About the Institute

Hákonarætt Institute of Eddic Studies (HIES) is the education ministry of Hákonarætt Fellowship. The Institute provides religious education within the Old Norse tradition through the disciplined study of Eddic literature, theology, history, language, religious practice, ethics, and leadership. HIES joins serious engagement with historical sources to religious formation, responsible interpretation, character, and service.

To study the inheritance. To form the person. To carry the tradition forward.

HIES advances religious learning and formation that are faithful to the sources, sober in judgment, and oriented toward service. Our work is intentionally modest, careful, and ordered toward the responsible continuation of the tradition and the common good.

We value attentive reading of primary texts, engagement with languages and historical contexts, responsible interpretation, and clarity of expression. Learning is joined to personal formation and the habit of service, so that knowledge might be used wisely and for the good of others.

Interreligious Engagement

HIES approaches Eddic and Old Norse religious studies from within the Hákonarætt tradition while encouraging informed and respectful engagement with other religious traditions. Students are prepared to engage thoughtfully with people and communities of different faiths while developing a clear understanding of their own religious tradition.

HIES serves as the educational ministry of Hákonarætt Fellowship. The Institute's work is aligned with the Fellowship's religious mission while maintaining a distinct educational purpose centered on study, teaching, responsible interpretation, and cultural stewardship. Religious study through HIES is distinct from membership in Hákonarætt Fellowship or participation in a local kindred. HIES does not confer religious office, and completion of an HIES degree does not itself confer or guarantee ordination. Gothi formation, discernment, approval, and ordination are responsibilities of Hákonarætt Fellowship.

Academic Programs

HIES is developing a coordinated sequence of undergraduate and graduate religious degree programs in Eddic Studies. Each program serves a distinct level of study while remaining grounded in the Institute’s commitment to historical sources, responsible interpretation, character, leadership, and stewardship.

Hákonarætt Institute of Eddic Studies is currently developing its Associate of Eddic Studies (A.E.S.), Bachelor of Eddic Studies (B.E.S.), and Master of Eddic Studies (M.E.S.) programs. HIES is not presently accepting applications, enrolling students, or awarding degrees. Curricula, requirements, policies, sequencing, and program structures may be revised before the programs become available.

HIES makes no claims here regarding accreditation, outside approvals, partnerships, or enrollment figures.