CLAN HRÓÐVITNIRBUR'S IDEALS

• These ideals hold no sway with any outside our family nor would we force them upon anyone.

• It is for the modeling and maintenance of our Clan.

• As members of Clan Hróðvitnirbur, it is expected that each will do their utmost to honor and promote these guidelines as a path of success for our family.

Core values of Clan Hróðvitnirbur:

​

• Righteousness
  A choice we make in our manner of behavior as an act of our will. It is not something that "falls" upon us simply because we mouth some words, it is cultivated in our life by our actions. There are three parts to the whole that is Righteousness
  1. Moral righteousness:
  This has to do with the rightness of character and is considered acting or behaving in a way that is in accordance with principles and believed by most people to be good and right, arising from a sense of justice or morals. It is conduct that pleases the Gods.
  2. Social righteousness:
  This involves understanding that there is nothing noble about acting superior to your fellow man, only striving to be superior to your former self. The most important thing is to have a sense of responsibility, commitment, and concern for each of our fellow human beings - Responsibility, to be trustworthy and reliable towards them. Commitment, to be emotionally or intellectually involved in their lives. Concern, to be interested and involved in their lives. Yes, we should strive to be trustworthy and reliable, emotionally or intellectually involved and have an interest in the lives of others.
  3. Spiritual Righteousness:
  It is a state of holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of the heart, and conformity of heart and life to divine law. It an active and passive obedience of the gods you worship, pursuing actions and activities that line up with their ideology.
  
  

• Valiance
  A quality of spirit to do the right thing in the face of danger, physical pain, significant harm or risk to yourself. It is the choice to confront agony, pain, danger, a threat of death, uncertainty, or intimidation, and the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.
  
  

• Sincerity
  Being free from pretense, deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity in manner or actions; Honesty in intention and, if you speak, speak accordingly. This is being the most basic and most vulnerable form of yourself and allowing that side of you to be presented to the world.
  
  

• Integrity
  Moral soundness, consistency of values and actions. A quality of spirit to have strong moral principles. It is holding oneself to consistent moral and ethical standards while living by your highest values, listening to your conscience, doing the right thing, and telling the truth. You act with integrity when your words and actions match. Integrity gives you self-respect and a peaceful heart.
  
  

• Fidelity
  The concept of unfailingly remaining steadfast in allegiances to someone or something, and putting that loyalty into consistent practice regardless of extenuating circumstances. It is being faithful to a person, oath, ideal, custom, cause, or duty. It is standing up for something you believe in without wavering. With fidelity, you build relationships that last forever. 
  
  

• Honor
  A code of behavior defines the duties of an individual within a social group. Living by virtues, showing great respect for yourself, other people, and the rules you live by. When you are honorable, you keep your word. You do the right thing regardless of what others are doing. Honor is a path of integrity, it is an abstract concept entailing a perceived quality of worthiness and respectability that affects both the social standing and the self-evaluation of an individual or institution.
  
  

• Perseverance
  Perseverance is being steadfast and persistent. Refusing to stop despite failures, delays, and difficulties. Committing to goals and overcoming obstacles, no matter how long it takes.
  
  

• Self Reliance
  This is the virtue by which you are self-supporting in the sense that you consume nothing that you haven't earned. A self-reliant person is master of himself and the circumstances as he does not depend on others. Such a person is always calmed, sure, confident and self-possessed. He is firm, prompt in action and even ready to face any challenge, and fertile of resources. The self-reliant man is patient and persevering. He does not envy others, nor does he think of begging favors of others. He faces his misfortune with a quiet courage. He is always learning new lessons, gathering valuable experience. His example is an inspiration and his achievement is an example to others. Self-reliance does not mean that one should be proud of oneself. It should always go hand in hand with a proper feeling of modesty. Another defect to be guarded against is selfishness. A man should act not for himself but be ready to lend a helping hand to others in their need. Finally, the self-reliant man should not be unwilling to accept help from others.
  
  

• Discipline (Self-Discipline)
  Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives oneself to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behavior, even if one would rather be doing something else. Self-discipline appears in various forms, such as perseverance, restraint, endurance, thinking before acting, finishing what you start doing, the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and as the ability to carry out one’s decisions and plans, in spite of inconvenience, hardships or obstacles. It also means self-control, the ability to avoid an unhealthy excess of anything that could lead to negative consequences. One of the main characteristics of self-discipline is the ability to forgo instant and immediate gratification and pleasure, in favor of some greater gain or more satisfying results, even if this requires effort and time.
  
  

• Diligence
  Diligence is the conscientious application of our energy to accomplish what we’ve undertaken while paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation. Diligent behavior is indicative of a belief that work is good in itself. It is persevering determination to perform a task your absolute best by doing things step by step to get things done with excellence and enthusiasm.
  
  

• Duty
  A term that conveys a sense of moral commitment or obligation to someone or something and committing oneself to its fulfillment without considering their own self-interest. A sense of duty comes from four different sources: a result of being human, a result of one's particular place in life (one's family, one's country, one's job),  a result of one's character, and a result of one's own moral expectations for oneself. 
  
  

• Wisdom
  The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight. To consider circumstances, especially those that can not be changed, as satisfactory. Wisdom is an advanced state of personal development that relies on extraordinary knowledge. It is rooted in perspectives, interpretations, values, and courageous actions. Wisdom extracts meaning and significance from information by understanding interrelationships and their implications. Wisdom is a profound understanding of our existence, the human situation, our possibilities, and especially our limitations. A way of interpreting knowledge by viewing it from a variety of illuminating perspectives and using human values and holistic priorities to make better sense of it. Wisdom applies this knowledge and takes creative and courageous action to solve problems, create opportunities, and increase the well-being of all. It is the good judgment to consider how today’s choices may determine how we confront the future.
  
  

• Hospitality
  Hospitality refers to the relationship between a guest and a host, wherein the host receives the guest with goodwill, including the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Hospitality is shown when we welcome guests — including strangers and enemies — into our lives with kindness. Hospitality is an attitude of heart that opens us to others and receives them on their own terms. It means openness to what guests and strangers bring to us. We receive a revelation from the guest which can change us and enrich our lives and open us to new possibilities and ways of thinking and living. It also implies attentiveness to the other and to the needs of others, even anticipating their needs. Hospitality requires that we cross boundaries and reduce some of the barriers established in our society to keep "the other" out, sometimes entertaining ideas that might be foreign to us.
  
  Today hospitality is more associated with etiquette and entertainment, yet still involves showing respect for one's guests, providing for their needs, and treating them as equals. 
  
  

• Selfless Service
  The quality of working for the benefits another, making a difference in their lives, without concern for publicity and public status.

The Nine Noble Virtues
A key point to consider: It is worth saying that the Noble Virtues are not commandments. They are simply moral and situational ethical guidelines. As guidelines, the Noble Virtues don't always apply.  They are very situational in nature and must be applied in the context of the situation in mind.  The key to the Noble Virtues is doing the correct thing, at the proper time, toward the right people. For instance, while Truthfulness is listed among the Noble Virtues, a Heathen does not owe honesty to his worst enemies.  In the Havamal, it tells us that one should meet lies with lies.  So, from a situational standpoint, there is a time and place where showing honestly would not be a virtue, because to do so would harm one's own family and efforts.

While being industrious and working hard is listed among the Noble Virtues, this does not suggest that you should work hard for efforts being led by people you don't like, toward goals with which you don't agree.  There is a time and a place for hard work, and some efforts and obligations have priority over others, depending on the context of the situation.  It is a virtue to work hard to fulfill your obligations and to accomplish worthy goals, while it is a fool's errand to work hard on an effort that will literally accomplish nothing.

While showing hospitality is among the list of Noble Virtues, if someone is repeatedly a bad guest, betrays your trust, or repeatedly fails to reciprocate hospitality you have shown them when given the opportunity, there is a point and time where you no longer owe them hospitality. Showing hospitality in such situations is actually ill-advised rather than virtuous.

The Noble Virtues defined:

1. Family (Frith, Loyalty, Honor)
   Nothing is more important than your family.  Our ancestors sacrificed and struggled to improve their lives and to give us advantages in ours.  These ancestors watch us, help us, and we should live a life of which they can be proud.  Now it is our turn to sacrifice and struggle to build a foundation upon which our descendants can build their lives.  Our time, effort, energy, and Luck must be dedicated to doing the work necessary to build and maintain strong, stable Heathen families.  We must raise our children with the knowledge and tools they need to be productive and honorable in their own lives.  We must be Frithful, and understand that we are one with our family and our kindred.  Our identity, our accomplishments, our Orlog, and our Luck is intertwined and interconnected with those we call kin...as are our problems, hardships, and failures.  We must be loyal and stand by our kin, as they are loyal and stand by us.  The Honor and Reputation of our family and kin must be carefully and diligently protected, maintained, and advanced forward.  Our families and kindred are our primary obligation, and there is no better measure of a Heathen's worth than how well he/she fulfills that obligation.
   
   

2. Responsibility (Self-Reliance, Respect)
   Within our families and kindreds, each individual must carry their own weight, fulfill their obligations to the group, and bring all of their individual skills, knowledge, and wisdom to the work at hand. As an individual within a family or kindred, you should feel a deep commitment and responsibility to the protection and success of the group and its efforts.  Your family and kindred are always there for you, but it is important to be able to take care of yourself and not unnecessarily burden the group with problems or hardships that could have been avoided.  Within our families and kindreds, we owe the other individuals in the group the respect they deserve, and they owe us the respect we have earned. 
   
   

3. Hard Work (Industry, Determination)
   We are our deeds.  This means we will be remembered for what we accomplish in this life.  We gain renown and build Luck based on what we do, how we do it, and the successes we enjoy. One key to accomplishing real and lasting things in this world is to find deeds that need doing, work hard at making them happen, and not letting setbacks or difficulties discourage us.  We owe it to our families and ourselves to give 100% effort to all of the worthy tasks and efforts in which we involve ourselves. We get one chance at this life, and through hard work and determination, we can lead productive, memorable, accomplished lives.
   
   

4. Truth (Honesty, Wisdom)
   Heathens should be honest and direct.  Lies, deceit, and a lack of straightforward communication complicate matters, harm families and kindreds, and can destroy reputations.  Heathens have an obligation to recognize and champion the truth.  This also means avoiding the weakness of lying to yourself and refusing the face harsh truths about yourself or your actions.  Learn from your successes and failures, and avoid excuses and the casting of blame on those that don't deserve it.  It is only through blunt honesty with yourself that you can learn how best to succeed in your responsibilities and efforts in your own life and on behalf of your family and kindred.  To accomplish lasting things in this world, you must have an honest understanding of the world, the human condition, and the people around you.
   
   

5. Generosity (Hospitality)
   The acquisition of more and more possessions does not, in and of itself, lead to a more fulfilling or worthy life.  The selfish hoarding of possessions as a goal in and of itself does not benefit one's family, kindred, or friends.  Wealth is worked for and earned for the purpose of supporting and providing for one's family. The giving of gifts, comfort, and hospitality to others build friendships and renown for a heathen.  Among our ancestors, a generous chieftain was paid the high compliment of being called a gold-hater or a ring-giver, because he provided well for those for which he was responsible. The chieftain who was poorest among his men, because of his generosity toward his men, earned their respect and loyalty.  This is true today among modern heathens.  Generosity applies to more than just money and wealth, as one is expected to be generous with your time, your work, your advice, and other gifts you have to give. Part of this concept of generosity is being a hospitable host to all those visiting one's home, whether they be a friend or near stranger. The flip-side to this, is Heathens expect guests to be respectful and well-behaved.
   
   

6. Fairness (Justice, Equity)
   We judge people every day.  We make decisions about whom we want to associate with, whom we want to work with, and whom we want around our family and kindred.  We should make these decisions fairly, judging individuals by their deeds and accomplishments.  We should treat others fairly, giving them the friendship and generosity that they earn and deserve.  If asked for advice about a conflict or if asked to mediate a conflict, we should show equity in our advice and decisions, and attempt to reach a result that best resolves the matter and puts things right.
   
   

7. Bravery (Courage, Boldness)
   Fear is a natural emotion or reaction that every human feels.  Heathens should not allow themselves to be ruled by fear. The greatest courage and bravery is shown at that exact moment when we are most fearful, and yet still take action.  In our modern world, there are subtle fears that can paralyze us into inaction. Fear of failure. Fear of reprisals or condemnation by the majority culture/religion. Fear of judgment by our peers for being different. But, Heathens should be confident in ourselves and our native Folkway, and act with boldness in all of our well-considered efforts. 
   
   

8. Strength (Endurance, Steadfast)
   We have both physical strength and spiritual strength, often referred to as "Might and Main." Both are important to living a successful and virtuous life.  We should put time and energy into maintaining our physical health because so many other things in life are impossible to accomplish without it. Our spiritual strength is something we can work on as well, learning to persist in our worthy efforts regardless of the long odds and the adversity standing in our way. Spiritual strength also involves having enough confidence in one's vision and goals to not be swayed by poor advice or the jeers of one's enemies but also being strong enough to accept wise advice and the help of one's friends and family. All great accomplishments are only achieved by facing adversity and challenge, and Heathens must have the strength to overcome whatever stands in their way of accomplishing worthy deeds.
   
   

9. Moderation (Self-control, Self-Rule)
   The world is full of joys and pleasures, and Heathenry is a life-affirming world-view that tells us to enjoy ourselves and make the most of our lives. But, one must embrace what life has to offer, always keeping in mind one's responsibilities, obligations, and the honesty we owe to our families. We must consciously choose our actions wisely and not based on impulses, habits, or unhealthy appetites. To maintain one's honor and protect one's Luck, you must at the very least be in control of your own thoughts and deeds. The world's joys should be enjoyed, but they should never be allowed to rule you.

The Six-Fold Goal
Another behavioral guideline and adopted by certain kin is a sort of virtuous living also accompanied by a set of Goals each person chose to do their best to obtain. These Goals are:

1. Wisdom
   This is the hidden lore and powers welling up from the darkest depths of our souls and hovering high over our heads, shining beyond the clouds, and leading us on to the unknown.  This is the mysterious force that has the ability to hold all things together, ruled by those who can see and understand the whole.  Above all wisdom must be preserved, for in it are the wells of all memory.  If it and only it survives, all other parts of the whole may be regenerated.  From this is derived our sense of adventure, our curiosity about the unknown, our seeking and questioning character.
   
   

2. Right
   It is the justice of law shaped by the lore of our folk and meted out with good judgment and true by those who can see the truth.  This is a goal rationally sought and rationally administered--The rule of rationality and enlightenment in the world.  From this our desire to see a world rationally is derived.
   
   

3. Might
   In might is embodied the two-fold goal of victory and defense, which both depend on pure power or might for their ultimate right.  Without this pivotal goal, all others will fall into decay and be overcome by things outside the truth --- as indeed they have been. But, might must be ruled over by right and wisdom, and must serve the purposes of harvest and frith.  There is worth of might in and of itself, however.  In the bodily expression of power is found the joy of victory which acts as a balm on the soul of the warrior. The goal of conquest and exercise of might can be turned without or within the true man or woman --- but it must find expression.  From this is derived our hunger for conquests, big and small, and our great will to power.
   
   

4. Harvest
   This is the reaping of the things of the good cycles of nature, which ensures that the folk continues to flourish in the world, that the livestock abounds in good health, and that the seed is rightly planted, cut, and threshed.  Harvest is the overriding need for organic continuance --- for the continuance of organic life.  Harvest here includes all the fruits of economic cycles.  It is the goodness of plenty, of wealth, and of physical well-being.  Today our society and our desire for abundance and wealth are dominated by this value system.
   
   

5. Frith
   Frith is our own word for "peace".  Frith is the true state of "peace" wherein all parts of the Six-Fold Goal are successfully pursued and attained by a society.  In frith is true freedom, for frith is the essence of freedom, the state in which self-directed, self-willed growth and development can take place.  Frith usually implies an absence of war but not of the struggle of conflict, which must always be present on some level when true growth is taking place.  In frith we do not stand still; in frith we learn how to take our fights to ever higher fields. Right/might/frith form a powerful axis.  Might provides the protection frith needs to promote freedom but might must be ruled by right to protect frith from ungoverned might.  From frith comes our almost universal desire for "peace", but if we misunderstand what this means, we can bring ourselves not "peace" but stagnation and death.
   
   

6. Love
   This is the goal of living. It is pure and powerful. In it is our sense of play and pleasure. The stem word from which "love" derived really has to do with the enjoyment of (physical) pleasure.  That we all seek this as a goal is natural and good, but it is not without its non-natural or "spiritual" sides, to be sure.  In seeking pleasure, we show and more importantly experience an unbridled lust for life itself.  This deep well of desire acts from below much the way wisdom does from above; in fact, there is a sacred bond between them.  Wisdom and love hold the six goals together.

If you are not already doing so, learn and live these Truths and see what Life brings you. You will be amazed each day you do!