The Seven Virtues are how a good Skyssian models their behaviour. Told from infancy through the fairy tales, and reflected in the glorious deeds of their heroes, every Skyssian is aware of them.

Origins of the Seven Virtues

A while back I thought it might be useful to sketch out the core beliefs of Skyssian attitudes so that I could use them as guiding principles for how minor characters could be expected to act. They also help to set direction for officials and institutions, after all if they aren’t virtuous who else would be?

At the time I stole the Skyssian attitudes from the Old Norse. A sort of set of Viking Virtues. That gave me the first five below. The local Write Club prompt is to write a fairy tale for the July meeting. So, I thought there ought to be seven virtues, because fairy tales work in threes and sevens. It was time to make up two more.

My plan is to write some fairy tales to go with the seven virtues. Just as added background for Fierce, not necessarily for including in the story.

The Seven Virtues

The precise language varies in each retelling, but the core of the seven virtues are.

  1. Theft is immoral, but if you fight for it taking spoils from battle is OK. Trade that does not make both parties richer is theft.
  2. A person should be strong and stand up for their beliefs, belongings and kin.
  3. Loyalty is a two way street, and what is freely given may be freely taken if it is not reciprocal.
  4. Look after your own, don’t rely on the gods or anyone else for help, but take it when it is offered.
  5. Rule of law is good for everyone, society is only as strong as it’s weakest member.
  6. We are stronger when we stand together and accept each others help than when we try to go it alone.
  7. Lying and cheating diminishes us all, honesty and fair dealing is the surest road to trust and prosperity for all.

Put another way, they value honesty, fair dealing, loyalty, social and kinship bonds, sharing, and self reliance.

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