The blood eagle is a ritual method of execution, detailed in late skaldic poetry. According to the two instances mentioned in the Sagas, the victims were placed in a prone position, their ribs severed from the spine with a sharp tool, and their lungs pulled through the opening to create a pair of "wings".

What does it mean to Blood Eagle someone?

The Blood Eagle is a form of punishment and execution, thought to be used by the Vikings. ... The graphic ritual execution method sees the victim's back sliced open, so their ribs and lungs could be pulled out, whilst still alive. Their lungs were then arranged to resemble the wings of an eagle sticking out of their back.

Did Vikings really do the Blood Eagle?

Viking sagas describe the ritual execution of blood eagle, in which victims were kept alive while their backs were sliced open so that their ribs, lungs, and intestines could be pulled out into the shape of bloody wings. PinterestA blood eagle execution.