Britons and Celts
The Horn of Forgetting
“In addition he went into a coma and immediately lost his memory altogether. He could scarcely remember that he had a name.” […]
Britons and Celts
Britons and Celts
The Hairy Men of Ireland
“It had the human shape, however, in every detail, both as to hands and face and feet; but the entire body was covered with hair as the beasts are, and down the back it had a long coarse mane like that of a horse.” […]
Britons and Celts
An Ancient Toast Explained
“Vortigern immediately said the words “drinc hail” and ordered Renwein to drink. Then he took the goblet from her hand, kissed her and drank in his turn.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Critique of Style
“Overcoats have sleeves reaching down to the hells
Which you could easily wind three times round your arms.
You could wipe you bottom with them instead of rags
In the toilet without doubt.” […]
Britons and Celts
Apathy for the Damned
“The venerable father and his companions saw how the unhappy man was carried off by a multitude of demons to be tormented and was set on fire among them. He said: ‘Alas for you, my son, that you have received such fate as you have deserved while living.'” […]
Britons and Celts
Killing on the Battlements
“The Chancellor was in his gown, and besides ancient, and not able to struggle with such a strong fellow. My lord had a little dog with him; said he, “Let us first throw the dog down, and see what sport that will be.” […]
Britons and Celts
The World’s Gone Upside Down
“The site, too, was overturned, so that those parts of the earth which had formerly pointed downwards were now turned upward; and all the houses and halls were turned town into the earth and thus it has been ever since.” […]
Britons and Celts
Vortigern’s Weakness
“Satan entered his heart, so that the fell in love with Renwein and asked her father to give her to him. I say that Satan entered his heart because, despite the fact that he was a Christian, he was determined to make love with this pagan woman.” […]
Britons and Celts
Assassination by an Obvious Trap
“And running up she whispered in the king’s ear: ‘I shall reveal to you, my lord, the accomplices of my accursed son who are traitors to you and the manner of their treachery, if you come with me.'” […]
Britons and Celts
Fear the Island of the Smiths
“Even before he had finished speaking, the same savage came to the shore near where they were, carrying a tongs in his hands that held a lump of burning slag of immense size and heat. He immediately threw the lump on top of the servants of Christ, but it did no hurt to them.” […]