Rhetra

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In the province of Riedirerun or of the Redarians. the modern-day Strelitz there once was a city (where Prillwitz at the Tollense is located) named Ridegost. (Radigast. The author has confused the name of the city with that of the main idol, which had its temple in it)[sic]. The city was built as a triangle and had three gates, one at each corner. It was surrounded by a forest which was considered to be highly sacred by the inhabitants and no wood was cut there. Two gates were open to normal traffic. The third gate, in the direction of the morning, was the smallest. The road starting there led to the sea, which had a frightening view. This gate was not easy to open.

Near this gate there was a heathen temple which was artificially built out of wood. The pillars had the shape of horns of different animals. From the outside the walls were decorated with the strangely carved images of the gods and goddesses so that everyone could inspect them. On the inside the hand-made gods stood with terrible countenance, clad with helmets and armor, and at each the name was engraved. The name of their foremost deity was Zuarasici (the all-potent, Radigast) who was venerated above all others and prayed to by all heathens. Their flags were never removed unless necessary for a military campaign, in which case they were taken by their warriors (who fought on their feet). The inhabitants had dedicated priests who carefully stored these flags. They alone had the duty to sacrifice to their gods, and to placate them when they were angry. Only these priests were allowed to sit while everyone else was standing.

Whenever they had doubts on how to proceed, they dug deeply into the ground while chanting secret incantations in order to gain a judgment via divination. Whenever they had finished this task, they covered this opening with a green lawn. Then they led a horse (which was honored and worshiped above all other animals by them) between two spears which had been stuck into the ground with their tips and touched each other at the other end while praying devoutly. After this, they divined the question they wanted to ascertain. In this they closely observed the movement of the horse, as if it was a divine prophet. If there was a good omen for either course of action, the original plan was pursued. If there was no omen for either, the people were sad and the endeavor was canceled entirely.

(See. Dithmars, Bishop at Merseburg, Chronicle, after Ursinus. p. 327.)

Helmold describes Rhetra in his chronicle in the following way:

The most heavily visited city of the Redarians was Rhetra, the center of idol worship. There was a great temple dedicated to the idols, among whom Radigast was preeminent. His image was covered with gold, and his pedestal was covered with purple cloth. The city itself had nine gates and was located at a deep lake. A wooden bridge allowed passage, but only for those who wanted to sacrifice or consult the oracle.

Source: Studemund - Mecklenburgische Sagen, p. 5ff

caption Note: This story was published in the book Sunken Castles, Evil Poodles: Commentaries on German folklore. Get the book for further context and explanatory commentary!