Medieval Mentality
The Priest of Battle
“When they saw an unarmed priest bravely tearing down the enclosures, they surged forward with their weapons and began striking the palisade with their axes and whatever iron tools they had.” […]
Repost
Greek and Roman
Cleopatra and the Pearls
“Anthony waited breathlessly to see what on earth she was going to do. Cleopatra took off one ear-ring, dropped the pearl in the vinegar and, when it had dissolved, swallowed it.” […]
Britons and Celts
Coastal Scots, Wild Highlanders
“The highlanders and people of the islands, on the other hand, are a savage an untamed nation, rude and independent, ease-loving, of a docile and warm disposition, comely in person, but unsightly in dress, and hostile to the English people and language.” […]
Human Affairs
Brothers Sworn in Blood
“Then they drew blood and let it drip down on to the soil beneath the turf strip and stirred it together – the soil and the blood.” […]
Greek and Roman
Caesar’s Surprise Victory
“The Roman soldiers could tell that they were afraid by their cries and hurried movements, and, spurred on by the recollection of the previous day’s treachery, burst into the camp. Those of the Germans who were quick enough in seizing their weapons resisted for a time, fighting under cover of their wagons and baggage.” […]
Humor
Any Price to Keep the Feast Going
“He went into the village and pawned Heym’s horse, armor, and sword, Nagelring, for 10 marks of gold. He drank and was drunk all the time it went on. Then he pawned Wideke’s horse, Skimling, his armour, and his sword, Mymming, for 20 marks of gold. He made his feast bigger.” […]
Violence
The Shadow of the Elephant
“Then the animal struck him to the ground with its foreleg. When Fasholt saw Didrik in such trouble, he leapt off his horse at once and ran to help Didrik. He couldn’t find a place where he thought he could injure the animal.” […]
Supernatural
What Shall We Do About All this Magic?
” There was a time when the Finns, among other pagan delusions, would offer wind for sale to traders who were detained on their coasts by offshore gales, and when payment had been brought would given them in return three magic knots tied in a strap not likely to break.” […]
Britons and Celts
The Beaver Self-Castrates
“The creature castrates itself before the hunter’s eyes and throws its testicles down.” […]
Eastern Europe
Skiers of Bulgaria
“In this way, he moves over the snow at speed and if it were not for their ingenious contrivance, it would be absolutely impossible to walk, for the snow lies on the earth like sand and never hardens.” […]