Sofia Mykytenko, 2/8/24, Period 7

Sofia Mykytenko
Period 7
12/21/23
Modern Mythology 2023

Research Paper

Imagine charging into battle, not clad in armor, but in a frenzy of raw strength and wildness, your only protection being your own skin. This was the way of the berserkers, legendary warriors of the Viking Age, whose name has become synonymous with uncontrollable fury. The term "berserk" originated from a form of combat practiced by these Norse fighters. They would discard their armor and clothes and embrace their primal instincts as they hurled themselves into the chaos of battle. Fuelled by rage and fearless of death, they struck terror into the hearts of both friend and foe. Legends even speak of berserkers possessing the strength and ferocity of bears, biting their shields in fits of pure rage. The name itself, "berserk," is thought to derive from "bear-shirt," suggesting they may have worn animal pelts instead of armor. Others believe that they were nicknamed to be bears due to their fierceness and strength as warriors.

The psychological impact of their nakedness was profound, instilling fear in those who faced them. It symbolized their utter disregard for personal safety and their dedication to Odin, a war god, offering their lives and bodies to the battlefield. Scholars speculate about the source of their berserker rage, proposing theories ranging from self-induced hysteria to the consumption of mind-altering substances like hallucinogenic mushrooms or henbane. These substances, with their ability to induce altered states of consciousness and perceived increased strength, offer potential explanations for the berserkers' legendary ferocity.

While Amanita Muscaria mushrooms are known for their hallucinogenic properties, and have been thought to be the culprit to their ferocity, henbane emerges as a more plausible candidate due to its prevalence in Scandinavia during the berserker era. In addition to hallucinogenic effects, henbane would improve berserker’s combat abilities, as its physical effects include lowered pain sensitivity and numbness, giving berserkers a sense of invulnerability and fearlessness, and low blood pressure, making them bleed less from wounds. In addition, henbane usage has been known to induce episodes of intense anger, making it an overall better fit than A. Muscaria.

However, much of this remains speculative, as conclusive evidence is lacking. Future research may shed light on the true nature of these legendary warriors and the substances that fueled their fury. Norse culture esteemed the qualities of bravery, ferocity, and selflessness that these berserkers demonstrated. According to Norse mythology, those who die honorably in battle may get chosen by Odin, the almighty god, to reside in Valhalla. At this magnificent hall, these warriors train with each other in the afterlife to prepare to fight alongside Odin at the battle of Ragnarok, a foretold event that will destroy the world. Norse mythology likely shaped the desire for these berserkers to consume hallucinogens to enhance their performance in combat and even be willing to die in battle.

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Tetzner, Noah. “Valhalla: How Viking Belief in a Glorious Afterlife Empowered Warriors.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 3 Mar. 2021, www.history.com/news/viking-valhalla-valkyrie-afterlife.