The old German warrior ethos plays a major role in German culture. The old German warrior primary beliefs are strong and natural, virtue of hospitality, loyalty. Their knowledge comes from three main sources of knowledge about Germanic tribes in the German culture were Tacitus, Caesar and Christian missionaries, each of which has their own personal opinions for the way they described Germans.
To begin with, German warriors were known to be strong and natural. Tacitus highlighted the alleged purity and unspoiled nature of the Germans in order to critique what he considered to be signs of Roman decadence and decay at home (Commentary). According to Tacitus, the Germanic people were mostly hunters, shepherds and later peasants and farmers who were known to be strong and robust with reddish-blond hair and fair skin. (Commentary). This was a perfect example of what the perfect human being looked like to Tacitus. Tacitus believed these people were a perfect example of health, strength and beauty. These people had very simple needs and no sense of currency. These Germanic people lived a very simple life. The man was the head of the family and usually lounged around when they were not engaged in battle or guest.
German warriors were also known for hospitality. It was thought of to be a sin to turn away a stranger from your door. The Germanic warriors treated friends and strangers no differently, they were all welcomed with open arms. The family would provide food, drinks and a place to stay as long as they wanted. The family would provide them with anything they asked for without any hesitation. Strangers would receive the same type of hospitality from the neighbors as well.
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In addition, the Germanic warriors took pride in being loyal to their family and in battle. “More important than life itself was the warrior’s sense of loyalty to chieftain and honor gained by remaining loyal (Commentary). Around 1000 BC, the Germanic people began to push the Celts southward and westward, and the East Germanic tribes moved into the Eastern areas then displacing the Slavic peoples. The Germanic warriors lived for warfare and adventure; they frequently engaged in battles with other tribes in order to move their tribes. Germanic warriors believed heroism and loyalty were to assets that glorified them in battle. They believed honor and glory were more important than life itself and were willing to die for their chief in battle in order to stay loyal. They would rather die a hero who was loyal then flee like a coward. Even the women had the same mindset as Germanic warriors; they preferred death to slavery or disgrace. This sense of loyalty was something special because they were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, their life. They believed in something bigger than themselves.
Additionally, the mythology of northern Europe was an essential part of Germanic people. There are three pieces of Germanic mythology that reflect the values and beliefs of the old Germanic warrior. They are Valkyries, Valhalla and Ragnarök. Valkyrie was a dark spirit that soared over the battlefield and decided who died in battle and who survived. Valkyries selected half of those who would die in battle, they gathered the dead warriors off the battle field and brought them to Valhalla. Valhalla is an enormous place in the sky where fallen warriors go where there were precious metals and gems inside. Valhalla, which had over 500 doors, was ruled over by the god of Odin.
Odin decided the heroes who would be able to join Valhalla and where they would able to recover from their battle wounds and were free to join other gods and heroes for drinks, food and other festives. Once they were there, they trained with Odin’s followers and waited for the final battle Ragnarok. Ragnarok is the name of the final battle between gods, heroes, and the forces of evil that would bring the entire world to the end. Ragnorak was the reason why Valhalla was created. Odin supported wounded warriors, so they could prepare for Ragnarok, both gods and heroes would die in this heroic battle. Valhalla was a way for the gods to prepare to face their own fate. Odin’s heroes were ready to fight to the death in order to win the battle.
The mythologies Valkyries, Valhalla and Ragnarok showed that Germans were loyal to each other during battle. Valkyries did not give up on the warriors that died during battle; instead, they picked them up and brought them back to Valhalla where they would be united. This reflected the virtue of goodness, they treated everybody same even if you were a stranger. The Germanic gods, all of whom were defeated, but none of them gave up or stopped fighting. This showed how strong and brave the Germanic warriors being. They believed that dying a hero was better than dying like a coward.
The Germanic warriors had natural strength which made them strong and they also had a virtue of hospitality and kindness. Finally, they were loyal to their chief in their battles even if it meant death. The three mythologies showed the values and beliefs of warrior ethos. This belief created a group of warriors who were loyal to each other and willing to do anything in order to win, but also had a virtue of kindness and hospitality off the battle field.
