A Æ B É F G H I M N S T W Þ

Þēawas

Table of Contents

What is a Thew?

The concept of þeáw or “thew” in Anglo-Saxon society referred to the set of customs, behaviors, and societal norms that governed individual and communal conduct. It was a critical framework within which the Anglo-Saxons understood virtues, duties, and social responsibilities. Thew encompassed the expectations placed upon individuals by their community, highlighting the importance of honor, loyalty, and adherence to established customs. This concept was integral to maintaining social order and cohesion within Anglo-Saxon communities, serving as a guide for ethical and moral behavior. Today, we use this terminology to refer to our code of conduct toward one another, and the world at large.

Hospitality and Courtesy

The idea of Gestlīðnes, rooted in Old English customs, emphasizes a welcoming and kind approach to interactions, akin to hospitality. In a modern context, this thew prescribes treating house-guests, colleagues, and our co-religious with respect and kindness, especially when acting from a position of authority or advantage. Applying gestlīðnes today means actively listening, showing empathy, and fostering inclusive environments in personal, religious and professional settings. It means that when we have guests in our home, they should be accorded courtesy and protection and have their physical needs accommodated to the best of our ability.

Similarly, this thew dictates that we treat our co-religious whether in person or online, with respect, and assume positive intent when social friction occurs. Should bad blood resulting in a breach or potential breach of freod arise between two members of the society, those members should endeavor to resolve their interpersonal issues with the help of mediation, if necessary through the Ge-Þing, our lower and larger governing body.

Adopting what the Anglo-Saxons called gestlīðnes as a social norm involves small, everyday actions that prioritize understanding and support, contributing to a more connected society.

On Theism and the Veneration of Uncouth Wights

As polytheists, one of our core beliefs is that the Gods are real and distinct. The ones we worship are not the only ones, and they are separate from the cultures of the people who worship them. Questions of whether or not a God or Goddess is the same or different from another God or Goddess are interesting, but they are ultimately unanswerable. The true nature of the Gods in the universe, including which ones and how many truly exist, is unknowable by us. Therefore, it is our intention to venerate and thereby invite into our spaces, those divinities which are life-affirming, helpful, or important to human advancement. 

In addition to this, we believe it is the right and the responsibility of each individual or faith group to make decisions about whom and how they worship. These groups and individuals should not impose these beliefs and decisions upon others, nor should they be subject to the beliefs and decisions of other groups and individuals. We wish to be very clear on this point: this statement pertains to the Ingvaeonic Society and only the Ingvaeonic Society. It is not, and should not be construed as, a recommendation to or imposition upon any other Heathen religion, cultural tradition, faith group, kindred, tribe, or individual. This is our stance and ours alone. 

We believe that there are countless entities and beings in the universe who have the ability and potential to affect our lives in myriad ways. We believe that many of these beings are malicious, and seek to sow discord and chaos in the lives of those who welcome them into their mental, physical, and spiritual spaces. The Ingvaeonic Society uses the word “thyrs” to describe an entity or being that has malicious or harmful intentions toward humans, other wights, or the Gods we worship. Any other mythological associations with that word outside of this stated definition are not intended here for the purposes of this statement.

It is our sincere belief that the invocation and worship of cultural figures that primarily represent chaos, trickery, destruction, and any other form of malice, whether they are deities, spirits, other beings and entities, or even fictional characters, can open the door for a thyrs to enter our homes and our lives and the homes and lives of those with whom we are closely associated. In order to prevent this, we as a religious society have chosen not to welcome the worship of these cultural figures, many of which are outside the scope of historical North Sea Germanic practices entirely. We believe that to do so represents a significant risk of spiritual self harm, and potentially harm to others, even if only inadvertently. Therefore, it is our position that the veneration of such beings is inconsistent with the Threefold Goal. 

The category of “malicious cultural figure” is not discrete, but can be characterized by these examples: Grendel, Fenrir, Loki, Surtr, etc. We understand that some of the names represented here are closely associated with current controversies throughout the Heathen community. We do not intend to engage in discourse about this. We have written this statement in an effort to make our stance clear for those who wish to worship in community with the Ingvaeonic Society.

Acceptance of Others

According to this custom, our tradition accepts people of good character and good faith, who wish to associate with, worship with, and become a part of, communities formed under the aegis of Ingwine Heathenship.  In accord with our cultural ancestors’ spirit of enterprise, community, and hospitality, we will not discriminate against persons wishing to join our faith and faith communities, based upon their; skin color, sex, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, visible and/or invisible disabilities, or other physical characteristics.

To do so would be counter to our stated goals of forging strong and enduring faith-based communities. It is however, according to longstanding tradition, appropriate to ask a newcomer to speak English, Frisian, Low Saxon, Dutch or German, in order to fully integrate with our community.

Decorum at Religious Functions

In our society, we hold the expectation that individuals attending a sacrifice or religious ceremony approach the occasion with the utmost reverence for the Gods and spirits. It is essential that all attendees maintain decorum, reflecting the solemnity and sacredness of the event. This respect underscores our communal bond and shared veneration, ensuring the ceremony’s integrity and the honor due to the divine presences we seek to engage. Excessive drunkenness or irreverent behavior during formal religious ceremonies and rites is discouraged. Weapons other than those consecrated to sacral functions are generally considered forbidden in a sacred space.

Hearth Cults

In the Ingwina Ferræden, while we honor and maintain our shared traditions rooted in the North Sea and Anglo-Saxon practices, we also recognize the importance of personal, local and familial customs, or what we refer to as ‘hearth cults.’ These are the intimate, household-level traditions that each member or family brings, enriching our collective experience without altering the core practices that unite us. These traditions and practices should always supplement, rather than detracting from or replacing, core Ingwine teachings. In this case, they are viewed as perfectly acceptable and desirable local outgrowths of our living tradition.