Britons and Celts
The Regicide Monster
“When he had used all his weapons against her without effect, she rushed at him with her jaws wide open and swallowed him up as though he had been a tiny fish.” […]
Governance
History
A Perilous Kingship
“When they want to appoint this khaqan, they take this man and strangle him with a piece of silk until he is on the point of death. Then they ask him, “How long to you wish to reign?” He replies, “Such and such a number of years.” If he dies before the time expires, fine; if not, he is executed when he reaches the designated year.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Song of the Manuel the Armenian
“Manuel set off, but the emperor was too afraid and did not flow, so he was obliged to turn back again. When the emperor missed his chance again, he came back a third time and threatened him with death if he did not follow. It was thus that, very late in the day and with great difficulty, the emperor was saved.” […]
History
The Age of Eleanor
“When the king had returned home, together with his wife, branded with the ignominy of not having accomplished his design, their former affection began, by degrees, to grow cold; and causes of dissension arose between them. The queen was highly offended at the behavior of the king, and asserted that she had married a monk, and not a monarch.” […]
History
Ritualized Affection
“Still on his knees, the Cid kissed the King’s hands, and then, rising to his feet, he kissed him on the mouth. The whole assembly rejoiced at this.” […]
History
Warring Feasts at Yule
“I shall reward you with some joyful news: your father is dead now, and you must return home.” […]
History
One Dog to Rule Them All
“hat else are we to imagine his aim was other than to make the populace, bursting with pride, clearly understand that he was punishing their haughtiness, when they had to bow their heads in deference to a yapping animal?” […]
Eastern Europe
A Chronicle of Revenge
“Olga bent over and inquired whether they found the honor to their taste. They answered that it was worse than the death of [her husband] Igor.” She then commanded that they should be buried alive, and they were thus buried.” […]
Eastern Europe
Out of the Fists of Babes…
“But the spear barely cleared the horse’s ears, and struck against his leg, for the prince was but a child.” […]
Eastern Europe
Saint Olga Outwits Her Suitor
“Then the Emperor said, “Olga, you have outwitted me.” He gave her many gifts of gold, silver, silks, and various vases, and dismissed her, still calling her his daughter.” […]