Let us consider the following example:

From the "Vinland Sagas: the Saga of the Greenlanders", we may glean an example of primacy wherefor Freydís Eiriksdottir is regarded. In short, Freydís embarked for Vinland with a pre-arranged compact in place with the brothers, Helgi and Finnbogi. Each party would have a host of thirty fighting men aboard their ships and each would have a half share in any/all profits from their journey. But from the out start, Freydís had violated the terms of their agreement by concealing five additional warriors, so that the brothers would not know of her oath breaking and deceit. Nor would this prove to be the extent of her treachery or its far reaching severity!

In short, Freydís would go on to orchestrate the malicious and unprovoked murder of both brothers and their entire host! Furthermore, when none of Freydís' men would kill the women in their host, Freydís herself grabbed hold of a battle ax belonging to one of her men, whereupon she commenced to killing all of their women folk herself. According to the Saga of the Greenlanders, the conclusion of this historical matter would infer that neither Freydís, nor her men were dealt any sanctioned penalties once back in Greenland for their unconscionable acts of depravity and greed. Though the mere ostracism she incurred socially, circa 1000 CE, would be total and complete and in fact, tantamount to life in prison today. For without social ties to the folk community, one would certainly have been as bad off as a leper. Especially considering both the harsh environment of Greenland and the high degree of value placed upon honor within their society. There are indeed accounts of both Father Eirik the Red and brother Leif disowning her and encouraging the whole of society to do the same!

This much is certain, Freydís was branded an oath breaker and wicked soul by all in her society for her odious deeds. The consequences of Freydís' actions far exceeded the scope of exercising one's free will.

Obviously, any among us now may be able to descry the aforementioned abuse of free will. Although, what may not so easily be descried by all whom peruse this, is that free will today must be accompanied by consequences as well. Though this seems a no brainier, I assure you that it is not! Just look around your self within our faith/folk community today and you may easily bear witness to any of several accounts of oath breaking being justified by the oath breakers among us. An oath breaker is just that! No exemptions, or excuses would be in the offing by our noble ancestors, and so none should be extended today by us, their descendants.

Where one has violated the compacts of an oath, let he or she assume the full weight of accountability for thus, and endeavor to consider future oaths at greater length prior to swearing any other oaths (so as to afford them the respect and power for which they were intended). To merely refuse to acknow­ledge one's short comings and failures will not erase them or make them disappear as though they had never occurred. No, it will only widen the chasm between those whom choose honor and those whom freely forfeit it. Redemption may only be had by one's own deeds and one's character adjust­ments and improvements.

Free will is a great Northern virtue, indeed. But it does not trump the Northern virtue of honor! Nor does it excuse any among us from accepting responsibility and accountability for the consequences which accompany the choices we make in the name of free will. And an oath broken is an oath cursed; "The curse upon himself made by the oath taker, should he break it, also belonged to the oath as such." (see Old Norse texts. Heidarviga Saga 33, Grettis Saga 72, and Gragas 114… Cited as, "Oath" pg. 238, Dict­ionary of Northern Mythology by R. Simek).

The power of an oath sworn should be every bit as irrevocable as the conse­quences attached thereto those whom freely embrace the known oath breaker! Never should any among us encourage, or embrace the caviler attitudes of those whom would seek to water down or dismiss the very integrity of noble character which our ancestors hath passed onto us! Honor is timeless and I for one would rather stand alone with my honor, in tact, against the raging tempest, than to forfeit my honor in exchange for the company of dishonorable or half honorable men whom will always fail to stand up to the fiercest storms! Let no man convince you that honor may be purchased with broken oaths!!!

Consider the gravity of free will and honor.

Perform a Blot to Var and Heimdall, the Patron Goddess and God of oaths and honor. For, it is they who punish the oath breakers and odious characters.

Meditate upon the runes:

Ansuz ( ), Gebo ( ), Tiwaz ( ), Jera ( ), Othala ( ).

Consider the gravity of free will and honor.

I remain in service to the Gods and folk of the Holy Nation of Odin. In Frith with thee always.

"Beware of them who favor only the sunshine's warmth. For they hath grown complacent and their honor suffers wantonly for it." -- Dr. Casper Odinson Crowell, Ph.D.