A compendious history of the Goths, Svvedes, & Vandals, and other northern nations written by Olaus Magnus.

OLAUS MAGNUS THE GOTH, Arch-Bishop of VPSAL: CONCERNING The Superstitious Worship of Devils, used by the People of the North. (Book 3)

An Epitome of the Third Book. (Book 3)

CHAP. I. Of the Superstitious Worship of the Pagans of Lituania.

ALbertus Crantzius, as saith German Historians, who was famous, Anno 1500. & after him Mechavita, a Poland, do affirm, the Lituanians, in the time of Paganism, whilest they were detained by the Errours of Gentilism, to have adored three Gods especially; namely, The Fire, Woods, and Serpents: Fire, because it is better then all Sacrifice; either sedu∣ced by the Custome of the Persians, who thought the Fire to be a God; as Hero∣dotus saith, or led by the Opinion of the Egyptians, who were perswaded, that the Fire was a living Wild-Beast, and devoured all things that were made, and so soon as it was full with devouring, it died with that it had devoured. They held the Woods to be sacred; and after the manner of the Egyptians, they thought that all the Beasts that lived in them were Gods, as the Poet saith;

The Gods also dwelt within the Woods.

And many Nations also led by this confidence, burnt their Kings and Princes, when they were dead, that they might be made Gods, or go to the Gods; or else they hanged them up solemnly in Groves and Woods by a chain of Gold, as if by such sacrifices they should deserve praise for their wickednesse, and by counterfeiting a false God. Moreover they adored Serpents as sacred, whilst they seemed to hurt no man, holding them to be the keepers of their houses, and household gods, yet this superstitious worship, though it seem wholly to be taken away, the reliques of it, by the instinct of the Devills, con∣tinue in some secret houses in desarts, as also in the Northern Kingdoms of Norway and Vermelandia. But in the yeare 1386, the foresaid Lituanians, as we read, were purged from that errour. For then their most potent Prince Iagello with his eight Brothers, (as Mechovita testifies) accepted the faith of Christ: in which even to this day they persevere and increase in Religion. Besides, the foresaid Historian mentions that there is a Statue placed on the high way, on the confines of Lituania and Muscovia, that in their language is called Zlataboba, that is the golden old Wife, which all passengers pacifie with some guift, though not Worth a straw, or else their journey will not prosper.

CHAP. II. Of the Superstitious worship of men under the Pole.

NOr is the utmost part of the North (which many think to be Inhabitable by reason of extream cold) free from Sacrilegious customes, and worship∣ping of Devills, that must be performed at their times appointed. For those savage Nations (as other Nations of the world that seem to be more civill) have no small causes, whereby they may debate and defend their publick errour, and fained Divinity in frivolous matters. Therefore they adore the Sun that shines to them all the Summer, giving thanks unto him, because he brings them light instead of darknesse they endured, and heat against extream cold: which things however they seem to be intolerable, yet they never upbrading∣ly curse, as some Indians do, but they onely say: These are foolish and sottish colds, and darknesse beyond measure, &c: and so likewise they adore the Moon because in Winter, when the Sun is absent, they alwaies enjoy the light of the Moon: but when that fails by reason of the conjunction, they dispatch their businesse in the day, by help of most clear Starrs, which shine the brighter by reason of the white Snow. Moreover those people that live under the Pole are deluded by a more stupid errour by the Devills. For they hang a red Cloth up∣on a Pole or Speare, and with attentive prayers and customs of worship, they adore it, thinking that there is some divine vertue in it, by reason of the red colour which is like to beasts blood. And also because they suppose that by looking upon it, they shall be more fortunate in killing of beasts, drinking their blood, as I shall shew underneath, concerning the manners of the Laplan∣ders. Also some people of the North have a custome, that whatsoever they see first at break of day, in the Ayre, Earth, or Waters that is alive, the same thing they faithfully adore for a God, untill the evening of the same day, as Birds Beasts, Fish, and even Serpents, and Worms, and chiefly the horned Beetle: which they honour amongst the more noble creeping things, by reason of its hornes that young men use to adorne their heads with. And least the said Northern people should appear empty in the sight of their Gods, they make certaine oblations to them of the Bones of Wild Beasts, and of great Whales and Fish, that they have hunted for: yet in Summer-time they burn not the bones (least they should seem to mock at the Suns light or heat) but when the

cold Winter ariseth, they burn them at publick meetings for the honour of the day, thinking that by that sacrifice they offer due reverence to their Gods, so great is the Religion of the Gentiles in frivolous matters.

CHAP. III. Of the three greater Gods of the Goths.

THere are amongst the old heathenish Goths, (as my famous Brother and pre∣decesour John Magnus, Arch Bishop of Ʋpsall, clearly asserts in the begin∣ning of his Histories) three Gods that they worshipped above the rest. The first whereof was the most mighty Thor; who was worshipped in the middle of their dining rooms, with a cushion put under him; on both sides of him, were two other dieties, namely Odhen, and Frigga. Thor, say they, was chiefe in the Ayre, where he Thunders and Lightens, governing the Winds and Clowds, and fare weather, giving Corn and all fruit, and removing Pestilences. The other Odhen, that is the stronger, is president of the Warrs, affording men help against their Enemies, and his place is next to Thor himself on his right hand: and he so famous in mens opinions, that all Nations should worship him as much as they do the light, that is given to the world, nor should there be any place in the world, (as Saxo testifies) which should not obey the power of this God. The third was Friga, which governed peace, and pleasure: and she carried before her the image of it, which was the foulnesse of the Sex, and for that she was as much adored by the Goths, as Venus was by the Romans: and Friday is consecrated to her, and so continues even to our times, She was painted with a sword and bow, with weapons, because in those lands, both sexes were most ready at their arms. But Thor was set forth with a Crown and Scepter, and 12 Starrs: and they thought that nothing could be offerd to him that could equall his greatnesse. And he had appointed for him one day every week, and the first Month in the yeare, which we call Jannuary. But Odhen is set forth Armed, like to Man, by the same superstition the Gentiles used amost the Romans: and he had a day perpetually consecrated to his name. And because he whilst he lived obtain'd the Title of a God in all Europe, for that he yeelded to none in military art, hence it is supposed that the Goths, (as Dio the Greek, Ablabius and Iornardes testifie) said that Mars (whom Antiquity thought to be the God of Warr) was born amongst them, as also saith the Poet.

And Mars amongst the Goths, who is the chiefe in Warr.

The Goths alwaies highly honoured him to pacifie him, namely with the death of their Captives, for they supposed that the Ruler of Warrs would be pleased most with mans blood. From whom also they perfectly learned all Martiall arts, so that they conquerd the most mighty Empires of Europe and Asia, and arrived to the highest degree of valour.

CHAP. IV. Of the three lesser Gods.

BEsides these three Gods above said, they worshiped many more, who (as Saxo reports) being wonderfull cunning in witch-craft, deluded the Minds of simple men, and arrogated to themselves the names of Gods. For they not only tainted the Goths, with the principall contagion of their delusions, but al∣so

all the Northern Provinces circumvented with the snares of vain credulity, they stirred up to a desire of worshipping them. For the effect of their fallacies grew so famous, that in them other men adoring some power of the Gods, and sup∣posing them to be Gods, or the Gods companions, they paid their solemn vows to these Authours of witchcrafts, and they gave the adoration due to Gods worship, to Sacrilegious errour, amongst whom was one Methorin, a notable Magician, who wan to himself a great opinion of fained dignity, and he drew the minds of simple men, that were seduced by the fame of his false impostures to offer unto him jugling sacrifices. This man being the chiefe Priest of the Gods, did so distinguish their sacrifices and ceremonies, and so order them, that a distinct honour and offering should be observed to every God: maintain∣ing that the displeasure of the Gods cannot be pacified by common sacrifices, or mixed ceremonies, at last his wickednesse being discovered, he was killed in a concourse of the people, and being slain, he killed many with the pestife∣rous contagion of his Carkeise, he was pulled out of his grave, and fastned to a stake; as the juggling vanities he used well deserved. Also Froe the Lieute∣nant of the Gods had his seat not farr from Upsall; where he changed the old way of offerings, used by so many Nations, so many yeares, for a sad and un∣speakable abomination. For he attempted to sacrifice men, and offered intol∣lerable offerings to the Gods. He being rankt amongst the Gods, and because he was held to be the God of blood, dark sacrifices were offered unto him, and in their yearly solemn days, night sports and Lectisternia were consecrated to him, as formerly they were at Rome to Pluto and Proserpina, Vagnosthus and Ha∣dingus were adored with equall reverence, because they were supposed to afford principall assistance readily in time of great Warrs. They beleived that Rost∣hicphus Finnonicus, after he was dead, was translated into the number of the Gods, because when he lived he was excellent to foresee future things. To these is added Rostatus: whose stupendious humanity would be so pacified with the sa∣crifice of mans blood, that they would dedicate to him the Souls of those, that such as adored him could subdue. Lastly there were many more most potent, thought to be the Sons of Thor, or Odhen, who were honoured by the people, and thought worthy of publick sacrifices to be offered unto them. But how or by what arts these men and such like, obtain'd so great an opinion of Divinity and to be adored, I shall enquire underneath, L. V. of Gyants and Champions. chap. 1. toward the end.

CHAP. V. Of the Magnificent Temple of the Nor∣thern Gods.

SEeing that of old, the whole world almost in every place, was deluded by innumerable superstitions, and instinct of the Devills, I thought it not in∣congruous, yet further to shew evidently in what places the Goths or Sweeds, and Northern Nations seduced by heathenish superstition, gave obedience to dumb Idols: that it may be known, that there were many places, (as there are kinds of Devills) wherein unlawfull worship was offered. There was therefore a Temple (concerning which my dear Brother and Predecessour, D. Iohn Arch-Bishop of Upsall speaks, L. 1. Histor.) that was most famous from the time of Ninus, neer to the River Sala; where at this day is Upsalia the principall and archiepiscopall seat of the Sweans and Goths, which they so adored, being built so magnificently, that there was nothing to be seen on the walls, roofe or Pil∣lars, but shined with Gold.

Also the whole upper part was made with glittering Gold; from which a Golden Chain hung down, and is recorded to have gone round about the Tem∣ple to the Walls, and tops of the House. Hence it was, that the Temple situa∣ted on a large Plain, by the admirable lustre of it, begat in those that came neer to it, a Venerable Awe of Religion. There grew before the doors of it, a huge Tree of an unknown kind, that spread with large Boughs, and was green both in Summer and Winter; yet not of those kinds, which of their own Nature seem to grow green, as the Bay-tree, Olive, Palm-tree, or Myrtle. For in the North never was any Olive, or Bay-tree seen to grow up, but in a small shrub, as we may see at Vastens. There was also a Fountain neer this Temple, which ran into the place of their Sacrifices: of which I shall speak by and by under∣neath. And let this suffice for other Nations, to understand some of the vain Customs of the Goths. Now it is fit for me to shew unto the Northern people, that it was not they onely that were seduced with this vanity. And now we must confess, that by Gods mercy, in that very place; namely, at Upsal, at all times, especially on the 19. day of May, there are Catholick Sermons preached of Divine Religion, to almost innumerable people. The King and Princes, and Nobles of both Sexes being present, where formerly so many wicked and abo∣minable filthy acts were committed, and so many men, both Friends, and dear Parents, were offered in Sacrifice.

CHAP. VI. Of the Religion, and Sacrifices of the Goths.

THere was formerly in the Sacrifices of the Goths (as it is set down in the History of the Sweons, and Goths, L. 1. C. 12. a great respect had to the number of 9. It may be, because the Pythagorean Philosophy (which they lear∣ned of Salmox, and Diceneus, admonished them, that the odd number must be preferred in all things. And although they did weekly and daily give the su∣pream honour to their Gods: yet every nine moneths they used a more so∣lemn adoration to them, for nine days together, sacrificing and performing their Rites and Religious Worship; and they offered every day nine kind of li∣ving Creatures, and they joyned unto them the Sacrifices of men. But after nine dayes, by the supream solemnity of all the Kingdome, the Temple of Ʋpsal, that I mentioned before, was visited by the most frequent coming thither of the In∣habitants, and there for nine dayes they kept Holy-day; and by the foresaid number of sacrifices, they offered their Offerings to their god upon an Altar. But that man, who by Lot was to be offered, was plunged alive into that Fountain, which ran into the place of the Sacrifice; and if he died early, the Priests pro∣nounced the Vow to be fortunate; and they presently took him from thence, and hung him up in a Wood hard by, which they reputed sacred, and they affir∣med that he was translated amongst the Gods. And from hence that man thought himself happy who was to die, by being sacrificed. It fell out sometimes, that the Kings themselves were chosen by the same Lot, and sacrificed: which because it was esteemed to be a most lucky offering for the Kingdome, all the people with high gratulation and thanksgiving, did adore so noble a sacrifice. For they thought that those who departed thus did not die at all, but that they and themselves also were immortal; especially from Salmox, Zenta, Diceneus, as Dion, Ablabius, Jornandes, Strabo, and others write: who also assert by many Reasons, that the Goths studied Wisdome excellently, and therefore held an opinion of the Souls immortality: for that (as Herodotus saith, L. 4.) thinking they should not die, they would say; That those who were departed this life,

went to some place more pleasant: Wherein they said, that a certain God Bleyxen was chief, to whom they daily sent, besides the manner already mentio∣ned, a Messenger in a Galley, with five Oares, which was some man chosen amongst themselves, commanding him to desire from the bounty of the God, such things as they stood in need of. The manner of dispatching the Messenger was thus: Some of them held some sharp Spears upright; and upon these they threw him who was designed to be sent, catching him by his hands and feet; and if falling, he died presently, they supposed that the God was pleased with them, accepting their Messenger at first. But if it hapned otherwise, they accused the Messenger for being a wicked man, and that he was unworthy to be sent to the Gods. Wherefore casting him away, they sent another, giving him his Arrant whilest he was yet living, what he must sollicite, when he came to the god. Then casting him down, when he was dead, they delivered him into the Gulph of the Sea, by the help of those five Oars.

CHAP. VII. Of the Goths Superstitions about Thunder.

MOreover, they were so obstinate in observing the Worship of their Gods (as we find it also in the same History of the Goths and Sweons, l. 1. c. 12.) that when it thundered in the Ayr, they would shoot up Arrows, to shew their readiness to assist their Gods, which they thought were then fighting with others that opposed them. Nor were they content with that rash Superstition, but they had for that purpose great Hammers bigger then ordinary (which they called Ovials) that were bound about with huge brass, and which were obser∣ved most religiously, that by them, as by the Claudian Thunder, and by the usual similitude of things, they might imitate the noises in the Element of the Air, which they believed were made with Hammers, & they thought most devoutly, that the force of such a noise, by imitating the same with the Smiths Hammers, would give assistance to the Wars of their Gods. That Custome of Jupiters Hammers lasted until the 1130. year after the Birth of Christ, when as Magnus, King of the Goths, hating Heathenish Superstition, for the love of Christian Re∣ligion, held it Piety to spoil the Temple of its Worship, and Jupiter of his Robes; who therefore for many years was held by the Goths as a Sacrilegious Robber of the spoils of Heaven. Also, the Goths were wont when they were going to Battel, to sacrifiee their horses upon Altars, and cutting off their heads, and setting them upon long Poles, they carried them with their mouths wide open, upon these Staves, before their Armies. And they not onely offered Beasts in sacrifice before the War, but men also when they had conquered their Ene∣mies; and they made magnificent Playes for the honour of their Gods: where∣in were observed effeminate motions of their Bodies, and mimical gestures of Stage-Players, and pleasant ringing of little Bells, and noises of Timbrels. These, and other notable kinds of Sacrifices were the chief cause, that by the assistance of the Gods, they could never be conquered in Battail. For they so loved, and pra∣ctised Wars continually, that they supposed all other Studies nothing worth, being compared with Military Arts. There were Priests that had the charge of these Sacrifices, who were of different degrees, as the Pontifex, the Arch∣flamen, the Dancing-Priests, the Southsayers: the first of these; namely, the High-Priests, had equal power allowed them as the Kings had; and so great was their authority, that whatsoever they either perswaded, or commanded, as if it had bin spoken from Heaven, was chearfully executed by the King and all the people.

They instructed the Nation in much Wisdome; they chose Priests, they foun∣ded Religion; Dion the Grecian testifies, that this Nation never wanted High-Priests, which might teach them Wisdome. There was al••o amon••st them a kind of High-Priests that were more illustrious, which they called Pileati, and Pii, out of which they fitted themselves with Kings and Priests, as Jornandes shews more largely, who saith they were wont to be called Pij, and that they were wont to go forth of the City-gates with Harps, and white Garments, to meet the Goths in triumph, that they might pacifie their Gods.

CHAP. VIII. Of their fighting against the Gods.

AGain they fell into another Folly and Superstition, that when the Gods did not favour them in their Warlike Expeditions, or did not help them, they by lifting up divers kinds of Weapons against Heaven, supposed they could con∣quer them, or compel them by fear and threatning words to do what they re∣quired. And in this idle action, they believed that they had no less power up∣on the Earth, and were to be feared and adored as much, as others that were gone to the Gods above or beneath. But they observed not the old Proverb of the Goths, That we must not dart our Spear against Heaven, for a thicker Club will be thrown back from thence.

CHAP. IX. Of the Fatal Sisters and Nimphs.

THere are also in the Northern Countries some Temples consecrated to Diana and Ceres, and houses of the Fatal Sisters, that were built by Witch-craft, without mans help, which the Antients were wont to come unto praying, making solemn Vows, when they went to consult the Oracles of the Fates, concerning their Childrens future De••••inies, where looking into the Chappel, they knew that sometimes three, and sometimes more of these Nymphs sate: Whereof some granted to Child••en a comely face, and favour abundant∣ly amongst men: Others gave them Liberality, or other excellent Vertues: Again, others of a more froward Nature desiring to hurt the Gifts of the rest, would make Children in their future condition to be Parsimonious, or guilty of some other fault. And they did not onely delude Children by these juggling Arts, but sometimes Kings also and men of years, as is evidently found out. For Hotherus King of Sweden, and Denmark, as he Hunted, by errour of a Cloud, being drawn far away from his Huntsmen, fell into the Conclave of some Vir∣gins living in Woods; and being called by his own name by them, he asked what they were; They testifie, that by their leading and good success, the For∣tune of the War was chiefly governed. And that oft-times they are present in Battails, when no man sees them, and by their secret assistance, they give to their Friends such successe as they shall desire; for they said, it was in their power to make the Event prosperous, or adverse as they pleased; desiring him that he should not make War against Balderus, who was born of the secret seed of the Gods: when he had heard this Message, Hotherus sees himself to be left suddenly in the open Ayr, and without any house or shady place to cover him, exposed in the middle of the Fields; but he most of all wondred at the sudden flight of the Virgins, and the false situation of the place, and counterfeit house, he had imagined to be there.

For he was ignorant of those things which were done about him, and thought it was onely a delusion, and fraud, by Witch-craft. After this, some years be∣ing passed, the same Hotherus being worn out with most cruel Wars, going into the farthest Desarts and Woods to wan••er in, where men use not to frequent, by chance he found a Cave where Virgins dwelt. It proved, that these were the same which had formerly given him a Garment that was Armour of Proof. And being demanded by them, wherefore he came into that place, he relates unto them the unhappy Events of the War; so that condemning their Faith, he began to lament his ill success, and hard fortune, complaining that it fell out otherwise with him, than they had promised it should.

The Nymphs answered, that though he seldome wan the Victory, yet he had done as much mischief to the Enemies, as they had done to him, and that he had been the Author of as great Ruine as his Partner had: and farther, that he should win the Victory, if he could but first catch away the meat that was pro∣vided to increase the Enemies Forces; for by this meanes he should see all things succeed according to his wishes. He was thus sent away, and he recruits his Armie, and levies new Forces against the Enemy. And when he came to view their Tents, he saw three Maids go forth, carrying secretly away the dain∣tiest meat: these he ran after, (for he might see the way they went by their foot∣steps on the Dew) then he comes to the houses where they dwelt, and by the sweet Musick of his Lute, (on which he had excellent skill) he obtained from them a most accurate shining Girdle, and most powerful to prevail with in Bat∣tail: so going the way he came, he met the Enemy, and slew him with a great slaughter: so that the next day after he was sent to Proserpina, which he seemed to see standing by him in his sleep.

CHAP. X. Of the Night-Dances of the Fairies, and Ghosts.

ALso Travellers in the Night, and such as watch their Flocks and Heards, are wont to be compassed about with many strange Apparitions: As King Ho∣therus, (so Saxo reports) following three Nymphs to their Caves, obtained a Girdle of Victory from them: yet sometimes they make so great and deep im∣pression into the Earth, that the place they are u••ed to, being onely burnt round with extream heat, no grass will grow up there. The Inhabitants call this Night-sport of these Monsters, the Dance of Fayries: of which they hold this opinion, that the Souls of those men, that give themselves to Corporal Plea∣sures, and make themselves as it were slaves unto them, and obey the force of their Lusts, violating the Laws of God and men, when they are out of their bo∣dies, and wander about the Earth. In the number whereof they think those men to be, who even in these our days, are wont to come to help men, to labour in the Night, and to dress Horses and Cattel; as I shall shew hereafter in this very Book, concerning the Ministery of the Devils.

CHAP XI. Of the War against the Fauni.

SInce Antiquity testifies that there have been various monstrous things, and almost innumerable Delusions, which have passed almost through the whole World, as Ghosts, Rural Gods, Satyrs, Hags, Hob-goblins, Witches, Fairies, Hou∣shold Gods, and Shepherds Gods in abundance, by which men were extreamly terrified, or torn to pieces and slain: I did not think fit to conceal what Policies and Weapons the Northern people used to resist these Visions and Appariti∣ons. It is a Tradition, that the noble Champions of the Goths did often fight

single with Monsters, and huge Beasts, either to free some weak men, or to try their valour, and they took care not to set upon any wild Beast with more com∣pany, than the custome of valiant men would permit.

Regnerus of Sweden was a Champion, and a King, who fought all night a∣gainst most obscene Troops of Nocturnal Monsters, which were sent forth by Thorilda his cruel Mother-in-law; and when it grew light, he perceived that he met oft-times in the Fields divers forms of Ghosts, and unusual representa∣tions of Shapes; amongst which he saw the likeness of Throilda, wounded in many places. By this meanes he acquired the same of a Champion, and took by force his Fathers Kingdome from his Enemies.

Moreover, one Broderus and Buchi, with King Gorman, being more bold than ordinary men are, increasing the Warlike spirit of the Goths, in searching out the foot-steps of natural things, undertook a Voyage full of danger, and scarce to be undergone by mortal men. For sailing round the Earth, leaving the Sun behind them, and passing by the stars that were under the Deep, and lastly co∣ming beyond the Land of Biarmia, into places where was no light (as I shewed c. 1. l. 1.) but in continual darkness, they fought with incredible Troops of Monsters. For they invaded Fairies that came upon them, and took away their Weapons from them; and they conquered whole Armies of strange Appariti∣ons, with their Bows and Slings, as Saxo the Danish Historian, and most diligent searcher of Antiquities, writes in his Preface concerning King Gorman. We find it also related amongst the antient Histories, how Hotherus, Son to the King of Sweden, being waking in the night, and his mind full of care that troubled him, threw his Spear at the Satyr Memmingus, that appeared in his Lodging, and ha∣ving striken him down with the blow & made him unable to fly away presently he held him in chains; and then threatning him with most bitter words, he re∣quires of him his Sword and Bracelets, which he knew he had, and the Satyr soon delivered up what he demanded, to save his life. For the life is before all things, and Mortals esteem nothing more than it.

CHAP. XII. Of Divination.

TO satisfie this Title, I must premise the saying of the Catholick Dr. Chryso∣stome, who saith in his Homily, There shall be Signs in the Sun and Moon, &c. That there is no Creature which so much desires to know future things, as man doth &c. This being considered, we must farther confess, that there never was any Nation so civil and learned, nor yet so ignorant and barbarous, which hath not used to signifie future things, and by some means to understand, and to fore-tell them; but chiefly the Northern people, which I find to have employ∣ed themselves in the study of knowing things to come: for by the flyings of Birds, leaping and noise of Fish, and by their singing; also by exhalations of Moun∣tains, &c. they thought that future Accidents might be declared, as by certain Signs.

No War nor publick business either at home or in Military Affairs, was done without South-sayings; and not onely the Discipline of Wizards was accepted by the chief Governours, but of Fortune-tellers, Divination also by the Ayr, by the Earth, by the Fire, by the Dead, and all Dreams of importance, if any seemed to concern the Common-Wealth.

Othinus fore-told to King Hadringus, who went to wage War against Joche∣rus Curetus the Tyrant, that he should be taken captive, and it fell out, as he said.

Govarus, King of Norway, was so skilful in the Art of Divination, and so well learned, to tell future things, that he being in Norway, could see whatever was attempted against him in Saxony, above a hundred German miles from him.

Gormo surnamed the Wicked, being of a drowsie condition, dreamt that his Wife bare two Birds, but one was greater than the other; and that they flew upwards toward Heaven, and in a small time betwixt, they returned again, and sat upon both his hands, one by one; and so the second time, and third: when they had rested a while, they took Wing, and flew into the Ayr; and at last, that the least of the two came back to him without the other, having the Wings all bloody. This Dream was thus truly interpreted: His two Sons subduing the English, Sclavonians, and the Irish, had very good fortune, until such time as the Elder was slain in battail, but the Younger, when his brother was lost, see∣med to have his Wings smeered with blood.

Magnus, King of Norway and Denmark, that night wherein there followed a War with Sclavonia, when he slept, he saw an Apparition of one in his sleep, that told him before that he should conquer his Enemy, and in killing of an Eagle, he should be assured of the Victory. The King awaked, and told his Dream in order, with great admiration, and proceeding with his Army, he saw an Eagle neer him, that he had seen in his Dream; and riding swiftly to her, he killed her with a Dart, and fled faster than the Bird could with a swift shaft.

Wherefore his Army took the sign of good luck; and laying hold of the first occasion to fight, overcame the Enemy, having the same event in battail, as the Omen fore-shewed.

When King Valdamar his Army went forh to War, such Troops of Crowes flew suddenly between them, that many were knocked down with the Enemies Spears. King Sweno and all his Army were conquered by him, and made Crowes meat, which declared the event of the South-saying.

Biorno, a noted Champion, compassed in a certain Island, with a choise Band of able Souldiers, which was fenced round with a most swift River: he saw in his sleep a great Beast coming forth of the Waters, that cast forth flames of fire at his mouth, and burnt all presently. The next morning King Fridlevus, coming over this violent River, destroyed all these Champions (except Biorno) with the sword, and so fulfilled his Dream.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Magical Art of Ericus with his Windy Cap, and of others.

THis Ericus, King of Sweden, in his time, was held second to none in the Magical Art; and he was so familiar with the Evil Spirits, whom he exceedingly adored, that which way soever he turned his Cap, the Wind would presently blow that way. From this occasion he was called Windy Cap; and many men believed that Regnerus, King of Denmark, by the Conduct of this Ericus, who was his Nephew, did happily extend his Piracy into the most remote parts of the Earth, and conquered many Countries, and fenced Ci∣ties, by his Cunning; and at last was his Coadjutor, that by the consent of the Nobles, he should be chosen King of Sweden; which continued a long time with him very happily, until he died of old age.

Moreover, another Ericus, whose sirname was Emundus, when he purposed to sail, and one of the Saylers saw in a Dream himself carried on horseback over the cragged tops of Mountains; and the horse running swiftly, that he was thrown headlong into the shady Valleys, and much torn with Owls Tallants; he related this in the morning to his Companions in jest: the King that was no

less skilled in Divination, than in Magick, being as it were forewarned by that Vision of the danger, that he should not have that man to sail with him, he commanded to set him on board another Bottom: and so when the company perished, the Kings ship was safe. But Frotho, King of Denmark, when his own brother Harauld was treacherously slain by him, that he might not cruelly de∣stroy two innocent Children, his Nephews, Haraldus, and Haldanus, their Tu∣tors hid them in Caves, under ground, like young Puppies, (as Saxo testifies) and fed them there, affirming with divers fictions, that they were devoured in the Night by Wolves.

But Frotho, not believing they were dead, purposed to search the Cave, by a Woman that was cunning in South-saying, which had such power in her charms that any thing, how difficult soever it was, if she could but see it afar off she wold call it to her. She related that one Regno did secretly educate these Children; and to cover the matter, called them by the names of Dogs; who when they found that by the unusual violence of her Charms, they were seen by her, and carried out of their Kennels, that they might not be discovered by such power∣ful compulsive command, cast abundance of Gold into her Lap, which their Tu∣tors had given them: when she had received this Bribe, she counterfeited her self to be sick, and lay as one in a trance. When the Kings Ministers sought to know the cause of so sudden downfal, she said it was impossible to find what was become of the Children: whose mighty force did allay the most fierce Effects of Incantations. So being content with a small Reward, she ceased from expe∣cting a greater reward from the King.

Therefore by these, and the like Arguments, it is known how much the power of Divination and Magistical Art was adored among the Antients; which now by certain negligence is let go, and come to nothing; for it was performed by Prognostications, South-sayings, looking into Entrals, Fire, by Water-works, by Lots and Signs, and thousand more Sacrilegious Rites, found out by the De∣lusions of the Devils: yet men use now adays certain Divinations (approved by causes of natural things) and Lots, by casting two or three, or more pieces of Wood into a Pot, that by the White, Red, or brown colour of them, they may divide mens Inheritances.

CHAP. XIV. Of Women-Witches.

I Shall shew you by a few Examples, how cunning some Women were former∣ly amongst the Northern people in the Magical Art. Hugbert, Daughter to Vagnostus the Giant, was wont to change her posture at pleasure; sometimes she was very great; sometimes less; sometimes exceeding small; sometimes wi∣ther'd faced; sometimes beautiful: sometimes she was as tall as the Sky; some∣times so short as a Pygmy; and she was supposed to be able, to pull down the Heavens, to lift up the Earth; to hearden Fountains, to melt Mountains; to lift ships into the Ayr; to pull down the Gods; to extinguish the Stars, and to make Hell a light place.

When Hadingus the King was at Supper, another Woman of the same Art, that carryed Pipes, was seen to lift up her head above the ground before the fire; and stretching out her bosome, she seemed to ask in what part of the World so new green Reeds grew; the King that desired to know the matter was carryed by her under ground, wrapt in his own Cloak; and having shewed unto him the Monsters of the Infernal Regions, she restored him back to the Earth again.

Craca, a Woman of Norway, that desired to know the future fortune of her son Rollerus, provided Water-grewel, and into this she dropt the venemous

moysture of three Land-Snakes, that were hung up above by a small Twig. But Ericus, Son in law to Craca, took to himself the Dish that was provided for her Son Rollerus; and he being refreshed with this happy meat, by the internal opera∣tion of it, arrived to the highest pitch of mans wisdome. For the force of this meat bred in him the knowledge of all Sciences beyond belief; so that he could understand the meaning of the cryes of Birds and wild Beasts. Besides he was so eloquent and curious in his speech, that whatsoever he pleased to discourse of, he would constantly illustrate it with pleasant Proverbs. By his counse•• King Frotho overcame the Army of the mighty Huns, that was assisted by 170. Kings. And at length, Gestblindus King of the Goths, made this Ericus Heir to himself, and to the Kingdome of Sweden; and that about the time of Christs Nativi∣ty

But King Frotho being hunged at by a Witch that turned into an Oxe, was slain by her upon a certain Sea-coast. Guthruna suddenly blinded the forces o•• King Larmericus, and made them fight one against the other. An Earthen Pot useth to be the common Instrument of all Witches, wherein they boyl their Juyces, Herbs, Worms, and Entrals, and by that Witchery meat they allure idle persons to them, and make ships, horses, and horsemen, to be as swift as a boyling pot.

CHAP. XV. Of the Conjurers and Witches in Finland.

ALso, I shall shew very briefly what force Conjurers and Witches have in constraining the Elements, enchanted by them or others, that they may exceed or fall short of their Natural Order: premising this that the extream Land of the North Finland and Lapland, was so taught Witchcraft formerly in Heathenish times, as if they had learned this cursed Art from Zoroastres the Per∣sian; though other Inhabitants by the Sea-coasts are reported to be bewitched with the same madness; for they exercise thi•• Divellish Art, of all the Arts of the World, to admiration; and in this, and other such like mischief, they common∣ly agree. The Finlanders were wont formerly amongst their other Errors of Gen∣tilisme, to sell Wines to Merchants, that were stopt on their Coasts by contrary weather; and when they had their price, they knit three Magical knots, not like to the Laws of Cassius, bound up with a Thong, and they gave them unto the Merchants; observing that rule, that when they unloosed the first, they should have a good Gale of Wind: when the second, a stronger wind: but when they untied the third, they should have such cruel Tempests, that they should not be able to look out of the Forecastle to avoid the Rocks, nor move a foot to pull down the Sails, nor stand at the Helm to govern the ship; and they made an un∣happy trial of the truth of it, who denied that there was any such power in those knots. But this Northern Countrey since the time of Christianity received, ne∣ver durst be seen to use this Art openly, being kept down by the penalty of laws. Moreover, Sivaldus the Swede, who was corrival with King Holdanus, had 7. sons, who were such cunning Witches, that they would suddenly in a force of fury rore horridly, bite Bucklers, eat down burning Coles, go through any fires that were made: nor could this motion of madness be allayed, but either by Bonds, or by shedding of mans blood.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Magical Instruments of Bothnia.

WItches and Conjurers were commonly found amongst the Northenn people of Bothnia, as in their proper place; who by a perfect Art of casting Mists before mens eyes, could represent themselvs and others in divers shapes, & with false Apparitions hide their true faces; and not onely Champions, but Women and young Maids were wont from the thin Ayr to borrow wan Vizards, and counterfeit pale faces: and again laying these airy Vapours aside that shadowed them, they would discuss these dark Clouds before their faces with bright day. And it is certain, that their Charms had such force, that they would make any thing clearly to be seen present, how far soever it was off, and however it were bound up fast in never so many knots: and by such jugling Arts, they demon∣strate the same thus:

They that desire to know the state of their Friends or Foes, at a very great di∣stance from them, five hundred be it, or a thousand miles off, they enquire of a Laplander, or Finlander, who is skilled in this matter, giving him a gift; (namely, some Linnen Garment, or Girdle,) where their Friends or Foes are, and what they do: Whereupon he goes into his Conclave, content with one compani∣on, and his Wife, and he beats upon a Frog of Brass, or Serpent, with a Hammer, upon an Anvil, so many strokes as are prescribed; and by mumbling of Charms, he turns it up and down; and presently falling he is ravished into an extasie, and he lies a short time as if he were dead: In the mean while, he is safely guarded by his foresaid companion, lest any Living Creature, Gnat, or Fly, or other Ani∣mal might touch him; for by the power of his Charms, his Spirit, by the mislea∣ding of Devils, brings from far some token, (namely a Rings or a knife) for a testimony of his Embassie or Commission fulfilled: And presently rising up, he declares the same signs to him that hired him, with the rest of the circumstan∣ces: And they are reported to be no less powerful in striking men sick of divers Diseases; for they make of Lead Magical Slugs, as short as ones finger: they send these into men never so far off, which they desire to be revenged on. They by a Cancer rising on their Legs or Arms dye in three days. There are also the Witcheries or Conjurations of the men of Helsing, the chief whereof Vitolphus, did so strike all men blind when he pleased, that they could neither see the next houses, no•• find the way thither: he knew so how to darken the use of Lights, by Cloudy Errour.

Moreover, one Visinus, a Fencer of great account, would blunt the edge of all Weapons, by onely looking upon them, yet was he killed with the sword of the Swedish Giant Storchaterus, of whom I shall speak underneath. For he alwayes kept his Sword covered in a thin skin, (which is said to be the onely Remedy against the blunting of it. But Stones that are to be cast forth, can be charmed by no Charms; nor their force taken off from doing hurt, when they are thrown strongly.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Sea Magicians.

ALso, amongst other Northern Dieties, one Hollerus by name, a Magician, was worshipped, who gained to himself the Opinion and Honour of a God amongst a curious people, by no less Fraud then Superstition. For he having got equal power with Othinus, amongst the Gods grew so famous by Arms, and Delusions, that he used onely a bone for a ship to pass over the Seas; which bone he had inchanted with his cursed Charms; and he would as soon pass all

Obstacles in his way with that, as if he had hoised up sails with a prosperous Gale of Wind. But at last, that men might see that his Diety was mortal, he was cruelly slain by those that envied him. Besides him, one Oddo, a Dane, a mighty Pirat, was so well learned in Magick, that he would wander at Sea with∣out a ship, and oft-times drawned his Enemies ships, by raising Tempests with his Charms: Wherefore, that he might not fight at Sea with Pirats, he was wont by Witchcraft, to raise and exasperate the Winds and Waves to destroy them.

This man, as he was cruel to Merchants, so was he courteous to Countrey-men; for he esteemed better of Countrey-neatness, than he did of the sordid gains of men. Also, he had great skill to blunt a sword with his Charms: but at last being circumvented by an Enemy more cunning than himself; he was drowned at Sea, who was wont formerly to walk on the Gulphs of the Sea by his inchanted ways.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the same Magicians, and the like.

THen Othinus, who was the greater and elder amongst the Magicians, brought back upon a horse, many leagues at Sea, one Hadingus, King o•• Denmark, who was fowly deluded by Magical Incantations, and drawn away from his acquaintance: But as Hadingus was brought a long, he observed the prints of the horses feet in the Waters, as he peeped through the chinks of that covering, he lay trembling under, and exceedingly admired at it: and when he was pro∣hibited to look after that he was not allowed to do he turned away his eyes that were full of amazement, from the terrible contemplation of his Voyage. Again, Haquinus King of Norway, when he was to fight against the Danes, he raised a storm by Witchcraft, and so beat upon the Enemies heads, with Hail-stones of an unusual greatness, that their eyes were hurt as with arrows from the Clouds, and they could not see, the Elements fighting more against them, than the Ene∣my.

Moreover, the men of Biarmia that are neerest to the Artick Pole, being to fight in the North against the most mighty King Regnerus, they set upon the Hea∣vens with Charms, and raised the greatest Tempests in the Clouds that could possibly be. Then the Danes, when the Tempest was abated, were scorched with most tempestuous heat: so this double mischief and distemper on both sides, afflicted their bodies, that they lost their Victory, and their lives toge∣ther.

CHAP. XIX. Of a Magician bound.

AMongst the Ostrogoths, there is a huge Lake of fresh waters, called Veter, (of which I spake sufficiently before) but there is in the middle of it a large Island, wherein there are two Parish-Churches: in one of them there is found a Vault that hath a hollow long entrance, and going forth of it, and it is wonder∣full deep; which Vault, none but vain-glorious and curious people, provided with lights, and clews of thread, to find the way back again, descend into: chiefly for that end, that they may see a certain Magician called Gilbert, who by Magick Art (for thence arose his misery) from old time by his own Master Catillus, whom he presumed to insult over, was overcome and bound there. It was done thus, with a certain small Club, that was carved with the characters of the Goths or Russians, and was held forth, and taken in his Masters hands; for by this was Gilbert bound, and became unmovable, that neither by using his teeth to unlose himself, (for they clung together, as if they had been fastened with pitch) nor yet

using his feet could he yet loose, being made fast by the crafty counsel of his Ma∣ster. And though many rash-headed people run continually to see this Spirit with vehement admiration, yet they dare not presume to come very neer to him, by reason of the stench of the Cave, and hurtful Vapours, for fear their breath should be stopt, and they should be suffocated, Also, they are kept from him by Mounds cast up, and by Bars, set by the Inhabitants, lest such as despise their own danger, should go in like mad-men, and should never come forth again.

Moreover, it is provided by a most severe Law, as it is for them that kill them∣selves, that such as know these dangers shall not allure others that are ignorant of them, to seek after this sight; or lead them in, whom they have perswaded to it. This foresaid Island Visrigxae, is very famous for the pleasant and secure Mansion of the Kings there, who are there dead and buried.

CHAP. XX. Of the punishment for Witches.

LEast the Northern Witches should seem alone here to be led to sad specta∣cles, Vincentius in Spec. Hist. l. 25. c. 6. comes and tells us, that an English woman deluded by Magical Art, after cruel torments, was carryed by the De∣vils into the Ayr with horrid cries. His words are these:

There was a certain Woman in Bethelia, a Village of England, that was a South∣sayer and a Witch who one day when she was eating, heard her chough, that she took great pleasure in, to spe••k something more loud than it was wont to do: When the Mistriss heard this, her knife fell out of her hand, and she grew pale in her face; and lamenting, she said very often; This day is my Plough come to the last Furrow; this day shall I hear and receive great hurt.

As she yet spake, a Messenger came to her, saying; This day is thy Son dead, and all thy Family di••d suddenly. This heard, she sank down, wounded with continual grief, and she commanded all her children that were alive to be brought to her, which were a Fryer and a Nun; to whom she sighing, said thus: I by my miserable destiny, ever was a servant to the Divel in my actions, I am the Sink of all Vice, and the Mistriss of enticements: I onely confided in your Religion, and I despaired of my self: But now, because I know the Divel shall have me to torment me, who perswaded me to offend, I beseech you, by the bowels of your Mother, that you will attempt to ease my torments; for you can∣not revoke the Sentence of Damnation passed upon my soul: Wherefore sow up my body in a Stags skin, and put it into a Chest of Stone, and fasten the cover with Iron and Lead, and bind about the stone with three great chains. I•• I ly three nights thus in safety, you shall bury me the fourth day: though I fear the Earth will not receive me, by reason of my Witchchrafts; let there be Psalms sung for me fifty nights, and Mass said for me as many dayes. They did as she bad them, but it nothing availed; for the two first nights, when the Clerks and Queristers sang Psalms about her body, all the Devils easily breaking the Church door that was fastened with a mighty bar, tore in pieces two of the chains; but the middle chain which was made stronger, held fast. The third night, about Cock-crowing, all the Monastery seemed to be lifted from the Foundation, with a noise of Enemies coming; one of them was more terrible to look on, and taller then the rest; and he striking the Church-door with greater force, brake them into fritters, and came proudly to the Coffin, and in arrogant gesture, and calling her by her name, commanded her to rise. When she answered, that she could not for her bands.

Thou shalt, saith he, be unbound, but to thy greater mischief: And he forth∣with brake the Chain, the rest of the Devils could not do, as if it had been Flax, and he kicked off the cover of the Grave with his foot; and taking her by the hand before them all, he drew her forth at the Church-doors, where there was prepared a black horse, which proudly neighed, that had Hooks of Iron all over him, that stuck forth: Upon this Horse was this miserable woman set, and she presently disappeared from the beholders eyes, with all her company. But there were cryes heard almo••t four miles, of this miserab••e wretch calling for help. Also Saxo. lib. 14. relates what sport of the Divel hapned to the Rugiani, in the City Karentina, for their worshipping of the Divel; where by the i••lusion of the Divel, men were first provoked to commit Adultery, and then presently in the time of this most beastly act, they were punished most detestably. For men in that City being allured to ly with women, stick to them, as Dogs do to Bitches; nor can they be pulled from them in a long time. Sometimes both of them being hung one against the other upon long poles, being fastened together by an unusual way, became a laughing stock to the people. From the foulness of that miracle, solemn worship was given to base Images; and it was supposed to be effected by their forces, which was shadowed under the delusions of Devils: Therefore, as St. Augustine testifies, lib. 8. De civit. Dei, such things are tolerated by a just Judgment of God for their sins; for it is most just, that they should be afflicted, or made subject and deceived by them. But he that desires not a hap∣py life hereafter, nor to lead a godly life now, by such horrible acts, may seek death in Hell: but he that will hold no society with wicked Spirits, let him not fear the damnable Superstition they are worshipped by; but let him embrace the true Religion, whereby they are discovered and conquered.

CHAP. XXI. Of the hurts done by the Devils.

IN the Northern parts (where the Devil hath his Seat really) they mock the people that live there with unspeakable delusions, under various forms, and do them hurt also, throwing down their houses, killing their Cattle, spoiling their fields, making a Desolation of Castles and Waters.

The End of the Third Book.