#49: Age-Old Beliefs and Superstitions
A millennium ago, superstition was common, especially among Vikings on their sea voyages. They believed in manipulating their ships’ appearances in calm seas by removing menacing figureheads, attempting to ensure favorable conditions by not angering deities.
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The Vikings deeply respected their convictions, avoiding sailing with intimidating figureheads in serene weather to avoid provoking the gods. This practice, though seemingly primitive, might have contributed to their historic voyages, including reaching America long before Columbus.