Fireplaces at or close to their centers were not used for cooking or handicraft but provided light and heat. The real center of gravity in the hall was, however, the richly decorated high seat of the chieftain.19 Here the chieftain sat, looking out over his guests and followers, whom he led in feasting, mead drinking, and sacrifices inside the hall, and in war outside it. It was here that the relationships that kept the group together were manifested and maintained.