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History , Archeology, Mythology

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Stuff I read for fun, and further insight to the human condition

The Saga of Grettir the Strong. Search U.S. Newspaper Directory, 1690-Present. Northvegr Home page. Irish Potato Famine. The Vampire Cat of Nabeshima - Old Tales of Japan - SaruDama. The Vampire Cat of Nabéshima There is a tradition in the Nabéshima family (of the Hizen daimyo) that, many years ago, the Prince of Hizen was bewitched and cursed by a cat that had been kept by one of his retainers. This prince had in his house a lady of rare beauty, called O Toyo: amongst all his ladies she was the favourite, and there was none who could rival her charms and accomplishments. One day the Prince went out into the garden with O Toyo, and remained enjoying the fragrance of the flowers until sunset, when they returned to the palace, never noticing that they were being followed by a large cat.

Having parted with her lord, O Toyo retired to her own room and went to bed. But my lord the Prince knew nothing of all this, and little thought that the beautiful creature who caressed and fondled him was an impish and foul beast that had slain his mistress and assumed her shape in order to drain out his life's blood. "At your reverence's service. Then Ruiten said— "Indeed! "Oh! "Oh! Mirabilis.ca. Internet Sacred Text Archive Home. Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free Books, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine. Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature. O'Neill's Electronic Museum.

EyeWitness To The Middle Ages and Renaissance. Life in a Christian Monastery, ca. 585"When he was dead his body was not placed with the bodies of the brethren, but a grave was dug in the dung pit, and his body was flung down into it. . . " Crime and punishment in a medieval monastery: the monastery's Abbott provides insight into the monastic life. The Vikings Discover America, ca. 1000"There was no want of salmon either in the river or in the lake. " Five hundred years before Columbus, the Vikings discover a New World. Invasion of England, 1066The Norman conquest of Anglo-Saxon England described through the images of the 900 year-old Bayeux Tapestry. Anarchy in 12th Century EnglandThe Anglo-Saxon Chronicle paints a sobering picture of life in 12th century England that contrasts strikingly with Hollywood's image of the Middle Ages.

The Murder Of Thomas Becket, 1170The killing of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Crusaders Capture Jerusalem, 1099The assault and capture of the Christian "Navel of the World" The Fantastic in Art and Fiction.