In a typical ordeal, the accused would have to take a hot iron bar or stone in their hand and walk a few paces. After this, the hand would be bound. If it was already healing when the judge or priest inspected it a few days later, it was a sign of innocence. Witnesses who took an oath invoked the divine, signalling that they were aware of the possibility of spiritual retribution if their evidence was false, while those who underwent an ordeal invited direct intervention from God or other spirits. The process itself indicated the truth.
