Eaters of the Dead: The Manuscript of Ibn Fadlan Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter Two, The Ways of the Oguz Turks Summary

Chapter Two, The Ways of the Oguz Turks Summary

Ibn Fadlan begins this chapter by telling the reader about the Oguz Turks. These people are nomadic by nature and do not share the same religious beliefs as Ibn Fadlan's people. Ibn Fadlan tells about the governmental structure of the Turks and also of their personal hygiene practices. Adultery is unknown among the Oguz because if a man sleeps with a woman who is not his wife, he is immediately killed. When a man of some repute dies, he is buried in a large pit along with all his possessions and several slain horses to aide his journey in the next life.

Ibn Fadlan's party departs the Oguz and travels on until they are confronted by a man who refuses them passage. Ibn Fadlan gives the man many gifts in hopes of winning his favor but the man announces the travelers are spies. After seven days, the man...
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