It possessed, as both the Danes and Saxons believed, supernatural and magical powers.

The raven on the banner could foresee the result of any battle into which it was borne.

It remained lifeless and at rest whenever the result was to be adverse; and, on the other hand, it fluttered its wings with a mysterious and magical vitality when they who bore it were destined to victory.

The Danes consequently looked up to this banner with a feeling of profound veneration and awe, and the Saxons feared and dreaded its mysterious power.

The explanation of this pretended miracle is easy.