Funny/Weird Facts I Found While Writing Exhibit #S4873

The Warden Files: Exhibit #S4873

Draugar – Norse Zombies?

The draugr (plural: draugar) are basically Norse mythology’s version of undead nightmares, super strong, super angry reanimated corpses.

Since Vikings really didn’t want dead people popping back up for a visit, they came up with some… creative solutions:

• Tying or sewing the corpse’s feet/toes together – Because even zombies trip, right?

• Breaking legs, bending ankles, or tying shoelaces – Extra steps to make sure Great-Grandpa Olaf doesn’t shuffle home.

• Wrapping the head & carrying bodies out feet-first – Spirits could still "see" (even with closed eyes!), so this kept them from recognizing the way back.

Bonus Norse Lore:

Galdrastafir – Mystical Icelandic symbols thought to have magic powers. (Basically, Viking cheat codes.)

Academia.edu

Mjölnir – Thor’s hammer, the ultimate divine power move.

Ola Myrin, Statens historiska museum

                                          

And That Random Ming-Dynasty Tomb?

The Tomb of General Zu Dashou (aka the "Ming Tomb") is one of the oldest pieces in the Royal Ontario Museum’s collection. (No word on whether his feet were tied, though.)

the Ming Tomb exhibit, Royal Ontario Museum