Human Affairs
Race and Color in the 16th Century
“How many there are in the world who run from others because they do not see themselves in them.” […]
Month: December 2022
Humor
Who Cares What the Crows Think?
“These crows are hardly four years old, while I have campaigned against the Saracens for more than twenty years and know the science and means of warfare better than them.” […]
Britons and Celts
Christmas in Camelot
“”Noel,” they cheered, then “Noel, Noel,” “New Years Gifts!” the knights cried next as they pressed forwards to offer their presents.” […]
Medieval Mentality
The Grump of Christmas Eve
“Glam replied, “you have all sorts of superstitions that I dismiss as worthless. People don’t strike me as being any better off now than they were in the days when they didn’t practice such things.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Bloody Battle in Ballad
“Such deeds were wrought, as truly ‘twere a crime,
Them to describe in our unlearned rhyme.
How arms met arms, and swords went clishy clash.
For rural lays to sing would be too rash.” […]
Britons and Celts
Scandalous Stallions
“When the stallions were to leap the mares, they were to be brought before such a part of the house, where she had a vidette (a hole to peep out at) to look on them.” […]
Humor
An Exchange of Insults Gets Surreal
“You probably do not remember clearly now when you were the witch on Varinsey and said that you wanted to marry a man and you chose me for the role of husband. And afterward you were a Valkyrie in Asgard and all were on the verge of fighting for your sake. I sired nine wolves on you at Laganess, and I was the father of them all.” […]
Britons and Celts
My Strength is Yours To Spy
“But when he learnt what was their errand, and that they wanted to estimate his strength, he had them taken through all the tents, and shewed the whole host to them. Then he used them exceeding well, gave them abundantly to eat and drink, and let them go without injury or molestation.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Dirty Rotten Prank
“He took a lozenge, put it in his mouth, and chewed it apace, by means whereof when the fume ascended he began to spattle and spit, saying by Gods bones it is a Cat’s turd.” […]
Humor
An Icelandic Anomaly
“People thought it so remarkable that Kjartan could live so long without meat that they traveled long distances just to look at him.” […]