Does this mean that the cruel torture ritual described in the Viking saga was actually performed…?

For decades, historians have debated whether a notoriously violent torture ritual actually took place. Or is the blood eagle, a sickening method of execution used by the Vikings, an embellished tale passed down through the centuries via inscriptions? To find the answer to that question, researchers decided to start at the beginning. Because is the execution method at all anatomically possible?

the blood eagle

The blood eagle, according to some, gives a good picture of the brutality and ruthlessness of Vikings. The torture ritual is described in Viking legends, in which prominent prisoners were sacrificed to the gods in a special way. Victims were kept alive while pinned to their stomachs. The back was then cut open, pulling back some ribs and the lungs. In this way it seemed as if the victim, meanwhile painfully choking to death, had acquired wings like an eagle, with which his spirit could fly to Odin. However, scholars have questioned the authenticity of this savage and barbaric tale and whether ill-fated victims were actually murdered in this brutal manner.

Study

In a new study researchers decided to find out whether it is even possible to perform the ritual as described. Because that also clarifies more about the probability that this method of execution took place. The research team ran several simulations using state-of-the-art software and reassessed the blood eagle stories and historical accounts.

It’s possible

The researchers come to a rather gruesome conclusion. Because the analysis shows that the blood eagle, as described in the early medieval stories, is anatomically possible. However, it would have resulted in the victim’s death quite early in the process. But there’s no question that the terrible ritual could have actually happened.

Society

The findings not only provide more insight into the anatomical feasibility of the blood eagle, they also make an important contribution to the study of early medieval society. “The multidisciplinary ethos of the work allowed us to look at the blood eagle not only from the ‘how?’ perspective, but also from the socio-cultural perspective ‘why?’” said researcher Monte Gates. The researchers argue that such a ritual could have played an important role in Viking culture, in part to secure the commander’s social status.

All in all, the researchers confirm the feasibility of the blood eagle. Anatomically it is possible. Although it remains to be seen whether the Vikings were really so brutal that they killed people in this horrific way.