History
Charlemagne the Father
“He was so concerned for the education of his sons and daughters that he never dined without them when at home, and he never journeyed without them.” […]
Issues
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.” […]
Britons and Celts
Buddy, They Won’t Even Let Me Blow on the Fire
“As soon as he was brought there, his mouth was so parched that he drank so much that, while still in their hands, he burst in the middle and died.” […]
Supernatural
Fear the Ghost Seal
“The same night that Thorodd had left, when the people at Froday came up to the fireside in the evening, they saw a seal’s head coming coming out of the fireplace.” […]
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.” […]
Britons and Celts
An Assassin in the Family
“As she passed in front of Brian, he immediately recognized her. He called to her in a low voice, bursting into tears as he did so.” […]
Greek and Roman
Roman Discipline Wins the Day
“With their left arms thus encumbered it was impossible for them to fight properly, and many, after repeated attempts to jerk their arms free, preferred to drop the shields and fight unprotected.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Island of the Living
“When there is no hope left; when as the strength decreases they are eventually so distressed that they prefer to die in death than drag out a life of death, they get themselves finally transported in a boat to the larger island.” […]
Human Affairs
Treacherous Love in the Medieval World
“Am I to have a husband? How can I accept him? I am no longer a virgin; I shall be a servant all my days. I never realized that things would turn out this way.” […]
Viking
A Realistic Viking Brawl
“Thorir had a bear-hunting knife in his hand and rushed at Ospak, lunging at him, but Ospak averted the blow. Since Thorir had thrown himself into a lunge which did not find its mark, he fell forward on to his knees with his head bent over. Ospak then struck down on Thorir’s back with his axe and there was a loud crack.” […]