Craziest Facts About Viking Berserkers, History’s Hardcore Norse Warrior-Shamans

The Vikings were known throughout Europe as fierce warriors, and no discussion of Viking warrior culture is complete without an examination of the history of berserkers, a particularly wild, crazy, violent sect of Norsemen. Berserkers entered a state of animalistic frenzy before battle. This bizarre cult of crazies was eventually outlawed, even in the warrior culture of the Scandinavian Middle Ages, but not before making their mark on history.

If you’re interested in Norse berserker history, look no further than this list. Here you will find crazy berserker facts, and learn about the Viking berserker drugs imbibed before these beastly warriors enter the fray of war. Hold onto your battle ax, because things are about to get kinda berserk.

They Marched to War Butt-Ass Naked, Except for an Animal Pelt

Berserkers were a special group of elite Viking warriors who went into battle without traditional armor. Instead, they wore animal pelts, typically from bears or wolves. The word “berserker” derives from the Old Norse “serkr,” meaning “coat” or “shirt,” and “ber,” the Norse word for “bear.”

Also, they were butt-ass naked under the pelt. At least according to legend.

They Lived Like Predators in the Woods, Braving Harsh Scandinavian Winters Alone

Like all traditional members of shamanic secret societies, berserkers acquired their power through ritualistic practice. These practices included spending periods in extreme isolation, fasting, exposure to extreme heat and cold, and engaging in group weapon dances prior to battle. In the wilderness, berserkers lived like their totem animal, adopting its mannerisms and habits, sustaining themselves by hunting and raiding settlements. So, yeah, they just ran off into the woods and lived like f*cking bears and wolves because they were goddamn Viking berserkers.

They Entered Battle in a Psychotic Frenzy and Ripped Motherf*ckers to Shreds

Berserkers are historically described as taking part in rituals that, before battle, would induce a trancelike collective state called berserkgang:

This fury, which was called berserkergang, occurred not only in the heat of battle, but also during laborious work. Men who were thus seized performed things which otherwise seemed impossible for human power. This condition is said to have begun with shivering, chattering of the teeth, and chill in the body, and then the face swelled and changed its colour. With this was connected a great hot-headedness, which at last gave over into a great rage, under which they howled as wild animals, bit the edge of their shields, and cut down everything they met without discriminating between friend or foe.

While in this frenzied state, berserkers lost all human capacity for reason or self-cognizance, and were known to scream and howl constantly, and rip enemies to shreds with their bare hands.

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