trial by ordeal/combat Flashcards
Trial by Cold Water
In the trial by water, the defendant drank holy water and was then thrown into a pool. If she sank, she was considered innocent; if she floated, she was guilty. Contrary to modern myths, courts typically ensured those who sank were rescued.
Trial by Hot Iron
In this trial by fire, the defendant had to carry a heated iron for a set distance, which varied by foot length. For serious crimes like murder or betrayal, the iron weighed more.
Trial by Hot Water
This describes the trial by boiling water, where the accused had to retrieve a stone from boiling water to prove innocence. The severity depended on the accusation, with deeper immersion for serious crimes. The wounds were examined after three days—healing indicated innocence, while infection suggested guilt. Priests faced a different ordeal called the “Trial by the Host.”
Trial by the Host
The “Trial by the Host” was a special ordeal for priests, where they proved innocence by swallowing the sacramental bread while praying that God would choke them if they were lying. If they swallowed it easily, they were considered innocent; if they choked, it was seen as proof of guilt. Some speculate that guilt and stress could have caused real choking, adding a psychological factor to the ordeal.
Trial by drowning
This describes the witch trial by water, a medieval ordeal used to test women suspected of witchcraft. The belief was that witches would float, while the innocent would sink. If the accused floated, she was declared a witch and executed; if she sank, she was innocent but risked drowning—creating a no-win situation.
Ordeal of the cross
As with judicial duels, and unlike most other ordeals, the accuser had to undergo the ordeal together with the accused. They stood on either side of a cross and stretched out their hands horizontally. The one to first lower his arms lost.
