What was the purpose of an ordeal?

Answer 1

The purpose of an ordeal was to determine guilt or innocence through a trial by physical test or challenge, often believed to be a method of divine judgment. These tests, such as enduring physical pain or surviving dangerous situations, were thought to reveal the truth, as it was believed that the innocent would be protected by a higher power. Ordeals were common in various cultures, particularly in medieval Europe, as a way to resolve legal disputes or accusations in the absence of clear evidence.