Old Norse philosophy was thephilosophy of the earlyScandinavians.[a][b][c]
Similar to the patterns of thought of other earlyGermanic peoples, Old Norse philosophy is best attested in thePoetic Edda, particularlyHávamál, which is a poem attributed toOdin, the leading deity inNorse mythology. It emphasized that happiness could only be attained through living a life of virtue, particularly one characterized by the interconnected virtues of wisdom, self-control and personal independence.[3]
Some researchers believe Old Norse philosophy was largely indigenous in origin, having developed in relative isolation independent of outside influences. It was probably of similar nature and origin to the patterns of thought of otherGermanic peoples.[2]
Scholars, such asGuðmundur Finnbogason andSveinbjorn Johnson, have pointed out striking similarities between Old Norse philosophy andancient Greek philosophy, in particular that ofHomer andAristotle.[4] These similarities appear to be a result of independent development, rather than external influence.[5]
The most important source of Old Norse philosophy is thePoetic Edda,[b] which consists of a number of poems dealing withmythology, heroic legends and moral teachings. According toLee M. Hollander, thePoetic Edda is as important for the understanding of the ethical views of the Norse and other Germanic peoples as theVedas are for understandingIndian philosophy and the works ofHomer are for understanding ancient Greek philosophy.[6]
An important part of thePoetic Edda in regard to philosophy is its first poem, theVöluspá. It deals with the beginnings and destiny of mankind and his world.[7]
Another important part of thePoetic Edda is theHávamál,[c] a poem on social conduct attributed toOdin, who was the god of war and wisdom and the leading deity inNorse mythology.[8] It is considered the most important source on Old Norse philosophy,[b][d] and has been referred to as the "Nicomachean Ethics of the North".[4]
Thesagas give many glimpses into the Old Norse philosophy of life.[9]
Better a homestead, though hovel it be;
a man is his master at home;
bleeding the heart of him who must beg
his meat for every meal
Similarly to ancient Greek philosophy, Old Norse philosophy was independent of influence from religious dogma, and emphasized that human nature was the foundation on which the pillars of moral philosophy must rest.[4] The aim of life ishappiness, which can only be attained by living a life ofvirtue.[3]
Virtues emphasized in Old Norse philosophy include independence, self-reliance, loyalty, modesty, hospitality, generosity, compassion, courage, and most importantly,wisdom.[3][e] Independence was not just attained materially, but was exerted through independence of thought and action as well.[9] Complete independence could only be attained through wisdom,[12] and as inAristotelian ethics, wisdom could only be acquired through experience.[13] An important source of experience was traveling.[f] The author of theHávamál points out that while wealth is temporary, wisdom is eternal.[12] Wealth is dismissed as "the most fickle of friends".[7] The ultimate expression of independence was one's ability to act in accordance with wisdom.[14]
The author ofHávamál stresses, like Aristotle, that man is at heart a social being, and that he cannot develop his full potential in isolation.[g] This deep need for fellowship is noted frequently inOld Norse literature. A man was to be a faithful friend, and was not to be on friendly terms with the friends of his enemies.[15] The importance of fulfilling ones personal responsibilities was highly emphasized.[9]
A key feature of a happy man was his ability to get a good rest. This is similar to the sayings of Aristotle. In accordance with Old Norse philosophy, it was foolish to lay awake at night thinking about ones troubles, as this made one less able to deal with the problem the next day.[3]
Despite belonging to awarrior culture, Old Norse philosophy emphasizes that even the lame, the armless, the deaf, and the blind have a particular place in society.[h]
Old Norse philosophy was stronglyfatalistic in that no man could ultimately escape his fate. This belief applied to all classes of society, fromkings tothralls. This fatalism encouraged them to live a life of courage andfortitude. This spirit is famously embodied in stanza 77 ofHávamál,[d] which emphasizes that the only lasting thing in the world is the noble name one gains by living a life filled with noble deeds.[10]
Despite the eventual Christianization of Scandinavia and its adoption of theChristian ethics, the pillars of Old Norse philosophy remain vital to manyScandinavians.[16][failed verification]