Viking
Laughing in the Face of Death
” I never saw, by heaven, a braver man; he collapsed half-conscious and leaning on his elbow welcomed his fate with a smile, laughed death to scorn, as he passed on to the other world exultant.” […]
Mild
Supernatural
Tremble Before the Mighty Cow
“When you see the cow come at us, cast me at her, and it shall go one way or the other—that I shall lose my life, or she shall have her bane.” […]
Supernatural
The Princess and the Troll
The maiden went, although she wasn’t willing. When she came so close that she could see the troll clearly, she said, “Will you take food, you big troll?” He turned towards her and glowered at her. She ran away and told the princess that she had now seen clearly that it was a male troll. […]
Humor
The Power of a Fart
“The imp came to the gates of Hell
Toting both bag and fart as well,
And tossing the bag down when he entered,
And thereupon the fart was vented.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Law of Return
“If any Russ be taken prisoner by the Greeks, he shall likewise be sent back to his native land, and his purchase price shall be repaid, as has been stipulated, according to his value.” […]
Viking
An Infamous Betrayal
“They directly opened up the cache of arms from which each quietly fitted himself with fighting-gear. Then they made for the palace, broke into the inner chambers and drew their swords on the sleepers.” […]
Greek and Roman
Dangerous Dolls
“Once when Theophilos was infuriated with his wife, and asked the court fool whether “mama” was still kissing her pretty dolls, setting his hand to his lips, the fellow replied: “Hush emperor, hush! Not a word about the dolls!”” […]
Supernatural
To Kill a Zombie
“His wickedness even appeared after his decease; anyone nearing his tomb was quickly exterminated, and his corpse emitted such foul plagues that he almost seemed to leave more loathsome reminder of himself dead than when alive.” […]
Viking
Boy Vs. Bear
“They had not been there for long when they heard a loud crack from the woods, and suddenly they say an incredibly huge and savage-looking bear. It was a great bear, wolf-grey in color.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Grasping Goes Too Far
“When the accused saw her, he was thunderstruck and stood there, speechless, for some time. Then he just managed to regain enough of his composure to embrace the emperor’s feet in tears and become a humble petitioner.” […]