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 frith 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 defense 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. Honoring the sanctity of marriage is praiseworthy.
19. Refraining from mockery is praiseworthy.
2o. Refraining from arrogance is praiseworthy.
21. Making kin, honor 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 ones 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.
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