Le sacrifice du sang

An atmospheric precursor to 'The Wicker Man' depicting the ritual of live human sacrifice administered by a stern looking Gunnar Björnstrand whose flock huddle against the cold and await the arrival of this season's offering to the Norse gods; whose steaming blood is soon splashing over their faces and to whom a mother enthusiastically holds up her naked child in order to catch their share.

The intent faces of the congregation looming menacingly out of the dark are complimented by incongruously cheerful music by Björn Schildknecht, which ushers in the annual renewal which every year without fail has rewarded the midwinter sacrifice with the spring thaw.