Wednesday 25 May 2016

The Challenges

See here.

When Gratillonius challenges Colconor, the Speaker for Taranis says in Ysan:

"'Go forth...and may the will of the God be done.'"
-Poul and Karen Anderson, Roma Mater, Chapter VI, section 3, p. 113.

When Hornach challenges Gratillonius, we are not told what the Speaker says.
-Gallicenae, Chapter V, section 4, p. 114.

When Rufinus challenges, we are not told.
-Gallicenae, Chapter VIII, section 4, p. 187.

When Chramm challenges, the Speaker says in Ysan:

"'Go forth...and may the will of the God be done.'"
-Dahut, Chapter VII, section 1, p. 137.

When Tommaltach challenges, the Speaker completes the ceremony and adds:

"'May the will of the Gods be done.'"
-Dahut, Chapter XI, section 6, p. 261.

The addition startles Gratillonius.

When Carsa challenges, the Speaker recites the words and refrains from any remarks.
-Dahut, Chapter XIII, section 4, p. 288.

When Budic challenges, the Speaker says:

"'Go forth...and may the will of the God be done.'"
-Dahut, Chapter XVI, section 1, p. 350.

So why does Gratillonius regard what is said on the occasion of Tommaltach's challenge as a startling addition?

1 comment:

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

Gratillonius' surprise at Soren's ritual words at the time of Tommaltach's challenge is easily understood. The USUAL or customary form was simply for the Speaker to say: "Go forth..and may the will of the GOD be done." Not "gods."

Sean