Nine Virtues

Sailing in their long ships with a dragon head on the bow Vikings were a hardy people from a land of ice and snow Known for their adventures far wide and across many seas Bringing culture and beliefs, sailing from 950-1050 A.D. Traders who settled, leaving their Danish homeland Looking for a heaven found by the name of Vineland In their Gods was a strong belief, by Odin they were lead Blazing by the virtues of nine in their stead TRUTH was a belief held in high regard, from deep within In the sense of honesty- essential for kith and kin Ruled by HONOR- morality more than reputation Without regret these Vikings lived, no hesitation Following in the ways of Frey, FIDELITY to the Gods To their family and clan, they lived without facade DISCIPLINE is the action to all beliefs they held fast Personal will - their conquests to lands unsurpassed The civilization practiced HOSPITALITY to unselfish ends Never knew when on a cold night, one might need friends INDUSTRIOUSNESS made the Vikings active with vitality Living each day to it's fullest, abundant morality The clan could not survive without SELF RELIANCE To do for one, is to do for all- tribe alliance COURAGE and bravery to face life's struggles and PERSEVERE Foraging upon strange lands and taming the new frontier. Won 3rd place in the "Broad Horizons" contest by Deborah Guzzi The Nine Noble Virtues of the Vikings. A. Green