The TRUE Origins Of The Berserkers | Berserkir/Úlfhéðnar скачать в хорошем качестве

The TRUE Origins Of The Berserkers | Berserkir/Úlfhéðnar

Join this channel to get access to more old school Metatron videos the algorithm wouldn't prioritize!    / @metatronyt   Also if you like what I do and wish to support my work to help me make sure that I can continue to tell it how it is please consider checking out my patreon! Unboxings are Patreon exclusives!   / themetatron   Link to Dr. Crawford's video for further linguistic analysis    • The Word "Berserkr"   The Viking Age, spanning from roughly 793 to 1066 AD, marked a transformative period in European history when Norse seafarers, warriors, and merchants left an indelible mark on the medieval world. The era traditionally began with the raid on Lindisfarne monastery in northeastern England, signaling the start of nearly three centuries of Norse expansion, exploration, and influence across Europe and beyond. The Vikings, originating from the Scandinavian regions of present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, were masterful shipbuilders and navigators. Their legendary longships, with their shallow drafts and versatile design, enabled them to traverse both open seas and rivers, allowing them to penetrate deep into continental Europe and reach distant lands. These technological achievements facilitated their famous raids and trading expeditions, reaching as far as North America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. While popular imagination often focuses on their reputation as fearsome raiders, the Vikings were also skilled traders, craftsmen, and settlers. They established trading networks that stretched from the Arctic to Constantinople, dealing in goods such as furs, slaves, ivory, and precious metals. Their settlements grew into significant urban centers, with cities like Dublin, York, and Kiev owing their development to Viking influence. In many regions, Vikings integrated with local populations, adopting and adapting to local customs while maintaining elements of their Norse culture. The Viking Age was characterized by significant political and social developments within Scandinavia itself. The period saw the gradual consolidation of power and the emergence of centralized kingdoms in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. This process was intertwined with the gradual Christianization of the Norse people, as they moved away from their traditional pagan beliefs. The conversion to Christianity, while sometimes peaceful, often involved political pressure and occasionally violent conflict. The berserkers of Norse history and mythology stand as some of the most fearsome and enigmatic warriors of the Viking Age. These elite fighters, whose name likely derives from the Old Norse terms "ber" (bear) or "serkr" (shirt), or bare of shirt, were renowned for fighting in an uncontrollable, trance-like fury that defied normal human limitations and inspired terror in their enemies. Archaeological evidence and historical accounts paint a complex picture of these warriors. Primary sources, including the sagas and skaldic poetry, describe berserkers as fighting without armor, or "bare of shirt," though some interpretations suggest they wore bear or wolf pelts into battle. This association with animal hides connects to the widespread belief that berserkers could take on the characteristics of wild animals, particularly bears and wolves, during their frenzied states. The legendary berserker rage, or "berserkergang," was characterized by superhuman strength, apparent immunity to pain and fire, and a complete dissociation from normal human behavior. Warriors in this state were said to bite their shields, howl like wild animals, and attack friend and foe alike with unstoppable ferocity. Some scholars theorize that this state might have been induced through self-hypnosis, ritual practices, or the consumption of psychoactive substances like muscimol from Amanita muscaria mushrooms, though concrete evidence for any specific trigger remains elusive. Berserkers served important roles in Norse society beyond their battlefield prowess. They often acted as elite guard units for kings and chieftains, with historical accounts mentioning them serving in the personal retinues of various Scandinavian rulers. Their presence was seen as both a military asset and a status symbol, though their unpredictable nature made them dangerous allies even to their own leaders. The cultural significance of berserkers extended beyond their military function. In Norse mythology, they were sometimes associated with the cult of Odin, the god of war and death. This connection makes sense given Odin's aspects as a god of battle frenzy and ecstatic states. Some scholars suggest that the berserker tradition may have roots in shamanic practices, with the warrior's transformation representing a form of spiritual possession. #berserker #scandinavianhistory #vikings