Frith

Frith (from Old English friðu and Old Norse friðr) roughly means “peace,” and is a concept found in many Ásatrú spaces. It refers to the condition of prosperity that arises when we cultivate an environment of friendship, reciprocity, and social cooperation (that is, co-operation) within ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

In many ways, frith is something more than just “a lack of conflict between people” or “the creation of social order.” It draws from a very ancient aspect of the human spirit, the part of us that values connecting with others, leaving people off better than before, and righting the wrongdoings in the world. These instincts are all important for developing a functioning society and for maintaining the integrity of its laws.

Scandinavian Heathens will sometimes point to Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi (Þorgeirr Ljósvetningagoði) as an example. Thorgeir was an Icelandic lawspeaker in Iceland’s Althing from 985 to 1001 CE, and though he himself was a pagan priest (goði), he helped avoid a civil conflict in Iceland in 1000 by agreeing Iceland should convert to Christianity. Though pagan, his values rested in creating meaningful order and social wellbeing.

Heathens value frith because it brings feelings of wholeness and builds a thriving society.