Although they shunned temples and monuments, believing that their gods did not reside within such earthly structures, many Germanic tribes used ritual chariots. The idea was that a chariot conveyed a deity’s spirit through the countryside, such as the one dedicated to the Nerthus, the goddess of fertility. Attended by her priests, the only people permitted to touch the chariot, wherever the goddess stopped great celebrations and feasts would be held. During these celebrations, none were permitted to take up arms, all weapons being put aside.
