To the Men of the Tribe

By Steven, Dróttnari of the RFU Männerbund

What does it mean to be a hero? Exactly what is the quality that certain men have that makes other people write stories of their deeds and sing their songs long after their deaths? Is that quality still being propagated amongst the people or has it somehow been bred out or stolen from us?

To answer these questions, we must take a clear look at the men our ancestors called heroes. When doing so, we very often find that they are not just men, but often demigods or those born to the lineage of the divine ones. Sons of Ingui and Zeus and Lugh. Of Woden they had come, with blood blessed to be mighty. It is from these divine ancestors that they are said to derive their unique abilities and powers. Cú Chulainn, Sigi, the Ynglings, and Heracles; they all trace their lineage to the Gods, and by the Gods they are empowered.

The fact is then, that with this blood one would be empowered with this quality and could also take on the divine qualities of their hero ancestors and have their own songs echoing in the halls of the folk long after their bones are dust. We still have this blood, and the Gods live in us yet. You, right now, who reads this has the power to take on the mantle of a hero for your people, because their blood flows through you.

When faced by danger some men have a feeling in their chest that is the divine will of the ancestors and of the Gods. We need heroes, our people willing to fight against monsters unaided, and the call has gone out. When facing Grendel, the people needed Beowulf. When facing the dragon Fafnir, Sigurd answered the call. For this new monster, we need you.

Time to be a hero.
Join the warband.