Greek and Roman
Violence Over Love
“The famous spearman struck behind his skull, just at the neck-cord, the razor spear slicing straight up through the jaws, cutting away the tongue. He sank in the dust, teeth clenching the cold bronze.” […]
Issues
Uncategorized
Rest Not in Peace
“As the summer passed, they became aware that Thorolf was not resting in peace. People could never go outside in peace once the sun had set. As well as that, the oxen that had hauled Thorolf to his grave had been ridden by trolls, and all livestock which came anywhere near Thorolf’s cairn ran wild and bellowed themselves to death.” […]
Britons and Celts
Hygene of a Briton
“Of all the people I have seen the Welsh are the most particular in shaving the lower parts of the body.” […]
Humor
The Cow’s Avenger
“‘What will make him hate me?’ The sage replied, ‘If you are wise, you will know that a man does not do evil for no reason.'” […]
Greek and Roman
A Burning Love
“He led the way to bed. His wife went with him. And now, while the two made love in the large carved bed, Menelaus stalked like a wild beast, up and down the lines.” […]
Human Affairs
The Mad Bull and the Brave Man
“Then he leapt up on to the bull’s neck and clasped his arms below his throat, lying there on the bull’s head between his horns, in the hope of tiring him out. But the bull raced back and forward across the field with him on top.” […]
Britons and Celts
Some Medieval Welsh Jokes
“I have only one thing to hold against her,” he said. “She puts too little butter in her salt.” […]
Orient
Bringing the Demons to Heel
“, “Don’t kill us, we can teach you something new and highly profitable.” The king granted them their lives on condition that they reveal their secrets to him, and when he had freed them from their chains they had no choice but to obey him.” […]
Viking
Revenge of the Fisherman
“Hall demanded that he should both divide and take the first choice, for he thought himself the better man. Thorolf refused to surrender his rights and became very abusive. Words were exchanged, and neither would give way; then Hall snatched up a gaff lying nearby and tried to drive it into Thorolf’s head, but people intervened and restrained him.” […]
History
Fearful Stupidity
“They sail in ships, and whenever two of their boats meet, the sailors lash the two together, and then they draw their swords and fight. This is their form of greeting.” […]