Britons and Celts

The Death of the King of Cats

“a Cat (as he thought) leaped out of a bush before him and called him twice or thrice by his name, but because he made no answer, nor spake (for he was so afraid that he could not) she spake to him plainly twice or thrice these words following.” […]

Medieval Mentality

The Mysterious Ways of the World

“When by night a great streak of fire is seen to shoot downward, these are not falling stars, although we do call them that, but only slaggy pieces from the stars. They are big things, to be sure, and, as is true of the stars themselves, some are much bigger than others. But it is my opinion that no star itself falleth except as a scourge of God.” […]

Supernatural

Reign of the Old Gods

“The Goths always sought to appease Odin with the harshest rites, that is to say with the death of their prisoners, supposing that the presider over wars was more fitly appeased with human blood.” […]

Supernatural

The Mundanity of Magic

“As for the power witches have to darken the moon’s beams, raise tempests, uproot trees and plants, and enfeeble cattle and horses, I let these matters alone, well known as they are to everyone who closely investigates these pointless activities.” […]

Human Affairs

A Dead Man With a Message

“he way in which the emissary was dispatched was as follow: certain of them held a number of sharp spears pointing upwards, and others, seizing the hands and feet of the man who was fated to be sent, threw him on top of them.” […]

Human Affairs

A Premium Sacrifice

“Sometimes it occurred that even kings were chosen by lot in similar fashion to be sacrificed, and since this was considered to be an offering most favourable for the kingdom.” […]

Britons and Celts

Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Coven

“Jean Martein is MAIDEN to the Coven that I am of; and her nickname is “Over the Dyke With It,” Because the DIVILL always takes the Maiden in his hand next to him, when we dance Gillatrypes, he and she will say, “Over the dyke with it!” […]