Often the concept of frith is described as peace, which in it's most literal translation to English is correct, but at a fundamental level is incomplete.
Frith is also a matter of kin-bond, and carries with it a matter of duty. This duty is not so much a matter of responsibility as it is a matter of reciprocity. This is the heart of "gift demands gift," both in the sense that you are expected to give in return, but also in that you are expected to be considerate when giving, lest you give too much.
Another aspect of this reciprocity is mutual emotional support. it is too easy to forget that we are mortal, and have mortal failings. We create frith-bonds as a means of either overcoming these failings, or for support while they are overcome.
Ultimately, the nature of Frith is sharing. Sharing burdens, sucesses, and experiences.
Very good Martin. That being said the Frith is not as fragile as some people seem to think at a gathering. If your'e inviting people that "break the frith", you are just as much at fault. Generally speaking you are inviting friends, if your "friends" tend to offend each other there is something intrinsically wrong with that relationship... Inviting "negative" forces to your blot or gathering is a recipe for disaster anyway.
ReplyDeleteI think the frith is as fragile as those participating in it make it. That is, if those engaging in the frith-bond work at understanding each other, and are willing to engage in behavior conducive to building the bond, the frith will be strong. On the other hand, if those participating are unwilling to build the frith, it will not last.
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