Wednesday, December 19, 2007

ABC Wednesday: "V" is for Viking



From the 2007 Hoggetown Medieval Faire in Gainesville, FL.
And just for the record, "vikings" most likely never had horns on their helmets. Think about it - if you are in close combat (with swords and axes) do you want to have these horns sticking out above you so your enemy can grab them and pull your head down to kill you? Didn't think so.
No archaeological evidence has ever been found of a "viking" horned warrior helmet. Its just one of those modern stereotypes that developed with no basis in fact.
Still... I do enjoy Hagar the Horrible comics. :)

8 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

I remember when teaching about the vikings, the horn idea came about because of the hats they were wearing...they had ear flaps which the vikings often wore unfastened and lifted up onto the top of their hats.......if I remember correctly!
Great picture. I love the viking museum in York.....so authentic, even the smells! LOL!

Andrea said...

Great post. He is somewhat scary looking though.

Jim Baker said...

my work server is blocking the pic of the viking :(

but viking is a great v word.

cheers
jim baker

Rune Eide said...

You are quite right - the Vikings DID NOT wear horns on their helmets! (take it from me - I'm a Norwegian with a daughter who has studied medieval history and runs a group doing re-enactment called Kongshirden 1260 (meaning the Royal Guard 1260).

Oswegan said...

You just don't see too many vikings around these days.

~Oswegan

NYCindividual said...

Every time I see a viking pic I think of opera and Wagner's ring cycle. Someday I'll go see that.

I just joined ABC Wednesday and thought I would stop by.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Hey that is a great helmet. Thanks for straightening that myth about the horns.

Sharon said...

I never knew that! :)