ABSTRACT
https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315828060/49546f0e-ce84-4e70-9b40-7107f16ee305/content/ufig_a_B.tif" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>LTHOUGH the traditions and beliefs of the Greeks and Romans have left unmistakable traces in the eschatology of Western Europe, so far as the Anglo-Saxons are concerned there is not the slightest doubt that the beliefs of our heathen ancestors also contributed to the views held by mediæval writers. It is certainly noteworthy that whereas the classical beliefs set forth by Virgil contain no reference to a bridge, but emphatically speak of a ferry, in mediæval legends the Brig o’ Dred constantly recurs. It is, of course, possible that this is derived from Lucian, but a Norse origin is just as likely, and in any case the fact that such a belief was current among the Teutonic races of Northern Europe would strengthen the influence of the tradition derived from Lucian, to the detriment of the Ferry boat, which is found in Roman beliefs. It is thus with peculiar interest that we turn from the sunny lands and azure sea of the Mediterranean to the grey seas and bleak mountains of Scandinavia in order to study the beliefs of the Danes and Norse-men, which were undoubtedly similar to those held by the heathen Anglo-Saxons, who swept away the Roman civilisation in these lands.
