Item 3 in Nine Noble Virtues

Honour

Maintain integrity and conduct worthy of legitimate respect.

Position
3
Form
Virtue to cultivate
Obligation
Aspirational
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Some modern Heathen, Odinist and Ásatrú communities
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Honour

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Maintain integrity and conduct worthy of legitimate respect.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Maintain integrity and conduct worthy of legitimate respect.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Nine Noble Virtues. Twentieth century, especially the 1970s; Modern British and transatlantic Heathenry.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Reputation and group status should not replace actual ethical conduct.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Reputation and group status should not replace actual ethical conduct.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Social responsibility
  • Honesty

Sources