Many ancient cultures had a tradition of sacrificing animals to their gods. Peculiar to the Germanic tribes, however, was their divination of horses. Chosen for their white colouring and reared in sacred groves, their actions and movements were interpreted by the tribal priesthood. On occasion, horses were sacrificed to appease the gods or to enact the most powerful rituals. The sacrifices would then be hung within the sacred groves, their deaths enriching the trees and space within, giving tribute to the gods in return for the insights they granted.
