_The Bog People_
by P.V. Glob
In May, 1950, two Danish workmen cutting peat to store for the coming
year found a body lying deep under the surface of the bog where they
were working. The body was of a man, naked save for a leather belt,
skin cap fastened under his chin by a strap, and a noose twisted from
two lengths of leather about his neck. Tests would show he'd been
lying there in the peat for at least two thousand years, apparently a
sacrifice to Mother Earth herself. The acidic environment of the bog,
rich with tannin, had dissolved any clothing he might have worn but had
preserved his body.
Tollund Man, as he is known, has proved one of many given to bogs
throughout Denmark and elsewhere in Europe as well, including a few
found in the United Kingdom. A few have been victims of their own
carelessness, and a few more were murdered; but most have proved to
have been given to the earth, perhaps in thanks for a rich year or in
hope next year might be better, or for other reasons forgotten over the
ages. Tollund Man's last meal was a gruel made up of the seeds
gathered and eaten by the people of the region throughout the winter,
so it is believed he was brought to his death at the beginning of
spring, a propitiation gift in hopes for fertile fields and flocks and
families as the growing season began.
Professor Glob's descriptions of the finding of such human offerings is
sensitive and enthralling as well as fascinating for those, like my
mother and myself, who love archaeology and the myriad expressions of
human beliefs and behaviors throughout our history. I remember reading
this book when I was much younger--Mom had obtained a copy in the early
seventies, and she encouraged me to read it when I was with the family
during one of the breaks between terms at the college I attended. I am
glad I encountered this copy recently and that I had the chance to read
it again. I found a paperback edition published in the U.S. by
Ballantine Books. I don't know if it is available in accessible media,
but I would hope it would be. A fascinating read!
Bonnie L. Sherrell
Teacher at Large
"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise
cannot see all ends." LOTR
"Don't go where I can't follow."
