The Hávamál

Much is to be learned from the words of the Hávamál.

Household Words of Wisdom

Consider, in all you do, the benefit or harm of your actions upon you and yours.

Go all lengths for the protection and love of your family. Never neglect their care.

Your family and folk are your future. Take pride in their love, actions, and history.

Your folk are your primary responsibility and concern, but do not fail to overlook the needs of others as is kind and proper.

Your material possessions are your responsibility, but the needs of family and folk come before.

Always remember that you, in your words and actions, are a representative of your people.

All in the household work toward the best they can do, and will support and assist family and folk in need.

Think well on those you pledge your friendship and services to. Their strength will be yours, as will their weaknesses.

In yourself, have pride and honor, aim high in your endeavors, and know when it is necessary to forgive both you and yours. Be understanding and tolerant of each other's failings, and be honest and kind in discussing them.

For good or ill, all you do will return to you. Endeavor to be just and good in your actions.

Honesty first, with yourself and others.

Oaths and your given word are not to be given lightly, and to be broken never.

In your words, pass on only those which you can attest to first-hand.

When there are differences between your folk, strive to settle them between yourselves quietly, peaceably, and in a fair manner.

When angry, strive to speak with control, wisdom, and only with truth. Do not allow the fire in your heart to control the wisdom of your words.

Choose your battles well, and know when to halt further conflict.

Power gained is responsibility, so be heedful, wise, and fair in its use.

Know that the effects of your courage and honor will endure far past your time.

Whenever possible and with reason, the laws of the land should be obeyed.

The search of knowledge and learning is of great merit. Pass on what you know to your folk.

Preparation and resilience will serve you well, whatever the future brings.

All things life brings, both joys and difficulties, are best embraced and lived to the fullest!

The 10 Commandments, from the Known World Handbook (official SCA publication, available here)

 1) Treat your inferiors in rank, knowledge or experience in the society as if they were your equals; treat your equals as if they were your superiors; treat officers as representatives of the King; and treat the King and Queen with the reverence due your sovereigns.

 2)  Use medieval forms of address.

 3)  Be faithful to your lord and your word.

 4)  Gentlemen, honour all ladies.

 5)  Ladies, be worthy of that honour.

 6)  Touch no man's goods unasked; give and receive with grace.

 7)  Be gentle to the stranger.

 8)  Raise your sword, but not your voice.

 9)  Let the slain man tell if he be slain.

10) Reverence the King and Queen.

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The Ravenstead household is dedicated to studying the arts and sciences of the Norse culture during the “Viking Era” (700-1066 AD) and re-enacting the lifestyle of that era in our encampments.