The Warrior
Most folk associate the old Norse Gods with Viking warriors. The
reason is simple: the best of the existing old lore hails from the late
Viking Age. Add the fact that every Norwegian, Dane and Swede
likes to think that deep down inside, he is a Viking. Suddenly we
go from religion to Vikings.
There is a warrior aspect within Heathenism. We
appreciate the place of soldiers, naval sailors and policemen in our
society. Their work is as sacred as any other. Heathenism has
always had a place for the warrior, and this goes back to the times
when any man could be called upon the defend the community in
battle.
Of course, we are realists. Most of us are not warriors.
Back in the old days, people were farmers, hunters, fishermen,
traders, and blacksmiths. Today we
can add thousands of other
occupations from computer geeks to
typesetters to crane operators. Most
of our professions are civilian in
nature.
This is not to say that we
ignore the warrior aspects in
ourselves. Many of us have prior
military experience. Many of us are capable of defending
ourselves and our families. This is another aspect of self-reliance.
On the other hand, we are not bullies. We do not seek or
encourage violent encounters. Violent attacks on others are
reprehensible to us. We feel that if people have strong violent
urges, they ought limit them to combative sports or take up a career
in the military.
We respect soldiers, sailors and airmen for putting their
safety on the line to protect our country. We also respect the
sacrifice of such civil servants as policemen, fireman and medical
rescue personnel for the risks they take. Heathens have great
respect for all veterans. We acknowledge that their sacrifice has
made it possible to live as we do today.
There are a few Heathens who find sport in trying to reenact
the battle skills of the Viking Age. We see it much as any
other hobby. They are not trying to recreate the Viking Age, but
we do respect it as part of the Heathen heritage. Those who choose
to re-enact are allowed to do so. Those of us who do not re-enact
are content to let them have their fun. It is another form of selfexpression.