The Ethos of Fyrnsidu is based on a series of ethical guidelines or “regulations” called sidungas. These regulations govern our daily conduct, and are derived from and informed by a broad set of Anglo-Saxon tenets and conventions which are referred to as þéawas. In this sense, our sidungas are very similar to the extant English and American concept of “Common Law”, a form of law or regulation which has evolved over time, and is based upon precedent, rather than being set down in arbitrary statutes.
Whereas a sidung is a sort of rule or regulation that one can clearly follow or break, a þéaw or simply “thew” is a long-standing custom or value which encourages personal growth and social stability. It could be said that sidungas are specific to certain situations, whereas þéawas are general. It could also be said that the sidungas are primarily a regulatory instrument of the GFS, while the thews are a distillation of Anglo-Saxon Pagan usages and are not unique to the GFS at all. It is important to note, that while the thews presented here are adapted from heathen ethical codes and practices as found in primary sources, it is unlikely that the ancients formalized these teachings to the degree we do today. It is doubtful they had a “list” of thews as such, for they had no need of such lists. To the ancient heathens, the thews were implied in every form of social instruction, from parents, warriors, leaders, and holy folk. The Heathens of the 4th Century would have known that hospitality and honor were among the cornerstones of their culture without having to be explicitly told so. We modern Heathens are faced with the task of restoring our system of ethics to the state of robustness that it once enjoyed, and so for us, such constructs as The Nine Great Thews (presented below) are meaningful. A Heathen in the old days would not need a book or list of thews, he or she would simply have been raised to observe the thews as part of a traditional and organic kind of morality, or more simply put– good manners. As a result of carefully observing our thews, a person will naturally tend to fall in line with our sidungas, without even having to consciously know what they are.
Of course, it is possible to act in an unethical manner even if the action does not violate a formal sidung. Some situations can not be anticipated by formal laws, no matter how well-crafted, and so the Heathen community or individual must draw upon centuries of customary law and common sense to determine if a deed or a planned course of action is (or would be) considered þéawleas–against thew. In fact, our modern sidungas mainly exist to codify clear policies to make the matter of observance vs. violation of thew less ambiguous in important situations. Our sidungas are not thought to be “The Word of the Gods”, they are written by human beings (the priesthood), and represent constantly evolving attempts to effectively articulate the long-standing thews of our cultural forbears, by studying primary sources and the collected folklore of the Germanic tribes.
In the Fyrnsidu practiced by the Fellowship, we currently recognize 9 Great Thews. These are the ethical bedrock upon which our fellowship is built. Other organizations have presented these tenets somewhat differently, some teach a greater number, some less, but most will adhere fairly closely to what is written here.
Árfæstness (Honor)
Honor, the first of the great thews of Fyrnsidu, means to treat others with the dignity they deserve, and demand the same for oneself. To live with honor is to place value in oneself, and one’s fellows. To trespass upon the rights or persons of others, or to stand meekly by while others trespass upon you or yours, is to dishonor oneself. To earn honor one must give it to others freely, showing respect where respect is due, and scorn where scorn is appropriate. One should respect the life, limb, and property of those who are not enemies, and uphold the rights of others, who cannot uphold their own.
Æfæstnes (Piety)
In Fyrnsidu, piety means showing due reverence to the Gods and Goddesses, and observing the holy tides. While ours is not a dogmatic faith, a certain minimal demonstration of devotion is expected of those who follow our path.
Ellen (Courage)
This means to do what you know must be done, according to one’s personal understanding of honor, even at the risk of one’s self. To experience fear does not mean one is not courageous; to be truly courageous means to do what is needed even in spite of fear.
Sylen (Generosity)
This means to be free with gifts, to give to those who need it, and to be liberal in sharing abundance with kin and friends.
Holdnes (Hospitality)
This means to always be hospitable to a guest and offer assistance to those in need. It is virtuous to offer good will and comfort to honorable beings, as they deserve no less from an equally honorable person. This can also mean courtesy, a thew often overlooked in today’s society. A courteous tongue will often forestall strife, and repair many ills.
Getréowð (Loyalty)
This is to keep one’s allegiances or covenants, and be loyal and constant in one’s relationships. This thew is one of the most admirable traits of Germanic culture in general, and among the most widely appreciated by all peoples.
Metgung (Temperance)
This means to act not from habit or whim but with measured and considerate deliberation. A Heathen should learn to exercise self-control, restraint when necessary, and in all things– moderation.
Sóðfæstnes (Truthfulness)
This means to be truthful and forthright in speech. Do not lie or dissemble, unless to an enemy, or one you suspect of treachery.
Bisignes (Industriousnes)
To embrace this thew is to embrace the Anglo-Saxon work ethic: be industrious and diligent, and show pride in your work, craft, trade, or profession.
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