I’m doing some research for a school project about norsemen and I already know pretty much everything I need for it. BUT. I’m stuck between two fronts in the chapter about berserkers. Some people back the Hollywood idea of the blood thirsty junkie that would charge naked into battle biting his shield and so on. Some however, talk about the berserkers as “elite warriors” and “champions” (an idea that I personally find way more believable) distinguished from other warriors because of the bear skin worn over their gambesons/mail hauberks.
So, the thing is, none of the two “factions” seem to have any complete sources to back up their theories. I’m turning to you, my dear historians, to cast some light on this matter.
Ynglinga Saga mentions berserkers a little bit in chapter 6. It mostly says what the first group claims, but it is a begining. Yngling Saga is the first saga in Snorri Sturlasons Heimskringla. Generally Snorre is conisdered a bad source for historical events, but his descriptions on the society is considered usefull as a historical source.
In adition Haraldskvæði(also known as Hrafnsmál meaning ravens song) also has a part where it describes berserkers and ulfhednar. The poem was written during the late 9th century.
Finally Egils Saga should have some information on berserkers, altough the saga itself is quite long and i have not read it yet so i can not say anything about it. For this source the same information as for Snorris works apply.
I will try to find some more sources for you when i find the time. Also do you understand any of the scandinavian languages. Many sources are translated to at least one of these and an understanding of them woul dmake it easier to track some copies for you to read yourself.
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