The Ancient Indo-European Midwinter Dog Sacrifice

The Indo-European warrior initiation rite of passage often included the sacrifice of a dog or a wolf. A boy might have to kill his own beloved dog in order to become a man. But why did they do this?
This ritual was not only carried out on the bronze age steppe. Similar rites were practiced from the Atlantic coasts of Europe all the way to the Ganges in India for thousands of years, the acts themselves and meanings behind them changing in descendant populations over the millennia.
What was its purpose? And what does it have to do with the famed warriors of Sparta and the founding of Ancient Rome?
This is the story of the Indo-European warrior initiation ceremony, the koryos, and the midwinter dog sacrifice.
If you enjoy my videos please consider supporting the channel
Patreon ➜ / dandavisauthor
PayPal ➜ paypal.me/DanDavisAuthor
Ko-fi ➜ ko-fi.com/dandavis
My Books
Godborn: Gods of Bronze 1 ➜ amzn.to/3nm2au1
All my books on Amazon ➜ amzn.to/3xngwz5
My Links
Website dandavisauthor.com/
Facebook: / dandavisauthor
Twitter: / dandaviswrites
Instagram: / dandavisauthor
Video Sources
Late Bronze Age midwinter dog sacrifices and warrior initiations at Krasnosamarskoe, Russia - Dorcas R. Brown and David W. Anthony
The Horse, the Wheel, and Language - David Anthony ➜ amzn.to/3aD3Rhu
The One-eyed God: Odin and the (Indo-) Germanic Männerbünde - Kris Kershaw ➜ amzn.to/3dRk8kW
The Myth of the Eternal Return: Cosmos and History - Mircea Eliade ➜ amzn.to/2SgJmS7
Rites and Symbols of Initiation: The Mysteries of Birth and Rebirth - Mircea Eliade ➜ amzn.to/3zk1xXq
Ancient Germanic Warriors - Michael P. Speidel ➜ amzn.to/3zZSqMD
(The above links include affiliate links which means we will earn a small commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you which is a way to support the channel.)
Video Chapters
00:00 What is the Midwinter Dog Sacrifice?
01:16 Why did they sacrifice dogs?
07:11 What was the initiation ritual like?
12:19 Historical examples of the rites
15:24 Archaeological evidence in Russia

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for watching! Please do hit like, it really helps us out. And if you enjoy my videos please consider supporting the channel: Join us on Patreon ➜ www.patreon.com/dandavisauthor Get my novels ➜ amzn.to/3xngwz5

[@CaucAsianSasquatch]

Wow.. absolutely amazing.

[@brianqm79]

All things die, just started reading Godborn very good thanks

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

I raised a dog from the age of 7. We hunted and we herded cattle together. When I was 19, my dog slipped on ice, fell beneath a visitor’s tires and sustained a painfully crippling injury. My dad and I drove through a blizzard at night to a vet. My dog whimpering, screaming. I carried him in. I held him during the injection. I carried his limp body back to the van. We drove home. We told my mom and sister who burst into tears. I wanted to bury him that night. So, Dad and I drove to the highest point on our farm. It commanded no view in the blizzard and dark. We cleared away snow. We broke through frozen earth to the loose soil beneath and dug deeply. We placed him and covered him. My dad in broken voice saying, “He was a good dog”. Returning home I went to my room. Lay down and finally permitted myself just one tear. One. (At that time I thought this manly virtue, not repression). Those boys were well practiced at killing. Having witnessed the slaughter of steers from my toddlerhood, hunted and sometimes killed sick animals, I’m confident they were fine with killing. I believe these boys were bearing the responsibility of manhood. Hands steady, their strike sure. No hesitation. What greater shame than two strikes? What betrayal to the dog if I must strike twice. What a burden of shame and guilt to not follow through and do it right. If you can’t do right by your dog their is no man to be found in you. Your dog fears death no more than napping. But aged with muscles stiff, eyes graying and easily winded; what troubles the dog is not being able to keep up with you; For to be with you in hunting and herding and feasting is All to them. When the time comes, a man does what he must. The old men know. As I chew the roasted flesh, my faithful companion and joyful servant joins my life as a man. My dear dog, what greater honor there may be, I am not worthy to offer. You gave all. May I be worthy of thee. I shall remember you even as I do my duty. These men knew fate called on them to give their life. They would go to their fate as willingly and gracefully as their dogs. And If fate should call on them to a strike a mercy killing of father, brother or friend, they would.

[@krakendragonslayer1909]

You commited a small inaccuracy in 0:01 in Bronze Age that steppe wasn't Russian. Russia aquired that steppe between 1540AD and 1700AD. In Bronze Age there was not even name "Russia" in existence. In late Bronze Age (Homer's time) it was "Argos the Horsebreeding", what was translated during Iron Age into Rossolania or Roxolania (meaning: the land of Horse hooves). In early Medieval (between 630AD and 850AD) name "Rossolania" was shortened into "Rus" (oldest document containing name "Rus" is c.a. 60 years older than Rurik's birthdate).

[@krakendragonslayer1909]

To be accurate you should call that land "The Great Steppe" or to be more precise in naming parts of it you should use river names and mountain range names, then it is accurate for millions of years. What if in next 10 years Chna and Turkey conquer that land. You want to remake your video with every change of political power?

[@jackdelvo2702]

A native America shaman was once ask by a young boy how it was the people became “human”. He answered, buy watching the canine we learned to hunt. By listening to their songs we learned to sing. By living with them we learned of family and loyalty. By being loved by them we learned to love. It is because of the canine we became human.

[@stormsa-coming4315]

I love this! Thanks

[@lorefox201]

[@davidlenz9902]

Wise and profound.

[@MastemaJack]

To bad it's wrong since if we weren't hunting before we domesticated wolves then they wouldn't have started to be domesticated. They followed us for food.

[@jackdelvo2702]

@@MastemaJack Perhaps before we were “human” it was our ancient ancestors that were the scavengers that took the scraps from the kills of the canines then after thousands of years we became partners in the hunt… and now……we work for them.

[@bc7138]

To think the Kurgan burial mounds were already a thousand years old by the time that we have evidence of these sacrifices being carried out by descendant cultures makes me realise how long these traditions lasted.

[@worndown8280]

Many Native American tribes slaughtered and consumed dogs to seal binding oaths. This is from a book in the 1850s about it. This cultural thing goes back tens of thousands of years to when Native Americans and Indo Europeans had a common ancestor. “The dog, amongst all Indian tribes, is more esteemed and more valued than amongst any part of the civilized world; the Indian who has more time to devote to his company, and whose untutored mind more nearly assimilates to that of his faithful servant, keeps him closer company, and draws him nearer to his heart. They hunt together and are equal sharers in the chase. Their bed is one and on the rocks and on their coat of arms they carve his image as the symbol of fidelity. Yet, with all of these, the Indian will end his affection with this faithful follower, and with tears in his eyes, offer him as a sacrifice to seal the pledge he has made to man; because a feast of venison or of buffalo meat is what is due to everyone and consequently has no meaning.”

[@cathjj840]

@@worndown8280 Fascinating quote. I knew about the very ancient genetic link, but to glimpse such a possible cultural link over so much time and space is mind blowing. (Also, to think of all those Euro descendants going over from the other direction and nearly annihilating their long lost kin...although that, too, I guess is in their shared tradition)

[@worndown8280]

@@cathjj840 we make sacred the things that matter most. To a man sacrificing the one thing that would never betray you to prove your worth to your fellow man, well its hard to imagine something more priceless.

[@stephenjohnston2502]

@@cathjj840 There are also native American flood myths, as well as myths of a sky father fighting a serpant. It is an ancient story.

[@sallymay3643]

@@cathjj840 Zach

[@seidr9147]

We are living in unbelievable times. I can watch for hours, for free, in YT quality history documents with captivating story telling and superbly made content. Thank you for sharing your stories with the rest of the world.

[@helenamcginty4920]

Agreed. I am 74 and grew up in the uk. Ordinary people when I was young had very little beyond daily needs. Few had a telephone in the house. Small tradesmen eg plumbers had vans. No one in our streets had a car. Some people bought tvs for the queens coronation. Neighbours were invited in to watch. I was 6 when the first tv arrived in our street. Everyone was invited to see it. Adults in the house us kids looking through the window. I was 13 when my brother was bought what was then an expensive calculator for christmas. Now here i am with a mobile watching stuff on you tube.

[@lastofthebest5102]

Nothing is free. If ever it is posed that something is free you are the product. Such as your habits and data...every mouse move every click every scroll. Any other lies you wish to spread online?

[@juneroberts5305]

​@Last of the Best I agree with your comment, but damn. That last line wasn't necessary. I doubt the OP posted because he want to spread malicious lies. For many people, if something doesn't have a monetary price, it is free. Why can't people be a bit more polite? Politeness really is free. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Moss_196]

I wonder if these rituals could also be tied into the myth of werewolves? Men becoming blood thirsty wolves, only deterred (or bribed) by silver.

[@juneroberts5305]

That's an interesting thought!

[@hfsk123]

That's what I thought too! The transformation of human to animal was certainly reminiscent of werewolf myths

[@MrRayCK]

Yes they do! But not the type of werewolf you know from the Hollywood movies. There is also a relation with Krampus (the helper of Saint Nicholas), the boogeyman, the color black (death, night, hallucinationbalm), witches and an ancient goddes of time (related to the Hindu goddess Kali). You will find out that churces are modern caves with comparasing rituals. European studentculture is linked with this rite-de-passage. Christmastree, dancing, learn to overcome fear, the helping hand of hallucination. Easter, Valentines Day, New Year Celebration, horn blowing, whipping and hitting with sticks. Fire, the man with the sack. Baba's, uncles, priests, sjamans, wise men, wise women, old gods. Female gods. Dwarves. Giants. And many things more. If you go down this rabbithole it will connect almost everything with everything. And it's almost worldwide. There are still a lot of initiation rites going on with roots in this ancient rite.

[@Ptaku93]

definitely

[@edwardealdseaxe5253]

It seems likely they were companion animals; given the significance of the sacrifice. It certainly would be a traumatic experience. Excellent content as always Dan!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much. Yes the bones of the dogs suggested they had good lives - they did not show healed fractures and other damage so they weren't beaten or ill treated.

[@digitallurke7710]

@@DanDavisHistory Naturally they weren't. Not the same but vaguely reminds me of the Ainu raising and nursing bear cubs then several years later sacrificing them.

[@MrBl3ki]

@@DanDavisHistory I think it might have been a form of appreciation - the old dog was probably some kind of an alpha dog or a successful/faithful companion. Killing him (instead of letting him fall apart of old age) might have been viewed as giving the dog due respect. IMO that would also match with the consumption part - eating his flash would cause his spirit not only elevate theirs into manhood, but continue to live through them as well.

[@riichobamin7612]

That still happens in my tribe, the Apatani tribe from Arunachal Pradesh, India. My full name is "Riicho Tilling Bamin", my name is "Riicho", "Tilling" is my clan name and "Bamin" is the name of my village. Basically my name means "Riicho of the clam Tilling from the village of Bamin". Originally it was "Bamin Tilling Riicho" but is was reversed as most of Indians couldn't understand the concept that there are communities who put their surname before the name. So everyone from the Tilling clan of the Bamin village is my family and we do not marry within each other and always support each other. Also we have "family friends" that we inherit from our ancestors with whom we exchange gifts in festivals lile Myoko. Same for my mom's tribe, the Adi tribe. She belongs to the Ering clan and every Ering is my family (I cannot marry an Ering girl). And special emphasis is given to the clans of my grandmothers (Tage clan for paternal grandmother and Jamoh clan for maternal grandmother). In any of our traditional religious ceremonies, the people of the Jamoh clan will be given the highest priority, the best food, the best gifts and the highest seat of honour, as they are my mother's mother.

[@CaucAsianSasquatch]

Observation.. coldest period also aligns well with the "starving time" on excellent time to butcher the smallest in the herd

[@cathjj840]

And kick the voracious mouths of teen boys away from your limited stores.

[@theknave4415]

imo, this is the origin of the werewolf mythos. Great work, as always, Dan. Thank you.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much. Yes it is related.

[@Finkeren]

There is some connection, yes, but don't make the mistake of believing, that the "werevolves" of ancient times bore much resemblance to the image and associated tropes of werewolves today. Our modern idea of, what a werewolf is and how it functions, is mostly an early modern creation with a heavy dose of much newer Hollywood inventions such as "lycanthropy" being transmitted from one person to another, vulnerability to silver or connection to the lunar cycle - all of which are 20th century inventions. Werewolves of antiquity and the medieval period were thought of either as "skin-changers" who could transform into wolves at will (and were often evil or villainous) or cursed individuals forced to live as wolves.

[@forthrightgambitia1032]

It is interesting to note Lupercalia was in February. The month gets its name from instruments used in the ceremonies for this festival called februa. So our very calendar preserves a reference to this ancient Indo-European practice as a hidden relic!

[@pripegalapobedonosni3324]

dog sacrifice existed among the native Americans. George Catlin described a Sioux ritual. A sacrifice of a companion for sharing friendship. Maybe it goes back to the ancient north eurasians. And thank you for another great video.

[@evbbjones7]

I just love your channel Dan. :D BY FAR my favorite channel that covers bronze age content. It's crazy how empty this niche is in the youtube history community, and you are filling it AMAZINGLY! It always blows my mind how long these periods of history actually went on. We have such a warped frame of context in the modern world of what 'progression' looks like. These people lived virtually the same way as their ancestors 50 generations removed. Can get lost in that thought for days. :)

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you so much, I'm delighted to hear that.

[@capitaoalcir]

@@DanDavisHistory IT IS MORE LIKE READING THEN HEARING...CAUSE IS IN WRITING AND NOT ORALLY EXPRESSED !!!

[@Getorix]

People don't realize that the stoneage was the longest period of human existence. Thousands of years.

[@bruhistantv9806]

It goes far longer than even that... Analysis of common myths, religious traditions and practices as well as cultural ones from Europe all the way to the Americas suggest there is a common tradition stretching all the way back to the primordial, 24k years old Siberian Mal'ta-Buret' culture, the joint ancestors of Europeans and Native Americans... So ancient, it's scary. Survive the Jive has a video on this

[@monkpato]

@bruhistan tv do you know the name of that video?

[@demitriusrawluk5747]

This has quickly become one of my favourite channels on KZbin. The information you relay is enormously valuable and insightful, carrying on, to a certain degree, the traditions of those who came before and gave us the foundation of what we have today.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much, that means a lot.

[@RatBrain]

You should check out his books. I got the free story from his website and halfway through that i immediately ordered the first Godborn book.

[@MrTomFlan]

Great video Dan. Werewolf myths are definitely founded in these IE traditions and ceremonies

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you. Yes it is related. Stories of men being transformed into wolves in Norse and Greek mythology for example.

[@mattheweagles5123]

A man/wolf that should be feared could easily be the basis of the werewolf legend. Good thinking.

[@deewesthill1213]

Canine-headed men. Werewolves. Anubis the Egyptian canine god. Goofy the Disney canine god. 😆

[@DMTOGL]

Can you make a video on the Ötzi the Iceman? There is some new research on his body and his story. Thank you for the work!

[@sanderson9338]

If you know the story don't request it. Learn something new.

[@liquidoxygen819]

I was itching for my fix! Always a fantastic day when there’s a new Dan Davis upload. Cheers!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@ariomannosyemo9090]

Wonderfully made. It was definitely a brutal time and it's hard for us in our largely domesticated lives to really grasp the purpose and/or necessity of such a ritual.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you. Yes their lives could be unbelievably hard. Potential death through starvation, disease or violence was never that far away.

[@BandAid350z]

@null “A king does not need to remind others that he is king.” “Largely domesticated” was the term used not “entirely domesticated.” If it does not apply to you, don’t worry about it. That you seem to be bothered suggests more about you than what was stated by OP. As it stands, many contemporary societies ARE largely domesticated compared to only a century or so ago. Even our ‘warriors’ speak of “diversity and inclusivity” and kneel before postmodernist drivel.

[@myrddinemrys1332]

@null He got that quote from this channel.

[@BandAid350z]

@null that is an old quote and not specific to its modern translation or use. It’s been used in various ways and in various societies since recorded history. Again, you seem upset at what I say when I am essentially agreeing with you that much of western society _is_ domesticated. But my point is that not all and OP was saying the same thing. You being bellicose to that point suggests that you aren’t as well, I guess. My other point was that your comment seems silly and superfluous in all that you’re asserting is “I’m not domesticated.” OPs comment wasn’t directed at you, nor do you dissuade anyone from thinking that’s the case when no one seemed concerned about it except you. TLDR; you took offense to something that wasn’t directed at you and your outburst belies your own assertions.

[@ThursonJames]

@null I think you might be spending too much time on the internet.

[@mercianthane2503]

Yup, killing your own dog was certainly a way of hardening your senses, to bring yourself to kill others without remorse. If you did it once with something so close to you, then obviously you can do it again against those who are not close to you. By the way, a video on how, possibly, the worship of Wodanaz might've developed from PIE to Germanic Tribes would be interesting.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

I understand your point but have some different thoughts if you’re interested in discussion. I posted it recently in general comments. Like you, I find this really interesting, but my experience with it is very personal. In my experience “resolved” is the word, not “hardened” and it’s more about living as a man not how to kill. Not trying to be contrary, I just find this really intriguing.

[@karlquenzer8194]

@@cipherklosenuf9242 I honestly think both approaches are too profane. It's a sacret ritual, performed by highly spiritual people. It is not a form of behaviour therapy.

[@AuntyKsTarot]

@@karlquenzer8194 coming from a culture (Lakota) that still has dog sacrifice, I agree. Plus tribal societies didn’t harden to death they met it, felt the loss they took. What better way to understand this loss then to sacrifice your dog. We dog sacrificed to remember our mistakes of domestication. The other responses are very rooted in western thought.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@karlquenzer8194 I don’t know if you read my post in the general comments or just the one on this thread responding briefly to Mercian. My personal experience I wouldn’t describe as profane (and maybe you haven’t read that which is fine, it’s long). I’m suggesting that to do what must be done for a crippled dog (or person ) requires setting aside one’s emotional response and committing your mind to acting. If I can’t set aside my personal feelings then the emotional trauma of my mind, and maybe the revulsion of my stomach will render me ineffective and unable to act properly. I suggest each boy performed the sacrifice, but certainly the killing may have been done by a priest. Either way, A spiritual ritual that involves an actual blood sacrifice requires real action in the real world with a real weapon not just magic words. In this context taking action is spiritual too, just as fire is hot and produces light.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@AuntyKsTarot Hello Aunty K, thanks for your insights. Understanding loss and remembering mistakes of domestication. I don’t know if you read my post in the general comments or just the one here to Mercian. My personal experience was felt very deeply but my life experience on a family farm conditioned me to set aside my emotional response and train my mind to act in doing what needed to be done, not as a helpless child but as a man, even though I was deeply affected. The Lakota and other tribes continue to practice the Sun Dance which involves offering one’s body in pain and suffering. To meet that gracefully without wincing without complaint and to endure and endure …requires a lot of letting go. They still feel but they move beyond. When doing what we must do involves killing one must met that in the right way to be effective. It seems to me that all tribal cultures have always and continue to ritualize doing what is considered right within their culture to met life and death as human beings. It’s not just saying some magic words, it’s also doing things right. Life depends on it.

[@Quacklebush]

I say it every time. This is my fav channel! It checks every single box for me. No long panned out scenes of overly winded filler. Always straight to the juicy stuff with so much detailed information and non biased perspectives. Smooth relaxed story telling. And the time periods you cover are what I've been searching for for so long. Migration periods I have always found the most fascinating and since learning of the Sea Peoples years ago I've always wanted to know more of the lesser known cultures of the bronze age and pre history. You sir are a bad ass. Please keep this amazing content coming!!

[@mattheweagles5123]

The legend of a warrior raising a dog and having to kill it as part of "graduation" is still told about special forces around the world (SAS, Navy Seals, Spetsnaz etc ).

[@fghjjjk]

U watched too much dog soldiers! 😂🐶

[@mattheweagles5123]

@@fghjjjk didn't Kingsmen also include it? I think I first heard the story in the 90's from some impressionable young infantrymen. No idea how long that story had gone from generation to generation. Probably back to the bronze age.

[@btf1287]

I think special forces in Brazil have to kill cute things like rabbits or something, but its just savagery in disguise for machismo and bravado

[@factsandtruth9917]

Spetsnaz Still raise and kill chickens I believe. Also the disgusting Israeli Mossad raises and kills kittens.

[@micksidious320]

i was in a british unit and all i had to kill was a rabbit during my selection hardly the same

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Being a woman in this period would have been terrifying. Did they have their own rites? Is anything known about abortion practices or female suicides?

[@joeljanssonhernstrom1819]

Abortion during the stone age? Hardly likely.

[@chum145]

Lol why would it be terrifying just because you couldn’t kill babies?

[@theangryholmesian4556]

@@chum145 Babies? Fetuses aren't babies. And spoiler alert! You can DIE in childbirth. Especially before the advent of modern medicine!

[@paleochris2358]

I love Indo European studies. I greatly admire the professors like Mallory and Anthony, but you give the content a creative bent. Great work, well done my friend.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you.

[@wileymadfox]

Traditions like this still carry on today.. like a young hunter having the blood of their first kill wiped onto their cheeks or forehead.

[@rachaelerin1]

The idea that ancient cultures decided teen boys were better left to roaming in packs in the wild until they were ready to rejoin society is honestly hilarious to me. In all seriousness, thank you for providing such quality historical content.

[@ericesper348]

Once again as I mentioned in one of your previous videos this this ritual and this The importance of canines really gives insight to the Irish hero Cu Chullain. A video on your take of that could be really fun.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thanks Eric. Actually yes I had cu Chulainn in the draft script as another example but cut it out. I am planning videos on Ireland.

[@jamalwilson3513]

I being a dog lover myself, I never realized how many cultures consumed canines for sustenance. The ancient Incas Aztec or Maya used to raised dogs like cattle or sheep for meat !!!

[@chungusdisciple9917]

You, Toldinstone, and Thersites the historian are my history KZbin holy trinity. Happy new year.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@pasquinomarforio]

Great. Once again. Thank you for these tremendous stories of our past.

[@GriffinParke]

Great video, really interesting. I've heard people are close to death are met by someone who they were close to but has already died. I wonder if these boys expected to be met by their particular dog that they'd killed when the reached the afterlife? Maybe this then changed over time, and dogs or wolves became the guardian of the underworld.

[@enochlove]

Absolutely fascinating!! Thank you so much. Stoked to learn about the topics at the end of the video

[@mnforager]

I truly love this channel and can't get enough of these videos and the quality of this research. It brings history alive like nothing else

[@Catonius]

You did a great job summarising the Lupercalia. You should be a writer or something... Another brilliant video. Your content is truly first rate. Many thanks and salute.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@Catonius]

@@DanDavisHistory Thank *you*

[@sageknoll3285]

Excellent work sir! Shared.

[@86godhand]

Would most certainly enjoy more videos on this topic. amazing job

[@olinayoung6287]

Outstanding, truly!! Thank you 🌟🌟🌟!

[@ethanrumley746]

This explains So much So soo much

[@86godhand]

What an amazing video. Thank you

[@LuxisAlukard]

Great video! Learnt something new today!

[@andrewness]

Another great video, Dan! Love this channel.

[@fhopkins6562]

as ever, cracking stuff mate!

[@magnusekenhjarta3436]

Another well researched and fascinating glimpse into our ancient past, narrated with immersion and authority. These videos belong to the very highest level of quality and value in my opinion. Thank you!!

[@grandmastersreaction1267]

7 minutes in and this is already amazing

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

Well done, as expected. What more can I say. You're a man of the world, obviously.

[@sirseigan]

THANK YOU for mentioning "a special combination of these", all too many stare them selves blind at just one at the time...

[@piotrmroczkowski2324]

Excellent as allways. Great job with the visuals.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you.

[@keving1318]

Fantastic! Well presented and does explain the origin of Lupercalia! Thanks so much!

[@platoplombo15]

Love your vids. Went back and re-read Mircea Eliade's 'Rights and Symbols of Initiation' due to your work...then this vid drops! Would love a collab with you and Survive the Jive.

[@UriahBennett]

I found your channel just recently, and I want to say how great your content is. 💯

[@thatworksmedia]

Love your videos!

[@timrohan8792]

Best channel on KZbin by far Dan. Thank you for making all these videos. Much appreciated. I was so excited when I saw this right when I opened up KZbin when I got into bed tonight. Nice little treat.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much.

[@jonwickmanwiik6773]

A very interesting topic!

[@renaatsenechal]

Thank you, very cool, I already knew that there used to be some ritual, but this explains it in great details!

[@marcosenarosa4877]

Awesome video

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Fantastic video again! Beautifully designed and very informative. And you are a great storyteller! Greets from the Netherlands 🌷, T.

[@joeshmoe8345]

Great stuff thanks

[@crighi6631]

Still being done today in some form in Moldova Republic. Before New Years eve, children in the village go out and hunt down any dog on the streets, and there are plenty of strays. They club it to death and use their skins to make drums that are used in new year celebrations. Since they don't treat the skin in any way, it goes bad and the ritual is repeated next year. Damn awful to see and hear

[@kathybrem880]

How sickening they deserve whatever foul fate they get

[@crighi6631]

@@kathybrem880 the lack of education and poverty are the reasons this tradition survived. deserving this only perpetuates such customs

[@msg5879]

@@kathybrem880 I agree, without the respect, spititual component, and preparation it is just straight wicked murder

[@faithlesshound5621]

In England, and probably other countries, the criminal community, which has a "warrior culture" of sorts, is associated with the sport of dog fighting in which many dogs are reared in a cruel way and made to fight to the death. Other men take part in this as a "manly" activity. This was banned long ago, as was cock fighting, but still goes on covertly. Dogs used for racing or hunting are killed when they grow too old, and this is sometimes done in a cruel way such as by hanging. This again is done covertly as a taboo activity. Until the abolition of fox hunting, the English upper classes carried on the tradition of "Blooding," in which the tail of the fox, dipped in its blood, was rubbed on the face of a child attending his or her first hunt. We may also see a remnant of a primitive rite of passage in the indulgence given to the bullying and sexual abuse of schoolchildren and young workers and soldiers, especially in the boarding establishments attended by the elite. This was traditionally seen as "building character." In Germany this is taken to the extreme of deliberately getting wounded on the face by a duelling sword as a member of a "Corps" and making sure that the scar heals badly. At the other end of the social scale, boys may regard their first spell "inside" as the transition to adulthood, during which they receive higher education in criminality and after which they receive more respect from their peers.

[@Vicus_of_Utrecht]

Keeps the stray pop down.

[@contactlight8079]

The wolf culture is facinating. More on this please. Great job on these uploads. Thank you !

[@benmcseveny7067]

Brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed this one Dan. I really dig how you wove the narrative and journey. There's a strong sense of awe and connection for me in seeing elements of such an ancient rite descending through generations and surviving to literate cultures. Great production. Thank you.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you Ben, I'm really glad you liked it. This was one I intended to make over 6 months ago.

[@rachel_Cochran]

Thank you for this. This has been your most interesting video yet for me, which is saying a lot considering this is my favorite channel. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the lives of those in the past in all of your videos

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you Rachel, I appreciate it. Glad you liked it so much.

[@rachel_Cochran]

@Dan Davis History listening to the berserker one now, equally informative. Where should I buy your books that most benefits you? And which book would you suggest I start with?

[@DanDavisHistory]

Best one would be Godborn which is available in eBook, audiobook, paperback and hardback all from Amazon: amzn.to/3nm2au1 Cheers, I hope you enjoy the story.

[@Rockstar-bq5fm]

Your videos keep getting better guy. The scenes really put the point across. some pretty funny and clever visuals

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you.

[@johnmalmgren905]

Fantastic channel, keep it up.

[@Misanthropic-King]

First time watching. I absolutely loved the video man, you’ve definitely earned the subscribe

[@seanwhelan879]

Watching a TV series at the moment called Romulus and Remus and season 1 is all about this rite of passage really good show , throughly enjoyed that Dan more please . I usually watch an episode 2 or 3 times so I don't miss anything. Brilliant

[@DanDavisHistory]

Oh yeah? Awesome, I'll have to check it out.

[@mattia1026]

Great content as always, it's a breat of fresh air in the historical content landscape oversaturated with other historical periods and pop cultures. I find the content in this video in particular to be very fascinating from slew of different points of view and this brings me to several reflections on humanity, the role of man throughout the millennia, and modern society. One phrase in particular stood out to me: "the boy would have to die so that the man could be born".

[@weldyhammerboi4382]

Great vid again! Would love to hear your thoughts on Arthurian legend and its origins, similar to your Robin Hood vid?

[@captainbloth]

Noooo... poor doggo :( Great video :)

[@petedandrea8463]

Everyone that has owned and lost a dog should read Rudyard Kiplings The Power of a Dog

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

Your videos inspired me to try one of your novels; "Godborn". it didn't take long to see that you are an immensely impressive story teller. Thanks for writing the books!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you 🙏

[@notahero5828]

Grabbed the audiobook of your first book. Enjoying it so far!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Wonderful, glad to hear it!

[@mnforager]

@@DanDavisHistory do you read your audiobooks?

[@DanDavisHistory]

No, John Lee reads the Immortal Knight Chronicles and Alex Wyndham reads Gods of Bronze.

[@30035XD]

I come from a fucked up country were stray dogs run the streets in gangs. They are always hurt and needing help so I made a habit of adopting whichever dog came my way in need and had something between 3 to 6 dogs at all times growing up. I love them beyond almost anything else. I also had to kill many of the worst injured ones. The worst was one I had to kill with a machete, which was the only weapon available at the time for me. I was 13. I am 38 now and I never forgot it. Another bad one was one that looked in my eyes and feebly waggled its tail while I aimed the rifle at its head. Both died quickly but it was little comfort to me. I have had killed at least 6 dogs for similar incurable wounds or diseases.I cannot even imagine doing that to a dog you raised and that is perfectly healthy. Powerful rite indeed. It made me stronger though. Just the other day I came across a young seagull in a parking lot with a compound fracture on the wing that was festered and rotting and smelling bad already. I ended its suffering with my bare hands. Tough as always, but I never lost the ability do do hard things when inevitable. Like they say, some things either make you or break you. Excellent content as always Dan. Keep up the good work. And go work on those books, I cannot wait for the next issue of the tale of Herkulos. Cheers

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

Thanks for posting that Artigas. I can relate. I posted my story to the general comments recently if you want to check it out. I euthanized a few animals. I once finished a kitten that had been shook by a dog. Blunt force shovel to the head. Placed in hole. Then decapitated. I know you know why… end the suffering fast and be certain it is dead. Personally, I’m vegan now. Are you vegan as well?

[@30035XD]

@@cipherklosenuf9242 good on you for taking one for the animal. It is hard on us but it is a kind act still. No mate, I am a lover of the animals but also of meat. I grew up in a small farm and have raised pigs that I slaughtered and ate. Even pigs are not easy to kill. It never really got easier to be fair. Maybe I am soft but even killing a chicken was a job I always hated. That said, I love hunting on a rare occasion and I could never give up on meat to be honest. My wife is vegetarian though, I hope she is picking up some of my slack on that hahahha. Have a nice evening. Cheers.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you very much for your comment. It's amazing what you did to help those dogs - and the seagull. I am working on books but it will take a while I'm afraid. Thanks again.

[@cipherklosenuf9242]

@@30035XD Cool. The people hunting and/or raising their own meat really take that responsibility for the killing and usually have genuine respect for the life they take. What I get really irritated with is the hypocrisy of people who have never and “would never” kill but insist on their “right” to eat flesh from a meat industry that exploits animals and people. I’m happy to soak beans myself. I rinse them and boil them without mercy🤪. Good hunting friend and good health to your pigs. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if your wife is the better half?? If that’s true we share that in common as well!😜Cheers!

[@30035XD]

@@DanDavisHistory thank you Dan for the great content. Keep it up mate!

[@Anesthesia069]

This is fascinating!

[@josephmalenab4657]

Cheers thanks again for the data you are great I'm indebted to you and your videos cheers have a wonderful day

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you Joseph, I'm glad you liked the new video.

[@HistoryBro]

Great vid, Bro!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you, Bro.

[@alexanderwagner4587]

This totem warrior tradition dates back much further than the late Neolithic or Bronze Age in Europe, it goes all the way back to the Bear Cult of the Neanderthals.

[@seankessel3867]

Dan you are absolutely DESTROYING IT here. What I want however are citations, bibliographies, something that I can use to dig deeper into all this info you pack into these videos. If you put something like that on your Patreon, I'd join in a heartbeat.

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you Sean. All the sources are in the descriptions of every video.

[@bipolarpanda15]

Absolutely fascinating

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you.

[@Bogey1022]

Fantastic stuff

[@seanmclaren8829]

Your work is amazing Dan. Thank you very much. This fills in so many historical gaps and their meanings that many of us modern men are lacking in feeling our connection and purpose. Gives me the shivers. You know, when then that happens, one's ancestors are speaking.

[@FortressofLugh]

Good one!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Cheers bro!

[@sandrafreeman515]

That ritual was insane, imo, as well as unnecessary and as evil as Cain killing Abel. Thoroughly disgusting!

[@thefisherking78]

I don't like where we came from. But I appreciate how important it is and how influential it is today.

[@seanwhelan879]

O I can't believe I got a notification from you Dan going to get my lyons tea and my buds and sit back for some quality time with one of my favourite channels and listen to a history lesson with superb narration and research just fantastic, really really appreciate your efforts for this platform just very enjoyable can't thank you enough for this great work. Peace 🇮🇪

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you Sean.

[@repetemyname842]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. My dog, on the other hand, not so much...

[@patrickvernon2749]

Excellent!! 🙏🏻

[@blakebrunson7278]

Great content

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you.

[@markuhler2664]

Incredible video. I'm amazed that the archeologists/folk lorists/linguists/etc can put together this information on a pre-literate society. Thank you so much for bringing it to us.

[@Tortall2012]

Can’t wait to see studio update when you feel it’s complete… then again things we live and work in are never truly done

[@darynvoss7883]

Hey, I love your work. Do you have any videos on the Hittites, or early Indo-Europeans in Anatolia generally?

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you. I don't yet but I will.

[@jonathanwilliams1065]

The Hittites were not indo Europeans, at least not the early ones

[@spaceartist1272]

content to the core! yeeeees

[@DipityS]

Interesting. Confronting, yes, yes it is for me, but also fascinating. thank you.

[@destructionindustries1987]

14:41 I can't help but notice that many ancient tales involved royalty children being raised away from society and therefore become great.

[@versa3447]

Such a fascinating video sir! I would love a second part is one could be made!

[@DanDavisHistory]

Thank you. Yes there is more to be said about these traditions for sure.

[@PizzamudGames]

I have to wonder why wolves were used in some situations, particularly if it was a “bring your own” dog to sacrifice scenario. Men who didn’t have valid dogs? Men who chose not to use their own dogs and would rather risk the danger of hunting a wolf? Different social rank? I can say that if I were in that position and it was a valid option I would face down an entire wolf pack to capture one over killing a dog close to me. I think I would have little qualms killing enemy humans if I have to, but I’m closer to my dog than I am to most of my friends. I think I would gladly fight anyone to the death that would have me kill my dog (assuming it was happy and in good health).

[@azurephoenix9546]

Add to that that your dog which you had raised and who knew you inside and out, could read your emotional state, even potentially be trained for strategic attacks as a partner in battle fighting, hunting, etc. Would all be worth preserving and maintaining over a foreign dog or wolf who didn't know you and wasn't your companion and partner and was otherwise useless to you.

[@pinesandtraplines]

The "bring your own dog" sacrifices were probably done specifically because it was so close to you. In a way, it was teaching young men about losing a close friend before they go into battle. In many cultures that believe in some form of animism, usually they see the eating of meat as a kind of magic. The Ojibwe and other northern native american tribes have taboos around cannibalism in situations of starvation, but at the same time cannibalize their enemies during war. The wolf skins were likely from cultures that didnt kill their dogs in that way, but thats just my opinion. The video mentioned the use of "dog skins" instead of wolf skins, so Im thinking the different ways of doing such rituals lead to some men hunting wolves instead of killing their own dogs as the same lesson, probably because of how valuable hunting dogs could be. Teaches young men about the loss of life in war before theyre sent out to raid. The wolf hunt would teach similar lessons about brotherhood, though it wouldnt be the same as sacrificing your own dog.

[@haleyguthrie3113]

Have you ever watched a pack of wolves? Or a pod of Killer Whales (known as the wolf of the sea). The difference between these (and some other animals) and a herd is the unspoken loyalty. Their own unique hunting styles and languages, they have been known to grieve. The wolf was a well controlled monster. Love, kinship, foraging, and hunting for the pack without gluttony. Just enough to maintain a circle of life. But still able to learn. Able to defend their loved ones with ruthless tactics, becoming a monster. Those are rather good qualities and indo Europeans would have recognized that.

[@faithlesshound5621]

@@haleyguthrie3113 Criminal gangs and political parties also instill and insist on such qualities, especially the experience of "killing the thing you love." New members of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard had to kill a relative, which would alienate them from their family and clan. New MPs in New Labour under Tony Blair had to speak and vote against their own and their constituents' interests, especially just before they were demoted. It would not surprise me to find this in Machiavelli.

[@davisantin1820]

Great content Dan, I always enjoy a lot the information that you bring. But, have you ever thought about diversifying the music for your videos? I think it could make a lot of differences for those who watch them a lot

[@DanDavisHistory]

I've used more than 200 pieces of music in 35 videos.

[@davisantin1820]

@@DanDavisHistory Sorry I haven't noticed, but there is this one tune (I think you know wich one is it) wich is the same as Daddy Noel uses for his bodybuilding tiktoks that I have felt was maybe a little bit overused

[@nicholaspikos7012]

This was a very interesting video. Obviously I had heard of the Spartan coming of age ceremonies and the lupercalia as I minored in ancient history for a couple of years back in the late 90's but I had not realised the ancient roots or links to other Indo-European people, which is kind of surprising because I love history passionately as a hobby and am fascinated by link's between religion/myth and even cultural practices that obviously share strong parallels in say story but are separated by such great distance in time and space that it is not immediately obvious where if any continuity exists. So this video inspired much thought as well as intrigue in me while being entertaining. I'd love for someone to research and talk about the parallels between Krishna and Christos. There are also parallels between Krishna and Achilles. Love your work, keep putting the videos out and I will keep watching, liking and sharing at the very least. When I can and when I figure out my budget I think this might be one worth joining on patreon

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

My notification didn't activate for this. Glad I decided to check the channel anyway and adjust my setting.

[@attemptedunkindness3632]

In Ireland, Donegal in particular, there seems to be an opposite outlook towards canines. From Cu Chulainn to the geas of the descendants of Niall regarding eating dog meat. It seems the opposite that it is considered evil to eat a dog. On the same hand, dogs that eat humans are considered cursed and the community often leaves them alone for fear of striking them down will impart evil unto you. In the days of famine, the island of Arranmore had many people starving, and many well-fed hounds running around the Island, we simply would not eat the dogs even if it meant starvation. Fast forward to my time in the 90s for my grandmother's funeral, being a kid and an American I didn't understand why so many Islanders dropped to their knees and did the sign of the cross at the sight of one of the island dogs running around with a large bone in their mouth. It was quickly discovered it was a sheep bone, not a human bone, and then there was much rejoicing and petting of the dog. The dog didn't cross over into the geas.

[@Cardan011]

In Serbia very common name is Vuk -Wolf or variations of it, lots of last names with it as well, there were some ancient pre Christian customs regarding wolves that are now almost but forgotten

[@spartailukurgosz1392]

These are some long ass 3 weeks between your videos! I regret binge watching them all.

[@DanDavisHistory]

I'm doing my best mate.

[@spartailukurgosz1392]

@@DanDavisHistory Sure you do! Quality takes time, I know that. It meant to be a compliment, but I'm not a native speaker, it would sound better in my native language, I guess.

[@krakendragonslayer1909]

In Polish mountains where Scythian (Shqipheria, Scotish) ethnicity was assimiliated into Slavic one, creating ethnic group called "Górale", we still conduct this rite, with "extatic" dances with axes, with singing epic songs about ancestors and with jumping into fire. Catholic priests hate that to the apogeum. They sometimes even refuse a communion untill next Great Friday for everyone participating in it.