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king of Norway introduced the Christian faith into that country, he caused this temple to be razed to the ground, and broke to pieces the idols it contained: They found there great riches, and particularly a ring of gold of great value. Iceland had also its temples, and the chronicles of that country speak with admiration of two especially, one situate in the north of the island, the other in the south. In each of these temples, “there was,” says an author of that country[1], “a private chapel, which was regarded as a holy place: There they placed the idols upon a kind of altar, around which they ranged the victims that were to be offered up. Another altar stood opposite to it, plated with iron, in order that the fire which was to burn there perpetually, should not damage it: Upon this altar was placed a vase of brass, in which they received the blood of the victims: Beside it stood a brush which they made use of to sprinkle the blood upon the bystanders. There hung up likewise a great silver ring which they stained with blood, and which whoever took an oath on any occasion was required to hold in his hand. In one of these temples,
- ↑ Vid. Arngrim. Jon. Crymogæa.
