[Warning: this is gross]. The Thirty Years War was an exceptionally violent and chaotic event in European history. As the territory of the area that would one day become Germany descended into a bloody internecine war, foreign troops and mercenaries arrived to make their fortunes amidst the carnage. As the armies fought each other, the civilians suffered from cycles of looting and violence. In order to coarse German townsfolk into giving up their valuables, a new torture technique was invented called the “schwedentrunk” (Swedish Drink). Victims were held down and a funnel was stuck in their mouths. The torturous would then pour a disgusting liquid down the victims throat — most often the “drink” was some combination of urine and manure. The torture technique was favored because it was effective at coercion without necessitating the death of the victim.
– A few thoughts from your friend Saxo