Passages that give a glimpse of every day life during another era.
Eastern Europe
How Foreigners Get Clean
“The steam released warms the room and the inhabitants take off their clothes and live in this shelter till spring.” […]
Human Affairs
Human Affairs
How to Talk to a King
“And if the king should happen to speak a few words to you which you did not catch, and you have to ask what he said, do not say “Eh?” or “What?” or make a fuss about it, but use only the word “Sire.” […]
Human Affairs
A Childhood on the Run
“He had a harp made that was so large that he put the girl Aslaug inside it, along with many precious objects of gold and silver. ” […]
Britons and Celts
Romance of a Scottish Legend
“The lovers met, and now a modest kiss
Lifts up the hero’s soul to laughing bliss.
Love feels the alarm, starts up in fond surprise,
And through his veins anew impetuous flies,
Inflames his soul, and sparkles through his eyes.” […]
Human Affairs
Wholesome Pursuits for a Young Viking
“Another pleasant and useful diversion is to practice throwing with a sling both for distance and for accuracy, and with a staff sling as well as with a hand sling, and to practice throwing stone missiles.” […]
Human Affairs
A Medieval Heartbreaker
“They all had such great merit that she was unable to choose the best, yet she did not wish to lose all three in order to retain just one.” […]
Human Affairs
A Hostile Chat Amongst Hostile Folks
“Snaeulfur grabbed a spear and threw it at him. Hafgrimur raised his shield in defense and the spear pierced it deeply, but he was not wounded. The two men parted company as matters stood, and Hafgrimmur sailed home to South Island, very dissatisfied with the meeting.” […]
Greek and Roman
Dangerous Dolls
“Once when Theophilos was infuriated with his wife, and asked the court fool whether “mama” was still kissing her pretty dolls, setting his hand to his lips, the fellow replied: “Hush emperor, hush! Not a word about the dolls!”” […]
Human Affairs
The Importance of Fashion Sense
“Thord smiled and said, “I have a good solution for this. Make him a shirt with such a wide neck-opening that by wearing it he gives you grounds for divorcing him.”” […]
Human Affairs
Saintly Dog or Demon Dog?
“The local peasants hearing of the dog’s noble deed and innocent death, began to visit the place and honor the dog as a martyr in quest of help for their sicknesses and other needs. They were seduced and often cheated by the Devil so that he might in this way lead men into error.” […]