There are hundreds of legends surrounding the Vikings of old; legends of Gods, powerful heroes, and terrible beasts. One legend surrounding Vikings of Nordic and Scandinavian heritage is that of the berserker. Myths and controversy surround the name given to the most powerful warriors of the Viking army. It is said that these warriors were so terrifying, so fearsome, that before each battle they would work themselves into a screaming frenzy, and then unleash their fury upon their foes. Berserkers felt no fear, no pain, and were unstoppable unless killed. Adorned with their Viking helmet, spears and swords, a unit of berserkers could turn the tide of a battle.
It’s been long disputed in the academic that these terrible warriors were built up as possessing fearsome, even supernatural powers, but truly they were just the most skilled and experienced veterans of an army. Whether it’s true or not, the lore behind berserkers has been long celebrated in fantasy.
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