the natives may have interpreted certain phenomena, for 
no means exist by which their worth may be confirmed 
or rejected. 
Once trial by ordeal became established, it experienced 
an extremely widespread and devoted adoption by a large 
number of African tribes. Insecurity was undoubtedly 
u major factor in its success since most of the natives were 
so awed by the thought of evil spirits that they dared 
not retaliate for any wrong done to them by a fellow 
human being. Personal discussion between the offended 
and the offender was impossible. Fleeing to another vil- 
lage would mean social condemnation and a miserable 
life. And taking the problem to the head men of the 
village would result only in the awarding of the case to 
the defendant who could pay the larger amount. Hence, 
the native considered the ordeal a valuable means of se- 
curity, for it afforded definite protection against false ac- 
cusations and other troublesome situations. It clarified 
each atmosphere of suspicion and hostility. Moreover, 
in many tribes there was no personal stigma attached to 
the loser or his family, since the natives believed that one 
could be unconsciously controlled by demons. 
The applications of the ordeal covered any and all per- 
sonal and social crimes, but its widest use was in cases 
of suspected witchcraft. his is understandable when it 
is remembered how completely life was ruled by extra- 
sensory beings. Every social malady, be it an epidemic, 
a natural death, bad hunting, or any everyday discom- 
fort, was ascribed to the action of demons. This concept 
remained abstract in some tribes, notably those of Kast 
Africa, but in others it was believed that some member 
was either consciously or unconsciously responsible for 
every unfortunate occurrence. It was in this latter type 
of culture that the ordeal achieved its greatest and most 
pervading influence. For the only possible way to resist 
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