Ritual killing of swords in burials

Paul Macdonald · 22nd October 2008, 01:55 AM

These are very interesting references Bill, thanks.

Ones that I was previously unaware of, but tie in perfectly with previous experience.

My reasoning for the physical spirit is based on the natural law of proportionate physical/metaphysical symmetry - As Above, so Below.

Given that there is a physical body and mind, a physical spirit would naturally complement our trio of elements that comprise our working whole. Likewise there can co-exist within our system a metaphysical mind, body and spirit.

Thus, when the physical body and mind dies, we might also want our physical spirit to pass on with us instead of hanging around here for longer than necessary. One way to symbolise that was to break or cast away what was the ultimate symbol of our personal spirit on Earth (the sword).

The physical spirit takes on the very form of our own physical bodies and are often recognised as ghosts.

Interestingly enough, I found myself posting on another blades forum tonight about ghosts

Sleep tight!

Pukka Bundook · 23rd October 2008, 02:10 PM

Hi Bill and Paul.

Thank you for the replies.
The information you supplied is very interesting.
From what I gather though, these two-spirit beliefs are from a different part of the world, and I have not run accross any such beliefs in European history.
(but might be wrong!)

As Jim's original post was about Celtic and later European sword "killings",
It is only European beliefs we need address here as pertinent to the subject.

To me, it is apparent through grave goods, that the deceased in pre-Christian times, were generally expected to make the trip to the "other world" and outfitted for the journey with food and drink to "keep him going" along the way, and quite often weapons to safeguard him as well.

Even now, in what is nominally a Christian age, we still have vestages of these same beliefs, and often bury loved ones with some token of our affection and respect.
It is with such beliefs in mind, that we should probably delve into the reasons for sword "killings" in Europe.......as taking on a world-view of ancient beliefs may muddy the issue even further.
What do you think?

With best wishes,

Richard.

22nd October 2008, 01:55 AM	#1
Paul Macdonald Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 48	These are very interesting references Bill, thanks. Ones that I was previously unaware of, but tie in perfectly with previous experience. My reasoning for the physical spirit is based on the natural law of proportionate physical/metaphysical symmetry - As Above, so Below. Given that there is a physical body and mind, a physical spirit would naturally complement our trio of elements that comprise our working whole. Likewise there can co-exist within our system a metaphysical mind, body and spirit. Thus, when the physical body and mind dies, we might also want our physical spirit to pass on with us instead of hanging around here for longer than necessary. One way to symbolise that was to break or cast away what was the ultimate symbol of our personal spirit on Earth (the sword). The physical spirit takes on the very form of our own physical bodies and are often recognised as ghosts. Interestingly enough, I found myself posting on another blades forum tonight about ghosts Sleep tight!

23rd October 2008, 02:10 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Hi Bill and Paul. Thank you for the replies. The information you supplied is very interesting. From what I gather though, these two-spirit beliefs are from a different part of the world, and I have not run accross any such beliefs in European history. (but might be wrong!) As Jim's original post was about Celtic and later European sword "killings", It is only European beliefs we need address here as pertinent to the subject. To me, it is apparent through grave goods, that the deceased in pre-Christian times, were generally expected to make the trip to the "other world" and outfitted for the journey with food and drink to "keep him going" along the way, and quite often weapons to safeguard him as well. Even now, in what is nominally a Christian age, we still have vestages of these same beliefs, and often bury loved ones with some token of our affection and respect. It is with such beliefs in mind, that we should probably delve into the reasons for sword "killings" in Europe.......as taking on a world-view of ancient beliefs may muddy the issue even further. What do you think? With best wishes, Richard.