Weapons in Legal Rituals: Between Myth and Reality
A.I. Riisøy
This article seeks to explore the significance of weapons in legal rituals mentioned sources, such as sagas and laws. Similarities phrasing various types sources give reason believe that it is possible determine certain uses Viking Age rituals. Such rituals, which shared essential features with procedure, consisted sequences activities involving phrasing, objects, gestures mark a transition from one status another, they could also convey, act preservers of, meaning. Examples show oaths were sworn on weapons, conferred validity at assembly (vápnatak). Old Norse mythology explained legitimised key values society, through everyday people found template for how use Rituals are however dynamic, hence ritual objects may change over time. In laden meaning, was probably introduction Christianity led them being banned further ritual.
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