On October 1st, 2023, the AFA marked the first official celebration of a Day of Remembrance for John Gibbs-Bailey, known as “Hoskuld.”

Hoskuld was one of the two founders of the Odinic Rite (along with John Yeowell “Stubba”). Although writings on that organization’s website indicate his efforts were integral to the foundation of the OR, only limited information about him is available. There are no books or articles to be found that he authored, no pictures of him publicly available. Even in the Odinic Rite eulogy for him, it is stated that they did not know when he was born, or even when he passed away.

Gibbs-Bailey embraced Asatru in the 1930’s. He was a member of a number of smaller Asatru organizations from that time. While working with the different groups with which he was affiliated, Hoskuld developed the “Eight Charges and Virtues” of Asatru. These would later be expanded to Nine, in the 1970’s, and promulgated by the Odinic Rite as the well-known “Nine Noble Virtues”.

Hoskuld met John Yeowell “Stubba” in the 1950’s. Gibbs-Bailey’s influence played a strong role in Stubba’s conversion to Asatru. In 1973, Stubba and Hoskuld formed The Committee for the Restoration of the Odinic Rite, changed to the Odinic Rite in 1979 (at that point they felt the Rite had been restored). Hoskuld served as the first Treasurer of the Odinic Rite.

It is important that we honor and remember not only the Heroes of the distant past, but those in more recent days whose efforts have contributed to the renewal of our Faith.

Hail Hoskuld!