2. Blood eagle
It is hard to fathom today’s Scandinavians as direct descendants of fearsome Vikings, who ravage half of Europe during their reign of terror in early Middle Ages. One of their most gruesome methods of execution was Blood Eagle. There are only a few recorded instances of this sentence ever carried as it was apparently too brutal even by Viking’s standards. Part execution, part sacrifice to bloodthirsty Odin, the sentence consisted of carefully separating victim’s ribs from his spine and pulling his lungs outside, forming an illusion of wings, which gave it its name. The victim usually died on the spot, which is actually merciful compared to some death sentences on the list.
