Ethnogrnphical Memoir on the Nations of Slavonian Race. 53 



more magnificent edifice. The following is a translation of the passages 

 to which reference has been made in both the authors to whom we are 

 indebted for these accounts. 



"There is," says Dithmar, "in the country of the Rhedarii, a certain 

 citv, by name Riedegast, (so he terms the town, after its tutelar divinity,) 

 of a three-horned shape, liaving three gates, one in each horn ; surrounded 

 on every side by a vast wood, held sacred, and untouched by the inhabit- 

 ants. Two of the said gates are open to all comers ; the third, which is 

 towards the east, and is the smallest, leads, by an obscure path, to the 

 adjoining sea. Near this path there is a temple, curiously built of wood, 

 which is supported on the horns of different beasts. The walls of this 

 temple are curiously adorned with figures of gods and goddesses sculptured 

 upon them, as it appears to those without ; but in the interior stand the 

 statues themselves, fearfully dressed, the names of each being cut on their 

 caps or coats of armour. There are likewise the standards of the gods, 

 which are never moved from the temple, except in military expeditions. 

 In order to preserve all these sacred things, ministers are appointed speci- 

 ally by the natives, who, when they meet to sacrifice to the idols, or to 

 appease their anger, sit, while the others stand round, and muttering to 

 each other inaudibly, dig holes in the earth with gestures, and then, throw- 

 ing in lots, inquire into the events of dubious things. In each different 

 region there is a different temple, and different images are worshipped by 

 the pagans ; but the city and temple above mentioned occupied the 

 principal place. When they go to war, they salute this, [image] and when 

 they return, they honour it with due rewards, and inquire diligently by 

 lots, what sacrifice is to be offered to it. Tiie ineffable fury of these gods 

 is mitigated by the blood of men and of cattle." 



It is probable that these images which Ditlimar mentions, whose names 

 were engraved on their armour or caps, are the very same which were for- 

 tunately discovered at Prilwitz. 



Adam of Bremen, gives the following account: — "There are other 

 Slavonian nations, wlio dwell between the Albia and the Oder, the Heveidi, 

 who are near the river flaliola, and the Ronani, the Luihuzzi, the Wiltzi, 

 Stodwani, and many others. Among tiiese the Rlictharii are the most 

 central in situation, and they are the most powerful of all. Tiieir city, 

 most commonly called Rethre, is the seat of idolatrous worship. In it there 

 is a great temple constructed to the honour of demons, of whom the prince 

 is Radegast. His image is of gold; iiis bed of purple. The city itself has 

 nine gates. It is enclosed on every side by a deep lake, over which a 

 wooden bridge affords a passage, open only to those who resort for the 

 purpose of offering sacrifice or consulting the oracle. From this temple 

 there is a journey of four days, as it is related, to the city of Hammaburg. 



After the second and final destruction of Rhetra, its name was totally 

 lost, and its site was unknown. Masch, however, has given good reasons 



No. 2.— Vol. II. i» 



