10 Surprising Facts About Historical Viking Helmets

Shatter the myths! Forget everything you think you know about Viking helmets. Those fierce warriors with horned headgear? Mostly a work of fiction. Dive into the fascinating world of real Viking helmets with these 10 surprising facts,and gain a deeper appreciation for Viking attire.

Fact 1: Material Matters

Leather, not gleaming metal, was the most common material for Viking helmets. It was sturdy, boiled leather shaped into a cap – lightweight, readily available, and perfect for protecting the head during skirmishes. Metal did play a role,though. Reinforcements like iron nasal guards – those metal strips protecting the nose – and cheek plates were sometimes added for extra defense. Wealthier Vikings or high-ranking warriors might have even worn helmets entirely made of iron,but these were likely rarer finds.

*Source: "Viking Helmets" National Museum of Denmark

Fact 2: The Horned Helmet – Myth vs. Reality

There's a reason why most museums don't have a single horned Viking helmet on display – because they weren't actually used in battle! Archaeologists haven't found any concrete evidence, like actual helmets, to support this popular image. So,where did the myth come from? Artistic interpretations from later cultures and even some Viking artwork itself might have contributed to the misconception. It's possible that horned helmets were used in rituals or ceremonies. But when it came to the battlefield, practicality ruled.

Fact 3: Protection and Practicality

Imagine a Viking charging into battle. Their helmet, most likely rounded or conical in shape, would deflect blows from swords and axes. Wide neck guards protected the sides of the head and neck, while a nasal guard shielded the vulnerable nose area. Unlike the Hollywood image, Viking armor was all about functionality. No bulky, impractical decorations that could snag on weapons or hinder movement.

Source: The Viking Age: A History by Lars Hodne

Fact 4: Decoration and Personalization

While most Viking helmets were likely utilitarian and plain, some might have sported a bit of flair. Imagine metal fittings adorning the rim, or perhaps a splash of paint for a touch of color. Animal motifs, especially those of fearsome beasts like wolves or bears, might have been incorporated to represent the wearer's strength or courage. Decorations could also have served as a way for Vikings to identify their social status or affiliation with a particular group.

Source: Everyday Life in Viking Times by Régis Boyer

Fact 5: Beyond Helmets – Other Head Protection

Leather helmets weren't the only option. Vikings might have worn padded coifs made of thick cloth or leather underneath their helmets for additional cushioning. For maximum protection, some warriors might have donned a chainmail hood called a "byrnie" that covered the entire head and neck. Imagine a knight's chainmail hood, but perhaps a bit looser and sturdier for withstanding the harsh realities of Viking combat.

Source: Viking Clothing by Judith Jesch

Fact 6: Evolving Styles and Influences

Viking helmets weren't a one-size-fits-all affair. Styles might have changed over time, influenced by trade and contact with other cultures. As Vikings ventured out and interacted with people from Europe and Asia, their armor and weaponry,including helmets, might have incorporated design elements from these encounters. For instance, some Viking helmets might have resembled the helmets used by Carolingian warriors of the Frankish Empire.

Source: The Vikings: A Very Short Introduction by Peter Sawyer

Fact 7: Limited Archaeological Evidence

Unearthing the truth about Viking helmets can be a challenge. Unlike metal weapons or jewelry, organic materials like leather degrade quickly over time. This scarcity of archaeological finds makes it difficult to get a complete picture of Viking helmet designs and variations. However, these finds are crucial for piecing together Viking warfare tactics and understanding how they protected themselves in battle.

Luckily, archaeologists have other tools at their disposal. Pictorial representations on tapestries, carvings, and even runestones can offer valuable insights. Viking sagas, epic poems passed down through generations, might also contain descriptions of helmets worn by legendary warriors. While these sagas might be embellished with fantastical elements,they can still provide clues about Viking attitudes towards headgear and its importance in their culture.

Source: "Gjermundbu Helmet" The Viking Rune Museum

Fact 8: The Importance of Helmets in Viking Culture

Helmets weren't just practical head protection for Vikings; they held symbolic value as well. Owning a helmet signified a person's status as a warrior and protector. Helmets might have even been used as burial offerings, placed alongside a deceased Viking to accompany them in the afterlife. A prestigious warrior being buried with their trusty helmet was a symbol of their courage and valor in battle.

Source: "Headgear" Kulturhistorisk Museum, University of Oslo

Fact 9: Helmets and Social Status - A Feathery Display?

While Viking helmets prioritized protection, some warriors might have sported a surprisingly flamboyant accessory – feathers! A fierce Viking leader charging into battle with a feathered plume attached to his helmet. This display of feathers might have served as a status symbol, indicating a warrior's rank or achievements.

*Source: "Social Status and Clothing in Viking Age Scandinavia" by Elisabeth Skård

Fact 10: Valkyries and the Winged Helmet Myth

The image of a fearsome Viking warrior with a winged helmet might sound like something straight out of fantasy. But there's a connection to Norse mythology that fuels this misconception. Valkyries, the mythological maidens who chose warriors to be slain in battle and carried them to Valhalla, were often depicted wearing winged helmets.

*Source: "Valkyrie" Britannica

This association between Valkyries and winged helmets might have bled into artistic interpretations of Viking warriors, contributing to the misconception of Vikings themselves wore such helmets. While there's no evidence of Vikings using winged helmets, this connection to mythology adds another layer to the fascinating story of Viking headgear.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this exploration of Viking helmets! If you want to learn more about Viking culture and weaponry, head over to swordsswords.com. We offer many Viking-themed items, including replicas of historical helmets, swords, and axes. Browse our collection and bring the world of the Vikings to life!