Human Affairs

Wisdom of a Valkyrie

“If you hear foolish words from drunken men, do not dispute with those who are drunk on wine and have lost their wits. To many men such things bring much grief or even death.” […]

Human Affairs

Dangers of Courtship

“t would be less dangerous for a man to court every lady in an entire land than for a lady to remove a single besotted lover from her skirts, for he will immediately attempt to strike back.” […]

Human Affairs

Noble Thieves; Just Deserts

“When Hading came home from his Swedish campaigns he found that the treasury in which he usually stowed the proceeds of his warfare and plundering had been broken into and riffled. He immediately hanged his guard, Glumer, and devised a cunning scheme. ” […]

Human Affairs

What To Do After a Wet Dream

“One day, when I was the guest of the sister of this amir, she said to her brother: “Lying with my husband, he ejaculated in his sleep. Ask this man if I ought to perform the ritual ablutions.”” […]

Human Affairs

Sigurd the Eloquent

“He could speak at length, and with such eloquence, that when he took it upon himself to press a matter, everybody agreed even before he was finished speaking that no course other than the one he advocated was possible.” […]

Britons and Celts

Gawain the Virgin

“Good morning, Sir Gawain,” said the graceful lady, “You sleep so soundly one might sidle in here. You’re tricked and you’re trapped! But let’s make a truce, or I’ll besiege you in your bed, and you’d better believe me.” […]

Human Affairs

Shipwreck Shenanigans

“Throughout the day they saw an enourmous seal swimming in the current; it circled the boat all day. It had huge flippers, and everyone thought its eyes were those of a human. Thorstein told his men to harpoon the seal, but all their attempts failed.” […]

Greek and Roman

A Ban on Good Hair

“So he published an edict that everywhere men should cut their hair close to the skin and that no Roman should be permitted to wear his hair below the neck.” […]

Human Affairs

An Everyday Killing

“Gudrun was wearing a tunic with a tight-fitting woven bodice, and a tall head-dress, and round her waist she had tied a fringed sash with dark blue stripes. Helgi Harbeinsson went up to her and took one end of the sash and wiped the blood off the spear with which he had run Bolli through.” […]