Sacrifice: Ritual and Myths

Join me as we delve into the fascinating and complex world of sacrifice, and particularly human sacrifice, within Indo-European cultures in this enlightening video. We explore the multifaceted aspects of sacrifice, from its symbolic importance in restoring cosmic order and renewal to its functional role in reinforcing social cohesion and power structures.

In this journey through ancient practices, we uncover the unique relationship between sacrifice and the creation myths of Indo-European cultures. We draw parallels with the primordial beings Yemo, Ymir, Gayōmart, Yama, or Yima, and reveal how these stories intertwine with the concepts of sacrifice.

This video discusses the critical yet often overlooked perspectives on sacrifice, examining how these practices could have reinforced social hierarchies and gender roles. We also ponder the psychological impact of sacrifice on individuals involved in these rituals, and how the evolution of societies led to the decline of such practices.

Most importantly, we reflect on the altruistic aspect of self-sacrifice and its relevance in our modern world, where the quest for order and balance often demands sacrifices of a different kind.
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I would like to thank my dear friend @Crowhag for her contribution regarding the topic of sacrifice in Thracian culture.
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[julilla]

In my readings of the early Roman empire, I was struck that before Julius Caesar, gladiators seem to have only been used at funeral celebrations. Of course, that did change, but I always wondered if gladiatorial combat was a long forgotten funeral sacrifice. Romans themselves often said that they had rituals that they didn't know the origin of, or even the purpose of, so I could see that this might be one of those things.

[michaelkthcfan]

My introduction to the term “soma” was from Huxley’s “Brave New World”. Nice to learn the noun has a very deep historical meaning. As with every aspect of Huxley’s society, soma lost any spiritual connotation and is just a ubiquitous mind altering drug.

[kylemacarthur]

Great video. The idea that you had to SEND someone to tell the gods what is needed is strange to me. Then I thought: How would this sacrificed person KNOW what everyone needs? Sure, they know what their closest friends and family need, but what about those in the village they DON'T know well? Those others would need to give the man to be sacrificed a list. A gift list.... Then he would hopefully check it twice and compare it to who has been naughty and nice.... then the sacrificed man, all in red now from blood, disappears to talk to the gods and only later, invisibly, return to give all the right gifts to all the right people. After that, he again disappears into the sky.... until the next list be needed... hohoho.

[disband_thebbc]

Thank you for sacrificing your time to produce this excellent video and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us.

[matthewbecker]

You almost had me with the extremely happy cats, but I'm glad I resisted the temptation. Another brilliant lesson, sir!

[jakeaurod]

When I hear about tactics in modern wars like drafting people to be used in human-wave attacks or as human-shields, one wonders if human sacrifice every really went away.

[Crowhag]

Very pleased with your delivery on the Dacian Sacrifice of the Messenger, Jon. As always, a deeply insightful video!

[christopherkrupa]

This Channel is such a gem. To think I accidentally clicked on a video 1 year ago. I now look forward to this channels releases lol

[myma]

Man, there are a few yotubers I passionately follow, but none of them makes me prepare a cup of tea, put it on the table, then start the video and wait for the magic words😂

[cherub]

I must account for a truly ridiculous number of views on this video by now because I keep playing it in the background as I'm going to sleep (I find your voice very soothing) but I always fall asleep too quickly and I want to learn more so I play it again the next night. The cycle continues 😄

[rodrigomachado]

As a former marketing undergraduate who learned something there, I suggest that you could use the words 'Mesopotamian', 'Babylonian', 'Phoenician', 'Ancient Israelite', be it in the title or as hashtags at the description of your Near Eastern videos, to attract more views! Those words seem to have strong appeal in streaming services.

[lindsayheyes]

Thank you for this, Jon, it's right up my street. I think that while "Theseus" is a description of sacrifice, it stands out - along with the Christian Easter story including The Harrowing of Hell - as being about bringing an end to a praxis of regular sacrifice... 'one sacrifice to end them all'. In that sense, "Theseus" is distinct from other labyrinth myths. That may account for its popularity with Christians, who regarded it as an 'ignorant prophecy' of the Easter Story.

I never understood the subject at all until I read Frazer, "The Golden Bough". Your modern take on it is refreshing.

[MaxArturo]

Would love an episode on horned deities like Cernunnos or Herne the hunter. Antlers, headdresses and their function.

[rodrigomachado]

Whoa just saw it, going to grab my cup of tea!

[andreybogoslowsky]

Since my high school, my educators, repeat it themselves like a mantra you have a gift from God and you should not ignore it. You should persist with your artistic call length, but keep in mind you will be sacrificing a lot in your life just to be an artist. Many years went by too fast, and I come to realize the choices I have made were the best and the most amazing things I have done in my life and I don’t see it as a sacrifice. I’m giving back to universe with the gift I was blessed with I work 16 hours a day I don’t care to get paid for my artwork I have friends I love I have children I love I’m all sad I don’t need anything. My life is so wonderful. So many people in this world are struggling with their every day existence, and more than that with their own mind. My mind is absolutely open like space. There is nothing in it, and from the emptiness everything comes out. How old is beautiful paintings, you see, or created out of emptiness and void.

[padmanabhanharidas]

And welcome.... to Cracganford. .... kind of epic 😁😎😎

[poppymoon]

I’m ready and willing to be highly uncomfortable. Love the channel and keep up the great work❤

[hengistcane]

Another excellent video.awesome knowledge my friend.really enjoyed it

[javikus]

Очень жду субтитры на русском, чтобы в полном смысле понять, о чем говорится в ролике. Но ставлю лайк заранее, ибо Crecganford делает то, что мне нравится!

[natecrookshank]

Such interesting stuff. I'd really love to see a children's book full of indo european myths