Hákonarætt Fellowship | Gothi Formation & Ordination

Gothi Formation & Ordination

Religious formation, discernment, and preparation for those called to serve as Gothar within the Hákonarætt tradition.

Formation for Religious Leadership

Within Hákonarætt, the office of Gothi is understood as a position of religious service, responsibility, and trust. Preparation for this work involves more than academic study. It requires religious formation, demonstrated character, knowledge of the tradition, and readiness to serve others with integrity and responsibility.

Hákonarætt Fellowship provides a path of formation and discernment for qualified individuals who seek consideration for ordination as Gothar within the Hákonarætt tradition.

A Path of Formation & Discernment

Study

Candidates develop a serious understanding of the Eddas, sagas, Old Norse religious tradition, history, ethics, and religious practice.

Formation

Candidates undertake religious and personal formation directed toward responsible service, sound judgment, character, and leadership.

Discernment

Preparation for religious office includes discernment of the candidate's readiness, motivation, character, and capacity for service.

Examination & Approval

Candidates considered for ordination are subject to applicable examination, review, and approval by Hákonarætt Fellowship before ordination may be conferred.

Academic Study and Religious Formation

Hákonarætt Institute of Eddic Studies (HIES) serves as the educational ministry of Hákonarætt Fellowship and provides academic study within the Old Norse religious and literary tradition.

Academic education and religious ordination are separate processes. Completion of an HIES degree does not confer the office of Gothi, constitute ordination, or guarantee selection for ordination.

Hákonarætt Fellowship separately oversees religious formation, discernment, examination, approval, and ordination.

Ordination to the Office of Gothi

Ordination is a religious act of Hákonarætt Fellowship by which an approved candidate is formally set apart for service as a Gothi within the Hákonarætt tradition.

Ordination is not automatically granted upon completion of academic study or formation. Candidates must satisfy the applicable requirements of the Fellowship and receive approval for ordination.

Service Within the Tradition

Ordination by Hákonarætt Fellowship does not require an individual to lead a local kindred, nor does an independent kindred require a Hákonarætt-ordained Gothi in order to organize or maintain its local religious life.

Independent kindreds remain independently organized and governed. Hákonarætt ordination represents recognition of an individual's religious formation and authorization to serve as an ordained Gothi of Hákonarætt Fellowship.