[19] i.e. the dead bodies of the warriors whom his arm had slain fed the falcons, or carrion-birds.
[20] Unnecessary doubt has been thrown upon this practice of pagan baptism, but the instances are too numerous to be set aside. Baptism is a widespread custom among different races. In pagan Ireland also there are instances recorded of a sort of child-naming, combined with christening, by pouring water over the child. Baptism was not invented by Christianity; it was adopted from the Jewish faith into the new religion.
[21] The “Thing” was a convention or parliament of the people assembled to make laws or come to decisions on important matters. There were both local and general “Things.” The place where the “Thing” was held was called the “Thing-mote.”
[22] The hammer of Thor was somewhat like a Greek cross.
[24] Twenty benches probably meant forty rowers, besides other fighting men. Two rowers at least would sit to each bench.
[25] This cruel method of putting a foe to death was also practised on Ælla of Northumbria; it was probably, as here, a sacrifice to Odin.
[26] There are still a few udal, or allodial properties, in Orkney.