Courage: The ability to act
appropriately in the face of danger.1
Courage
noun \ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rij\ : mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty 2
In 1929, a scholar by the name of Georges Dumézil posited a theory that would prove both influential
and controversial to scholars and neo-pagan religionists alike. The theory was that of the trifunctionality
of Proto-Indo-European society and according to Dumézil, there was a priestly class, a warrior class,
and a producer class3. Regardless of whether or not you agree with Dumézil though, one thing that is
clear from archaeological, mythological, and historical evidence from across the various Indo-European
cultures, is that the figure of the courageous warrior, is worthy of respect.
However, courage is not the sole domain of warriors, or a warrior class, and it is something to laud in
all cases. I believe that like all other virtues, courage can be developed by the individual; for to develop
the virtue of courage, is to develop the ability to not only aspire to greater things, but to serve your
community, and in turn make your ancestors and community proud of you. Courage can be a hard
virtue to develop, but one thing I've noticed from my very varied life, is that courage can be developed
like any other habit, with each courageous act, no matter how small, providing the basis for more
courageous acts. Unfortunately however, in the same way, cowardice or apathy can also become
habits.
I find it extremely positive that ADF has not only set down courage as a virtue, but that that idea of
courage is a real, every day one, as opposed to one bound to notions of fake warriorhood.
Courage
noun \ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rij\ : mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty 2
In 1929, a scholar by the name of Georges Dumézil posited a theory that would prove both influential
and controversial to scholars and neo-pagan religionists alike. The theory was that of the trifunctionality
of Proto-Indo-European society and according to Dumézil, there was a priestly class, a warrior class,
and a producer class3. Regardless of whether or not you agree with Dumézil though, one thing that is
clear from archaeological, mythological, and historical evidence from across the various Indo-European
cultures, is that the figure of the courageous warrior, is worthy of respect.
However, courage is not the sole domain of warriors, or a warrior class, and it is something to laud in
all cases. I believe that like all other virtues, courage can be developed by the individual; for to develop
the virtue of courage, is to develop the ability to not only aspire to greater things, but to serve your
community, and in turn make your ancestors and community proud of you. Courage can be a hard
virtue to develop, but one thing I've noticed from my very varied life, is that courage can be developed
like any other habit, with each courageous act, no matter how small, providing the basis for more
courageous acts. Unfortunately however, in the same way, cowardice or apathy can also become
habits.
I find it extremely positive that ADF has not only set down courage as a virtue, but that that idea of
courage is a real, every day one, as opposed to one bound to notions of fake warriorhood.
1 Our Own Druidry: An Introduction to Ar nDraiocht Fein and the Druid Path (p. 62). Tucson, Arizona: ADF Publishing.
2. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage
3Woudhuizen,
Fred C. (2010). Reflections of a Trifunctional Religious
Ideology among Indo-European Population Groups of the 3rd
and 2nd Millenia BC.
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