Eastern Europe

Warming Up with Some Bull-Killing

“The bull ran past the youth, and he seized the beast’s flank with his hand. He thus pulled off the skin along with as much flesh as he could grasp. Then Vladimir remarked, “You are well qualified to do combat with the champion.”” […]

Violence

Sworn through Sword

“Both lances were broken. They both leapt off their horses and drew their swords. They came together and fought so bravely that neither wanted to flee from the other, not even as far as a foot is wide.” […]

Human Affairs

Lovestruck on the Battlefield

“Sohrab bore down on her again and snatched her helmet from her head; her hair streamed out, and her face shone like a splendid sun. He saw that his opponent was a woman, one whose hair was worthy of a diadem.” […]

Britons and Celts

Bloodthirsty Gawain

“Gawain swung round and, with the sword which he brandished, clove him through the helm and head to his chest, bidding him, when he got to hell, to tell Quintillianus that this was why the Britons were so good at boasting and making threats.” […]

Orient

One-on-one Demon Combat

“He sprang forward like a maddened elephant and slashed with his sharp sword at the demon’s trunk. The force of his blow severed a leg at the thigh, but the wounded demon attacked him, and the two locked together like an elephant and a lion.” […]