It used to be the case that individuals charged with a crime could set themselves free by making an oath. Depending on the type of oath, the accused would be set free if the oath helpers confirmed that the oath was in fact truthful.
The oath defendant didn’t have to concern themselves with the actual crime the accused was being charged with. This was because the oath was about the credibility and the character of the accused.
There are four different types of compurgation oaths:
In the most serious cases which included treason, murder and witchcraft an oath called Tylftareiðr was required.
Oath helper (Compurgator)
An individual who swears with the defendant and vowed the oath’s truthfullness.
Posts that include the oath of compurgation
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