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280 EELtGION OF THE NOETflStElT.
recognized in any remarkable event occurring a*
the time, and then interpreted in such a mode as
appeared most probable according to the circum-
stances, or else to decide upon the signal himself
by which the divinity was to answer him.
We have seen that the zealous Asa-worshiper H4kon
Jarl made use of the former mode when he
sacrificed to Odin before his bold march through
Gothland, and he interpreted it as a promise from
the God of success in the expedition, when two
ravens during the sacrifice came flying along and
screaming loudly. When th« Icelandic chieftain
Thorkel the Tall invoked the God Frey for vengeance
upon his enemy Viga-Glum, and at the same
time demanded a signal that the God had heard his
prayer, he regarded it as a favorable response of
Frey when the ox, which he had led out as an offer-
ing, immediately fell with loud bellowing upon the
ground and died.* The latter mode we find applied
by the emigrating IJTorthmen, in choosing their
places of residence in foreign lands by direction of
the Sacred Columns. In this they believed that the
God, whom they invoked beforehand, directed the
columns to a place where a prosperous abode was
vouchsafed to them and their descendants.
An important ceremony of measurement which
was employed in building a new house, in order to
find out what fortune was in store in it for its future
occupantSj was also of the same character. This
ceremony was perfonned by measuring the. founda-
• Viga-Gl. S, 9.