As a concept, frith is still relatively unstudied. Serious discussion
of it has only been going on for the last four years.
The word derives from Indo-European *priyas, "one's own."
Many other words derive from this root word such as Old English freogan
"to love," freodom "freedom," and Old Norse Freyr, the god. According to
most Old
English dictionaries, the word frith meant "peace, tranquility, security,
or refuge." It also referred to the special protection offered by
the tribe and the penalty for breaching that protection. A verb form, frithian
meant "to make peace with, cherish, guard, defend, or keep." Eric
Wodening in his article "The Word Frith" (Asatru Today, Dec.,
1994) put
forth that frith's original meaning was most likely "the peace enjoyed
while among one's own (that is one's family or tribe)."
Compound words made with frith as a part, as well as related words reveal
an even wider awray of menaings. Frithsumian "to reconcile,"
frithhus
"sanctuary," fritha "protector," frithlic "mild, lenient,"
frithscon "asylum, sacntuary, frithowaru "protection." The other
major word for peace in Old English, sibb, would seem to support
Eric Wodening's theories. It's primary meanings were "related, kin,
relationship, love, friendship." Its compunds too follow the
same pattern as frith. Sibbian "to consiliate, reconcile,"
sibsumian "to reconcile, be reconciled." Frith clearly did not translate
literally into our modern word peace. Its secondary meanings taken
from compunds would seemto indicate elements meaning "to protect, defend,
give asylum to, to reconcile." These elements would seem take frith
a step farther than most modern interpretations. That is frith refers
to mainteance of the peace, security, and refuge of the community.
Old English frithgield used of men charge with keeping the peace
would seem to indicate this as would the word frithgeard used of holy sites
(maintaing the community thru worship).
A careful study of frith and related words reveal a clear need
in the mind of the ancients to protect, defend, reconcile, and even heal.
In a religion known for blood feuds, outlawry, and vengeance, these concepts
may seem alien. They should not. Ancient Heathens treated those within
the tribe differently from those outside it. Steps were made to keep
the tribe cohesive. Blood feuds were kept to a minimum, and means
provided for reconciliation. Manbot, wergild, wohceapung,
fihtewite
were all types of fines designed to maintian frith. Old English betan
"to pay a fine" also had menings varying from "to make amends" to "to cure."
Anceint Heathenry clearly had means to reconcile parties in most disputes.
Within the modern Asatru kindred and even the greater Asatru community,
these principles can still be applied. Unitl now organizations used
outlawry as a solution to internal conflicts. This despite the fact
outlawry was only used for the most severe of crimes such as murder or
rape. Only one organization, Frigga's Web has advocated mediation
and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Yet, because community and family are very important to Asatru, peaceful
resolution of a problem would seem to be the solution for most problems.
Esp. when arguements break out over how or who broke the frith. Of
utmost importance should be keeping the kindred together and maintaining
the community. Even if this means both parties have to "eat crow."