[beebuster2000]

yes, the rite of the blood eagle. gruesome. but reading up on it, some doubt that it actually existed, or was dreamed up by the vikings terrorized victims.

when you read it, doesnt seem medically possible.

[Polynikes]

I also have heard that it was anti-viking propaganda written up by priests to make the vikings more demonic and fearsome than they were. Being as the priests and churches were a favorite target of the vikings and the priests were some of the only ones who could read and write that is possible. Control the media, control the message( sound familiar?).

The only thing is there are some references in Norse sagas and Skaldic poetry. I believe it is medically possible albeit quickly fatal due to blood loss or shock.

http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/vikingorkney/bloodeagle.html