The earliest recorded use of sauna — as a weapon

Nestor’s Chronicle is a compilation of anecdotes, stories and legends describing life in parts of Russia between the years 850 to 1110, written by a monk named Nestor. In one account dating from the year 945, the sauna helps a woman out of a predicament.

In this tale, the duke, Igor, was murdered, leaving his wife, the duchess Olga, a widow. Another duke, Mal (presumably responsible for the murder), sent messengers to Olga’s village to pressure her into marrying him. While she considered her response, the messengers were offered a session in the community’s sauna.

Then, Olga ordered the sauna to be locked and burned (which the relaxing messengers might not have noticed until too late, smoke saunas being what they were). Her action thus avenged her husband’s death and gave the duke a clear answer.

Perhaps this anecdote is not what you were expecting?

Nikki