Ordeal by Fire

Before an ordeal by fire began, all involved would
take part in a religious rite. This rite lasted 3
days, and the accused underwent blessings, exorcisms,
prayers, fasting, and the taking of sacraments.

Then, it was time to be exposed to the fire. Sometimes
that meant carrying a lump of hot iron for a set
distance (3 meters or so). The other type of ordeal by fire
was walking blindfolded across hot coals. After the ordeal
the burn wound was wrapped up. After 3 days, the
injury was examined to divine innocence or guilt. If there was an
open sore, the defendant was guilty. If the wound was
healed over, the defendant was innocent.

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