Human Affairs
Brothers Sworn in Blood
“Then they drew blood and let it drip down on to the soil beneath the turf strip and stirred it together – the soil and the blood.” […]
Month: April 2023
Greek and Roman
Caesar’s Surprise Victory
“The Roman soldiers could tell that they were afraid by their cries and hurried movements, and, spurred on by the recollection of the previous day’s treachery, burst into the camp. Those of the Germans who were quick enough in seizing their weapons resisted for a time, fighting under cover of their wagons and baggage.” […]
Humor
Any Price to Keep the Feast Going
“He went into the village and pawned Heym’s horse, armor, and sword, Nagelring, for 10 marks of gold. He drank and was drunk all the time it went on. Then he pawned Wideke’s horse, Skimling, his armour, and his sword, Mymming, for 20 marks of gold. He made his feast bigger.” […]
Supernatural
What Shall We Do About All this Magic?
” There was a time when the Finns, among other pagan delusions, would offer wind for sale to traders who were detained on their coasts by offshore gales, and when payment had been brought would given them in return three magic knots tied in a strap not likely to break.” […]
Violence
The Shadow of the Elephant
“Then the animal struck him to the ground with its foreleg. When Fasholt saw Didrik in such trouble, he leapt off his horse at once and ran to help Didrik. He couldn’t find a place where he thought he could injure the animal.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Beaver Self-Castrates
“The creature castrates itself before the hunter’s eyes and throws its testicles down.” […]
Medieval Mentality
Odin’s Wives
“Earth is his daughter and his wife, and with her he had his first-born son, Asa-Thor, who is endowed with strength and valour, and therefore quelleth he everything that hath life.” […]
Humor
Making an Ass of Himself
“I am your ass, my master; but my tale is a strange one. In my youth I was a bad lad, given to all sorts of disgraceful vice.” […]