Laws of the Hall

The "Law of the Hall" describes the behavior expected of Yggdrasil Ásatrú Community Folk in to regard to each other. We can think of our Community as a vast Dryhten's hall from the Viking age, and our fellow YAC members as our brothers and sisters within that hall. In order to preserve peace in the hall and to protect the reputation of those all of those who inhabit it, we have certain rules.

1. Honor the Aesir and Vanir, wights and ancestors, by blot and deed.
   Grow in the lore, and strengthen the Mighty Ones with ritual; observe the holy days of Ásatrú.
    
2. Abide no strife in the hall or between kin.
   One must be able to speak one's mind candidly, but disagreements must never exceed the bounds of respect or courtesy. All within the hall are brothers and sisters and are to be treated appropriately.
    
3. Build bright fame, not dark disdain, for those who dwell in the hall.
   Our deeds and words must be such that the reputation of YAC, and of Ásatrú as a whole, grows more glorious because of our presence. Do good to your kin, grow in your might and main...and when we disagree among ourselves, let it be done out of the sight of others.
    
4. Give first love to family and Folk, but deal honorably with all whose hands are open and whose hearts are true.
   Your primary duty is to those closest to you by blood and troth, but give good for good from all who give it. Love your own, but hate not others without reason.
    
5. Strive that our Folk shall live forever, though all the forces of Muspel march against us.
   Work for the good of the Folk Within (Ásatrúar) and the Folk Without (the Greater Family of our people who have not yet come to the Gods) in all ways that are honorable and noble.
    
6. Deal with candor and forthrightness with all in the hall, and scorn the poison of gossip and intrigue.
   Speak honestly and openly, and do not talk behind the backs of others.
    
7.  Envy not those who earn gifts, fame, and favor within the hall, but seek instead your own by might and main.
   The glory given your brother or sister shines on you, as well; Let gold and bright fame not stir enmity among kin.
    
8.  Be open-handed and open-hearted, generous to aid kin and forward the folk.
   Give gladly of time and effort, helping those in the hall and advancing our enterprise.
    
9.  Honor your oaths to kin and to Gods, though your life be the price.
   Hand on ring or steel, hand given in good trust to another - these are sacred and on them lives the might of those in the hall. 

Borrowed from the Ásatrú Folk Assemble modified by YAC