Death and Sacrifice. Consider the Chronicle of Thietmar of Merseberg (c.1013): "In those parts, the center of the kingdom is a place called Lejre, in the region of Zealand. Every nine years, in the month of January, after the day on which we celebrate the appearance of the Lord [6 January], they all convene here and offer their gods a burnt offering of ninety-nine human beings and as many horses, along with dogs and cocks--the latter being used in place of hawks. As I have said, they were convinced that these would do service for them with those who dwell beneath the earth and ensure their forgiveness for any misdeeds." In John D. Niles, ed. Beowulf and Lejre (ACMRS, 2007), p. 299.

Does the slaughter at Heorot by a creature from beneath the earth reflect anything of these ancient sacrifices?