The mystery of the missing viking helmets

K. Wester; D. A. Edge; T. P.D. Blackburn; C. B.T. Adams; F. Gjerris; J. T. Goodrich; I. A. Langmoen

doi:10.1097/00006123-200011000-00041

The mystery of the missing viking helmets

K. Wester, D. A. Edge, T. P.D. Blackburn, C. B.T. Adams, F. Gjerris, J. T. Goodrich, I. A. Langmoen

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL finds and old Norse literature, this study describes the Scandinavian helmet tradition from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, as well as the Viking culture, with special emphasis on weaponry and head protection. Contrary to what is commonly believed, the study shows that metal helmets must have been used very infrequently by the Vikings. In fact, only one Viking helmet has been retrieved in Scandinavia. Possible reasons for the widespread misconception that the Vikings wore helmets are discussed, and the responsibility for not correcting this misunderstanding is placed with the archaeological profession.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	1216-1229
Number of pages	14
Journal	Neurosurgery
Volume	47
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/00006123-200011000-00041
State	Published - 2000
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Archaeology
Head injury
Head protection
Viking Age
Weapons

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Surgery
Clinical Neurology

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10.1097/00006123-200011000-00041

Cite this

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title = "The mystery of the missing viking helmets",

abstract = "BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL finds and old Norse literature, this study describes the Scandinavian helmet tradition from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, as well as the Viking culture, with special emphasis on weaponry and head protection. Contrary to what is commonly believed, the study shows that metal helmets must have been used very infrequently by the Vikings. In fact, only one Viking helmet has been retrieved in Scandinavia. Possible reasons for the widespread misconception that the Vikings wore helmets are discussed, and the responsibility for not correcting this misunderstanding is placed with the archaeological profession.",

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AU - Wester, K.

AU - Edge, D. A.

AU - Blackburn, T. P.D.

AU - Adams, C. B.T.

AU - Gjerris, F.

AU - Goodrich, J. T.

AU - Langmoen, I. A.

PY - 2000

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N2 - BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL finds and old Norse literature, this study describes the Scandinavian helmet tradition from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, as well as the Viking culture, with special emphasis on weaponry and head protection. Contrary to what is commonly believed, the study shows that metal helmets must have been used very infrequently by the Vikings. In fact, only one Viking helmet has been retrieved in Scandinavia. Possible reasons for the widespread misconception that the Vikings wore helmets are discussed, and the responsibility for not correcting this misunderstanding is placed with the archaeological profession.

AB - BASED ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL finds and old Norse literature, this study describes the Scandinavian helmet tradition from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, as well as the Viking culture, with special emphasis on weaponry and head protection. Contrary to what is commonly believed, the study shows that metal helmets must have been used very infrequently by the Vikings. In fact, only one Viking helmet has been retrieved in Scandinavia. Possible reasons for the widespread misconception that the Vikings wore helmets are discussed, and the responsibility for not correcting this misunderstanding is placed with the archaeological profession.

KW - Archaeology

KW - Head injury

KW - Head protection

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KW - Weapons

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The mystery of the missing viking helmets

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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