This document draws extensively from “Our Troth Vol. 2” and has been graciously made available by the publisher, allowing all Heathens to access it freely. The content has been significantly modified for online readability, with the original text containing a wealth of information along with an annotated bibliography. For those interested in further reading, purchasing the original text is recommended.
Tyr
Tyr is known by several names: Týr, Tiw, Tig, Ziu, Tyz, and *Tiwaz. Despite being a significant figure in earlier Germanic cultures, references to him in surviving Old Norse chapters are sparse compared to those of Odin or Thor. This raises questions about the essence of Tyr and the implications of his historical portrayal.
The available literature is limited regarding Tyr’s character, yet it suggests that he once occupied a prominent role in ancient cultures. A deeper exploration reveals contradictions in his representation across various texts, leading us to question what the core truth about him may be. Is he venerated as the overarching Sky Father, a steadfast arbiter like Odin, or as a god of war synonymous with bravery and community welfare?
Origins
Etymologically, Tyr’s name can be traced back to a proto-language form akin to *Dyeus, believed to denote a sky deity among Proto-Indo-European speakers. These ancient speakers likely worshipped a celestial being, inferred from the parallels seen in the names of sky deities across Indo-European cultures: Dyaus in Vedic texts, Zeus for the Greeks, Jupiter (derived from *Djous-Pater, meaning “Father Djous”) among the Romans, and Sius in Hittite traditions, alongside *Tîuz or *Tîwaz in Proto-Germanic.
The original designation of the sky deity, reconstructed to *deiuos, ties back to the root *dieu- signifying “sky,” “day,” or “light.” For the Germanic societies, Tyr’s name also served as a general term for “god.” In ancient poetry, deities are sometimes referred to as tivar, meaning “Tyrs,” and Odin appears under epithets such as Sigtýr (Victory God) and several others ending in -týr.
If we infer that speakers of Proto-Indo-European brought their deities and customs northward, then it is plausible Tyr has been reverently honored since the late Stone Age.
Possessions and Symbols
The North Star
In contemporary interpretations, the North Star resonates with the contemplative aspect of Tyr as a guiding figure. Unlike Odin’s role as a psychopomp, Tyr inspires quiet introspection and leads followers through dark times.
The Tiwaz Rune
The tiwaz rune (ᛏ) is characteristically associated with Tyr. Although scholars believe that the runic script did not originate as pictorial representations, some Heathens may interpret the shapes of runes symbolically. The tiwaz rune can be perceived as a simplified Irminsul or as a pole upholding the celestial dome, evoking the concept of the axis mundi. Alternatively, it may be seen as an arrow or spear, emblematic of Tyr’s assertive power.
The Hand of Tyr
The hand itself can represent Tyr, reminding us of his sacrificial nature. Historical traditions in medieval England featured the raising of a glove on a pole as a symbolic gesture marking the commencement of fairs—potentially rooted in royal authority and the establishment of order, as posited by Nigel Pennick. At modern gatherings, the Troth initiates each Trothmoot by raising a glove on a spear, reaffirming the commitment to community harmony.
Tyr in Medieval Germanic Heroic Literature
Tyr’s representation in medieval Germanic literature is notably scarce, compelling us to examine earlier sources to understand the evolution of his worship in pre-Christian eras. Though some early texts designate Tyr as a “Sky Father,” others depict him prominently as a deity of warfare and contest.
Tyr the War God
Cornelius Tacitus documents three gods he equates with Roman deities Mercury, Hercules, and Mars in his account of German societies. These correspondences are widely recognized to align with Odin, Thor, and Tyr. The Roman week’s Martis dies, or “day of Mars,” evolved into Tuesday—referenced as Týsdagr in Old Norse.
The practice of invoking Tyr notably for triumph is articulated in Sigrdrífumál 7.
“You must carve victory-runes, if you want to have victory,
And carve them on the hilt of your sword,
Some on the blade, some on the guard,
And call twice on Tyr.”
Historically, artifacts such as sword pommels and spearheads have been discovered in England inscribed with Tyr runes.
In Gylfaginning 25, Tyr is depicted aligned with heroic attributes, reinforcing his association with victory:
“There is another god called Tyr. He is the boldest and most courageous, and he has much power over victory in battle.”
His wisdom is noted, with wise individuals described as “Tyr-wise,” and he is indicated as a god invoked primarily during times of conflict rather than for peaceful resolutions.
The Thing-God
Modern Heathens often designate Tyr as the “God of the Thing,” interpreting his role as integral to the ancient Germanic judicial assemblies that governed law creation and dispute resolution. Tacitus notes that severe punishments were executed by priests, believed to be guided by divine inspiration during conflicts.
This suggests that while priests held authority, the assemblies ultimately decided severe cases. Though not specifically named, Tyr is likely the deity referenced in connection to judicial authority.
As the God of the Thing, Tyr’s authority became fundamental to the legitimacy of the assembly’s verdicts, highlighting his symbolism as the source of knowledge associated with law and order.
Tyr the Wolf-Binder
Tyr’s singular act of heroism in Germanic literature occurs in the famous tale of the binding of Fenrir, the wolf. This narrative does not need to be interpreted as a cosmic struggle against evil but rather viewed through a metaphorical lens that reveals audience perceptions of Tyr.
As the gods were warned of Fenrir’s potential threat, only Tyr demonstrated the courage to approach and nurture the wolf. When the gods sought to bind Fenrir, extensive dialogue and trust were required upon his part, leading to the pivotal moment where Tyr sacrificed his hand to uphold the assembly’s decision.
Tyr’s willingness to make sacrifices reflects the essential principle of communal responsibility. His act emphasizes that the authority of an assembly lies not in threats but in mutual acceptance of decisions, thus binding society together through shared judgments.
Tyr Today
In contemporary society, Tyr resonates with various groups whose priorities sometimes clash. For instance, attorneys and lawmakers may honor Tyr just as much as community activists and law enforcement officers might.
Tyr the Father of the Assembly and Society
Under the enduring influence of Tyr, the assembly model has evolved beyond feudal constructs and remains essential to our social fabric. Many of Tyr’s devotees occupy legal professions, advocating for justice, governance, and law.
Tyr the Righteous
Devotees of Tyr often seek victory not for personal gain but in the name of the collective cause. They perceive events as outcomes dictated by fate, interpreting the essence of righteousness as led by Tyr.
By doing so, they embody his judicial qualities, allowing them to navigate complex situations with detachment. Tyr’s followers envision him as the embodiment of justice, compassionate yet resolutely devoted to lawful principles.
Tyr the Courageous
Portrayed as a deity of bravery, Tyr inspires followers to embrace the sacrifices necessary for societal welfare. Contrary to conventional political ideals, many who venerate Tyr are active proponents of social reform, driven by a vision of justice that transcends mere tradition.
In essence, the spirit of Tyr lives on through those who honor his principles as a fabric of modern society, maintaining the delicate balance of justice and communal responsibility.
