Barritus

The transition from songs in praise of heroes to the wordless chant is rather awkward and surprising, but it is there. Baritus (or barritus) is almost certainly the correct form; it means roar (of an elephant, for example). Barditus (shieldsong?) has better manuscript authority, but can hardly be correct. Ammianus Marcellinus (16.12.43) has the form barritus.

Note by H Mattingly to Germania by Tacitus

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