One of the most famous series of the last 10 years has awakened the passion of viewers for what is surely one of the most brutal cultures in history: the Viking. Popular for their raids, their thirst for conquest and their impressive physique, these warriors and warriors, starting with Ragnar Lothbrok, inspire more than ever those who enjoy a good historical and war series. Among its customs and rituals there is one that stands out for its crudeness and just reading its description already stirs us up inside. It is considered by many to be the worst Viking torture, and when you discover it, you will surely agree with us. Join us in Supercurioso to know what the Blood Eagle is about.
Viking torture, essence of this town
When we talk about the curiosities of the vikingsviolence appears as one of the most distinctive features. This was the name given to the members of the original Nordic peoples of Scandinavia, they were particularly famous for their numerous forays into other territories. They also gained fame for the atrocities they committed, which has given them the reputation of being one of the most bloodthirsty and barbaric civilizations of their time.
Among the distinctive features that characterized this town, there are many viking rituals truly shocking. In battle they were ruthless. Not only did they attract attention for the Blood Eagle ritual, but for many other voracious customs. For example, It is said that the Vikings used to drink from the skulls of their enemies defeated in battle.
But the violence of this people was not just a matter of war or the mere conquest of new territories, but was extrapolated to all areas of action in their lives. For example, when the chief of a Viking tribe died, he could not go alone to the next world. Then, one of his slaves volunteered to accompany him in death.
What happened then was truly tragic. She had to sleep with all the men of the tribe, one after another, to then be strangled and stabbed by the matriarch. The Blood Eagle is just another example of the bloodthirsty nature of this people.
The Blood Eagle, a hideous Viking torture
The Blood Eagle is the name given to a method of torture and execution carried out by the Viking people, which is believed to not only serve as revenge against their enemies, but also as human sacrifice to please the Viking gods. .
The method consisted of opening the victim with a very sharp weapon from the spine, cutting and opening the ribs in such a way that they looked like eagle wings. Then, through the ribs, they took out the lungs that swelled with the breath of the tortured man who, incredible as it may seem, was alive at this point. As if that were not enough, the wound was covered with salt and then the victim was hung on a tree until he died.
The Saxon King, Halfdan Haleg son of Harald I of Norway, Ælla of Northumbria and Edmund the Martyr King of East Anglia, Máel Gualae King of Munster and Archbishop Ælfheah of Canterbury are thought to be just a few of the more well-known victims who lost their lives. lives under the Blood Eagle method.
If you have not yet seen the Vikings series, we tell you that the viewer can attend this horrendous execution. We warn you that the images are of considerable crudeness. It has also been claimed that This ritual specifically aimed to offer the god Odin as a human sacrifice to the enemies of the Vikings.
The Blood Eagle: fact or fiction?
The torture of the Blood Eagle has been involved in a great controversy among expert historians in the Viking peoplesince, on the one hand, there are those who affirm that there is sufficient evidence to show that this method was carried out and, on the other, there are those who say that it is simply a misinterpretation of history.
Those who defend the veracity of this Viking torture, are based on writings and testimonies of the Orkneyinga Saga, as well as in one of the verse stanzas Norna-Gests þáttr and in some Anglo-Saxon chronicles.
Although, without a doubt, the most relevant evidence is the existence of some runic stones from Gotland, Sweden, which are called «Stones of Stora Hammars» in which various engraved illustrations appear in which the entire process of torture of the Blood Eagle can be observed. The image above is an example of it.
Secondly, various historians have claimed that these are actually legends and translation errors or exaggerations, stories created to portray the Vikings as pagan murderers on the part of Christians and that have transcended as something real when, simply, they are heroic Icelandic sagas and distorted translations.
In fact, the author Ronald Huttons, an expert on the religions and rites of the ancient British Isles, which also received Viking influence, assures that the rite is not real. According to Huttons, it is a later myth arising from the misinterpretation of ancient texts.
We knew that the Vikings were a civilization famous for their conquests, misdeeds and brutal acts. Nevertheless, the blood eagle’s viking torture surpasses any known barbaric deedIf true, it would be one of the bloodiest execution tactics in history.
And you, Have you heard about the Blood Eagle? Do you think this Viking torture could have been real? Or is it a fantasy to get attention? Dare to leave us all your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you! And if you are interested in knowing a little more about this exotic culture, which generates so much controversy, do not miss this selection of the best viking proverbs. We are in a next topic super curious!
Other methods and instruments of torture that you should know
Before you leave, we invite you to read this brief selection of other articles on instruments of torture. All are truly lurid and interesting, demonstrating the extent of human evil.