power is praiseworthy.

 

Posted on the Internet on November 27, 2007.