Cunning: This is the most curious rule of behavior. Using artifices that deceive an opponent is much appreciated, as they demonstrate the intelligence, wit and malice of the Viking people. However, this type of trick must be applied only against those opponents who prove undeserving of respect. The line between cunning and cowardice or disloyalty is narrow and not quite defined, and the reputation for cunning can be changed into notoriety for lie, deception and cowardice. To be smart is a risky move.
Luck: Without luck a man can be honest, hospitable, courageous, loyal and smart, without ever obtaining anything, and without earning reputation or fame. A man can be born rich and lose everything, but a man born with luck never goes hungry. Heroes who have luck are good men to follow. Loyalty: Loyalty commands the relation that exists between the individual and his group. The loyalty of a man belongs to his family, his jarl and his king (or althing), in this order. This order of priority can be modified by an oath of personal loyalty – for example, a huskalar will swear loyalty to his jarl, whose command will become his main priority.
Hospitality: For a Viking traveler it’s important to know that, in friendly territory, he’ll always have food, shelter and protection. Thus every good man has the obligation to treat a guest in the best way possible and to wait nothing else in response. The most popular satirical verse between Vikings tells about a stingy host.
Courage: It seems redundant to talk about Viking courage, mainly in battle. However it’s important not to mistake it for self-denial or disdain to one’s own life. A Viking values his own life and will not endanger himself for a cause that he knows to be lost. The unnecessary death is the death of a fool, but the death of a hero is the one that makes the difference.
Honesty: The word of a Viking, given in oath, contains the supreme truth. Once the word of a Viking is given it will be kept at any cost, even one’s own life. An oath breaker has no friends.
Be brave and aggressive
Be direct
Grab all opportunities
Use varying methods of attack
Be versatile and agile
Attack one target at a time
Don’t plan everything in detail
Use top quality weapons
Be prepared
Keep weapons in good condition
Keep in shape
Find good battle comrades
Agree on important points
Choose one chief
Be a good merchant
Find out what the market needs
Don’t promise what you can’t keep
Don’t demand overpayment
Arrange things so that you can return
Keep the camp in order
Keep things tidy and organized
Arrange enjoyable activities which strengthen the group
Make sure everybody does useful work
Consult all members of the group for advice
Luck: Without luck a man can be honest, hospitable, courageous, loyal and smart, without ever obtaining anything, and without earning reputation or fame. A man can be born rich and lose everything, but a man born with luck never goes hungry. Heroes who have luck are good men to follow. Loyalty: Loyalty commands the relation that exists between the individual and his group. The loyalty of a man belongs to his family, his jarl and his king (or althing), in this order. This order of priority can be modified by an oath of personal loyalty – for example, a huskalar will swear loyalty to his jarl, whose command will become his main priority.
Hospitality: For a Viking traveler it’s important to know that, in friendly territory, he’ll always have food, shelter and protection. Thus every good man has the obligation to treat a guest in the best way possible and to wait nothing else in response. The most popular satirical verse between Vikings tells about a stingy host.
Courage: It seems redundant to talk about Viking courage, mainly in battle. However it’s important not to mistake it for self-denial or disdain to one’s own life. A Viking values his own life and will not endanger himself for a cause that he knows to be lost. The unnecessary death is the death of a fool, but the death of a hero is the one that makes the difference.
Honesty: The word of a Viking, given in oath, contains the supreme truth. Once the word of a Viking is given it will be kept at any cost, even one’s own life. An oath breaker has no friends.
Be brave and aggressive
Be direct
Grab all opportunities
Use varying methods of attack
Be versatile and agile
Attack one target at a time
Don’t plan everything in detail
Use top quality weapons
Be prepared
Keep weapons in good condition
Keep in shape
Find good battle comrades
Agree on important points
Choose one chief
Be a good merchant
Find out what the market needs
Don’t promise what you can’t keep
Don’t demand overpayment
Arrange things so that you can return
Keep the camp in order
Keep things tidy and organized
Arrange enjoyable activities which strengthen the group
Make sure everybody does useful work
Consult all members of the group for advice
