Ghost of a flea: Helmets

February 02, 2004

Helmets

Recent Up Helly Aa coverage provoked a question from son of Norway, Eric Schie: where does the Flea stand on the issue of horns and viking helmets? The historical inaccuary of the horns provokes strong comment from some scholars. Personally, I am in favour of them especially when they are put to their best use. Hand of Vecna, my metal band of the future, will probably take operatic interpretation of Norse fashion as a standard.

Posted by Ghost of a flea at February 2, 2004 06:27 AM

Comments

I favor the horns too -- not only because I grew up believing in them, but because they look cool! None of this is settled historically; some scholars have maintained that the Vikings wore no helmets at all:

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/viking.html

Only one supposedly authentic Viking helmet (not horned) has been found.

But bear in mind that "there are some Danish bog-findings of ritual helmets that do have metal horns in them."

http://www.lysator.liu.se/nordic/scn/faq253.html

I say, if you like the horned Viking helmet, buy one and wear it proudly. Here's as good a place as any:

http://www.villagehatshop.com/viking_helmets_hat.html

Posted by: Eric Scheie at February 5, 2004 02:54 PM