The Ritual of Honor
Young Vikings Club
Supporting Our Next Generation

Opening:  If there is a common ritual opening in the Young Viking’s existing group, you may choose to use it in
these rituals.  Some examples are processions, runic chanting followed by a Hammer Hallowing or any similar
process used to spiritually proclaim a space as a Holy Stead.  Other suggestions may be encircling the space
with a torch, smoke from herbs and tying a rope around the area.  Fire is a central part of all rituals and at the
very least, candles will be necessary.  Let the Young Vikings process into the holy place to the sound of
drumbeats while carrying fire.

Calling of Gods and Goddesses:  Turn to the North, raising hands or fists to the sky.  Loudly call out the names
of the Gods and Goddesses.  Choose those most favored by your child and Ásatrú Group or you may simply call
upon Æsir and Vannir.  Ask the Gods and Goddesses to look upon the ceremony and witness the words spoken of
the deeds of these Young Vikings Club members.

Calling of Ancestors of the Young Vikings:  It is important for children to realize their place in a family and
community.  Our Ancestors past are also members of the Young Viking’s community that they will develop
relationships with.  Consult with the Young Vikings and parents to create a list of names that can also be called
as witnesses to the ceremony in the same way the Gods were called.  

Calling on the Land Spirits:  Honoring and reverencing the Earth is one of the most important aspects of
Ásatrú and is central to Young Vikings Club philosophy.  Call upon all friendly land spirits with whom we share the
Gods’ Creation.

Reading of the Motto:  Let the Young Vikings read the Club Motto before the assembled group.  This will need
to be practiced by the Young Vikings.  Make sure appropriate lighting is available for them to see.  

    Motto of the Young Vikings:
      
    Fate made something out of nothing and the Gods began the line of my people.

     Its mighty roots stretch back to the beginning of time.  
      
    I stand at the forefront of this line, a mighty spear thrusting forward through the new layers.  
      
    I will uphold the frith and luck in my community.
      
    I will honor the Gods, Goddesses and Ancestors of my family.
      
    I will protect and respect Earth and the Spirits of the Land.
      
    Hail the Gods!
    Hail the Goddesses!
    Hail the Ancestors!

Announcement of Worthiness:  List off the accomplishments of the Young Vikings present and praise them
publicly for their hard work and efforts (applause).

Granting Awards and Giving Hail:  Pass the child the badge or patch and a horn or cup or ritual drink.  As they
receive the award, have the Young Viking raise the horn and say, “Hail!”  Older teens may be asked to speak
more or even be required to boast of their deeds.  The Young Viking takes a sip and passes the horn back to the
leader.

Community Acknowledgement:  A round of applause is in order for the Young Vikings.  Let the community share
a drink from the horn and sound their praise of the youth, bits of wisdom, toast to ancestors or sound advice.  
Remember the attention span of youth is only so long.  It is best to keep this part of the ritual “one round only”.

Closing:  Close the ritual in the tradition of your Ásatrú group or by simply thanking the Gods, Goddesses,
Ancestors and Land Spirits for witnessing the ceremony.  Let the Young Vikings depart to drumbeats, carrying
out the fire, etc. and conclude the remainder of your Ásatrú Group blot, etc. if needed.
Award ceremonies must be ritualized and witnessed by
family and folk.  This not only teaches modern Ásatrú ritual
as an integral component of a person’s life but intensifies and
focuses the reward process both mentally and spiritually.  
The ritual is designed to remind Young Vikings that they are
members of a family with traditions.  They have a
responsibility to their Ancestors and have earned support and
praise from both living and dead.