5:38 Throwing a spear over an enemy army might indicate that the thrower is dedicating them all to Odin as blood sacrifices, i.e. any captives will not be ransomed or be used as slaves, but will instead be ritually killed in a blot. This is a genuine sacrifice on behalf of the thrower, since upon a victory, some of the prisoners would potentially be from wealthy or influential families, and so he foregoes the opportunity to earn big ransoms or to hold them captive as long-term hostages. Tactically, if the enemy army understands the concept, it also means they might as well fight to the death, so it’s tactically expensive too.
Thanks, Liam, for the very kind words!
Wodinaz Weraz. Cheers from Mercia
Great recommendation!
Thanks!
5:38 Throwing a spear over an enemy army might indicate that the thrower is dedicating them all to Odin as blood sacrifices, i.e. any captives will not be ransomed or be used as slaves, but will instead be ritually killed in a blot.
This is a genuine sacrifice on behalf of the thrower, since upon a victory, some of the prisoners would potentially be from wealthy or influential families, and so he foregoes the opportunity to earn big ransoms or to hold them captive as long-term hostages. Tactically, if the enemy army understands the concept, it also means they might as well fight to the death, so it’s tactically expensive too.
In Spainish, “JOden” originally meant a frenzy frustration power.
Fun fact: In “The Hobbit”, the Odin-inspired character Gandalf visits Bilbo on a Wednesday. Coincidence?