Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 155, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 July 1918 — THOR’S HAMMER STILL USED [ARTICLE]

THOR’S HAMMER STILL USED

English Fishermen Consider It a Charm Against Drowning—Some Other Peculiar Beliefs. The fishermen of Whitby would never dream of venturing out of port without a little hammer-shaped bone, from the head of a sheep, known as “Thor’s hammer,” as this little object is a very special charm against drowning. The mole’s foot is also a “sure” cure for toothache or cramp—according to locality. Amputated limbs are in some cases preserved so that the cripple may not be deficient in this wr spect in the next world. At Scarborough an old peasant had come to be regarded as almost a wizard, for the country folks from round about come to him for relief from rheumatism. His “cure” consists of a copper bangle and ring, and on either end of the bangle two small-bore brass cartridge cases are wedged. These charms are sold to the patient In Suffolk a girl always keeps her first tooth; then when she marries tmA has a child the tooth is suspended about the infant’s neck during teething, as it is said to bring instant relief. These superstitions mostly exist in the counties which are washed by the North sea. Doubtless they are survivals of the days of the bold Viking marauders. —Ireland’s Own.