Humor
Family Over Everything
“I have already invited him to stay overnight,” said Vigdis, “and I have no intention of going back on my word, even though he isn’t everybody’s friend.” […]
Honor
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.” […]
Supernatural
God Put to the Test
“The next morning he ordered a bar of iron of great weight to be heated with fire, and then bade the cleric, in defense of the Catholic faith, to carry the glowing iron.” […]
History
The Revenge of a Doomed Man
“Rightly am I made odious to all men”, replied Iring, “because I have obeyed your treachery, but before I take my departure I will wipe out this guilt of mind by avenging my lord”. […]
Human Affairs
The Martial Glory of the Snowball Fight
“Absconders, however, and any timid creatures who quit the field, have snow put down their backs between their skin and clothing when they have been caught and, after being chastened with insults and abuse, are set free.” […]
History
Saxon Slaughter
“That night was filled with cries, with murder and rapine, until the red dawn arose and declared a bloodless victory.” […]
History
A King Who Acts Like a Foreigner
“Thus rigidly do the Scythians maintain their own customs, and thus severely do they punish such as adopt foreign usages.” […]
Viking
A Certain Kind of Dignity
““Much turns out otherwise than one expects. I had thought to sleep with Thora Skagadottir, the earl’s wife” – and he shook his member and then pulled up his trousers.” […]
Greek and Roman
To Shame a Pope
“But a Christian took away as prey that which no Christian had ever been heard to take.” […]
History
The Founding of the Templars
“By persuasion, prayer and every means in his power, he induced all such pilgrims as were men of arms either to surrender themselves for life to the service of the Lord in that place, or at least to devote themselves for a time.” […]