Human Affairs
The Cuckold’s Ultimatum
“Now do one of two things: you kill him, or I’ll take him for my own husband and we’ll drive you away. He spoke seductively to me.” […]
Murder
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.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Royal Poisoner
“The King immediately obeyed the advice of the man who had betrayed him, and dropped off to sleep, imagining that he was about to recover his health. The poison ran quickly through his veins and the pores of his body; and thus death, which has the trick of sparing no man, came to him while he slept.” […]
Eastern Europe
The Life of a Giant
“In that city the qadi Ya’qub ibn Nu’man informed me that this woman, so exceedingly tall, had killed her husband, who was named Adam and was one of the strongest men in the country. Clasping him to her bosom, she broke his ribs, killing him instantly.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Death of Remus
A second time Remus cast insults at the labourers, and said they were making the ditch too narrow. “Why, enemies will get over it with no trouble; see, I can do it myself, easily.” And with these words he leaped over it. A certain Celer, one of the labourers, answered him, “I will exact vengeance of the man who jumps over the ditch, even as the king commanded.” […]
Greek and Roman
There’s no Escaping Fate
“Cambyses bitterly lamented the cruelty of his lot, and when the Persians saw the king in tears, they tore their clothes, and showed their sympathy by a great deal of crying and groaning.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Trouble With Cannibals
“It is said to be their custom that when anyone of their fellows, whether man or woman, is sick, a man’s closest friends kill him, saying that if wasted by disease he will be lost to them as meat.” […]
Britons and Celts
Eyewitness to a Famous Assassination
“With this blow he shattered the sword on crown, which was large, separated from his head so that the blood turned white from the brain yet no less did the brain turn red from the blood.” […]
History
A Nefarious Betrayal
“The king had marked Hiarvarth’s arrival with the luxury of a sumptuous feast at which he caroused freely, while his guests, contrary to their habit, avoided excessive drinking.” […]