Researching and writing Chapter 12 proved one of the most humorous of the entire book. Norse wedding rituals came up, specifically the negotiations involved in a marriage. Why so amusing? For one thing, the negotiations were between the two families, and my parents and my wife’s parents despised each other. We kept them apart as much as possible for over thirty years. For another, ask yourself just how many goats your spouse is worth. Then discuss that question with her (or him) and try to keep a straight face! Then you can talk about the reasons for a Viking divorce, and we haven’t even discussed how to ask your wife about her morning-gift!
Enjoy!