The Blood Eagle was a method of execution described in the Norse sagas. The victim was laid face down and their back was cut open along the spine. The ribs were broken from the spine one by one and bent outward to form the shape of wings. The lungs were then pulled through the opening while the victim was still alive. Salt was poured into the wounds. The sagas record it being performed on kings as the ultimate act of dominance. To die by the Blood Eagle was to die in the worst way a Viking could conceive. Historians have debated for centuries whether it was ever actually carried out or whether it existed only as a symbol of total destruction. The debate has never been resolved. The sagas are very specific about the details.
Interesting Fact The Blood Eagle is recorded in the sagas as having been performed on King Ælla of Northumbria by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok in revenge for their father’s death. Ragnar had been thrown into a pit of snakes by Ælla. His sons allegedly laughed during the execution. The historical Ragnar Lothbrok almost certainly existed. Whether this happened to Ælla remains unproven.
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