139 | Berserkers | Why We Do What We Do

What to Expect:

Going berserk! We discuss the etymology of the term “berserk” and the possible history of the eponymous people. Their “weapon” may have been running into battle practically naked screaming their heads off. Long ago, a priest speculated that consuming a specific mushroom caused their crazed bloodlust. However, there is reason to believe that it wasn’t mushrooms but instead may have been the nightshade plant, Henbane, or a lot of alcohol, or neither of those things. Also, historians want you to know that the berserkers may have bitten their shields in battle for some reason. Some interesting psychology to unpack with berserkers!

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Links for Today:

https://www.ranker.com/list/viking-berserker-facts/philgibbons (basic info about berserkers)
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/weapons/berserkers/ (museum page about berserkers)
https://www.historyextra.com/period/viking/the-truth-about-viking-berserkers/ (BBC History Magazine article thoroughly covers various aspects of Vikings and berserkers and expresses some cynicism regarding the drug theory)
https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/viking-berserkers-fierce-warriors-or-drug-fuelled-madmen-001472 (Online article providing an overview of berserkers and an alternative view of their battle-drugs)
https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/09/viking-berserkers-may-have-used-henbane-to-induce-trance-like-state/ (review of Henbane as a possible explanation for berserkers)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874119322640?via%3Dihub= (Peer-reviewed article on evidence against mushrooms and for a flower causing berserker rage)

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