Berserker
Berserkers (or berserks) were a special kind of Norse warrior who were widely feared.[1] Old Norse literature said they fought in a wild, trance-like fury. This later gave us the English word berserk.
Many Old Norse sources say that berserkers were real. Most historians believe that berserkers worked themselves into a rage before battle. Others think they might have eaten drugged foods. The Ynglinga saga said they charged their enemy without any armour.[2] Also that they were as mad as wolves. They could kill the enemy with a single blow of their sword while neither fire nor iron could hurt them.[2]
Berserker Media
One of the Vendel era Torslunda plates found on Öland, Sweden. It probably depicts one-eyed Odin guiding a Berserker.[3]
A modern reenactor in Germany
The runestone Vg 56 at Källby in Västergötland, which may show a berserker in animal skin.[4]
Wolf warrior from Migration Age Germany that was part of the same tradition.[5]
Illustration of the Golden Horns of Gallehus with two masked warriors in the centre[5]
A fresco in the 11th c. Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv that appears to depict a berserker ritual performed by Varangians (Scandinavians)[6]
A rook piece from the Lewis chessmen, depicted as a warrior biting his shield
Sorcerers by Nicholas K. Roerich which depicts ulfheðnar performing a ritual
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References
- ↑ James A. Corrick, The Rough, Stormy Age of Vikings (Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2011), p. 12
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 René Chartrand; et al, The Vikings: Voyagers of Discovery and Plunder (Oxford; New York: Osprey, 2008), p. 102
- ↑ Kershaw 1997, p. 13.
- ↑ Price 2019, p. 309.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Price 2019, p. 308.
- ↑ Price 2019, p. 307.
