Norse Values: Determination

Determination is the perseverance to accomplish a difficult goal in spite of obstacles. Determination is aggressive and requires a ruthless pursuit towards completing your objective. Put simply, it’s your resolve.

The modern, western world is full of obstacles, both real and perceived. Vikingr can find themselves isolated, dejected, and apathetic in a world that continually denies and attempts to change our most primal and basic needs/desires. Northmen press on though. We build bonds with our brothers, gain self sufficiency, hone core skills, and develop our oðr.

History is full of warriors with determination. From 300 Spartans holding off Persians, to Marines battling through the Pacific in WW2, warriors have overcome significant obstacles to achieve difficult goals. When Hákon Hákonarson was being hunted by the Church in the winter of 1205, it was the determination of two excellent Birkibeiner, Torstein and Skjervald, that got the heir safely from Lillehammer to Østerdalen in a blizzard. For two days they covered harsh terrain while being pounded by snow and ice with the constant threat of Christians, who wanted to kill them and the child they protected. Without them, and other Birkibeiner, the Church very well could have taken over Norway sooner, Iceland may not have come under Norwegian rule, and the civil war with the Baglarr would have carried on.

It is imperative to our survival that Northmen continue to show great resolve in a world that wants nothing more than to erase the existence of Blendingr, Úlfhéðnar, and Vikingar.