THE SCENE: One of the main antagonists in the the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok is a magic cow who is unstoppable in combat.
THE TEXT: The king who ruled Sweden was named Eystein. He was married and had one daughter. Her name was Ingibjorg. She was the fairest and finest of all women. King Eystein was powerful and had many retainers; he was ill-tempered, and yet wise. He has his royal residence at Uppsala. He was a great sacrificer, and at Uppsala at that time, there were so many sacrifices that there have never been more in the Northlands. They had great faith in a certain cow, and they called her Sibilja. She received so many sacrifices that men could now withstand her bellowing. It was the king’s custom, when an invasion was expected, that this very same cow went in front of the ranks. So much devilry followed her, that her enemies lost their sense as soon as they heard her: the fought each other and took no heed for themselves. For that reason, Sweden was never subject to invasions, for men didn’t dare to test themselves against such overwhelming odds.
– The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok, 13th Century AD
