In pre-modern societies, the sacrificial victim is usually a hideous, mutilated creature. It acts as a scapegoat on to which the community can project its own violence and criminality, and in doing so can disavow them. The scapegoat is driven beyond the boundaries of the city, to suffer an ignominious death beyond its walls. By this ritual mechanism, the people cleanse themselves of pollution and guilt. Sacrifice is needed when the community falls sick; but the community is always sick.
-Terry Eagleton, Holy Terror
