Post by Zadkiel on Jan 14, 2016 23:19:51 GMT
Horned helmets are mentioned by Diodorus Siculus (Biblioth. hist. liv. v.c. xxx.). Horns were, both in Gaul and the East, one of the attributes of command, one of the signs of divine or royal power, according to the expression of Eusebius of Caesarea.
Despite them being associated with Nordic raiders in popular culture, the Vikings, however, didn’t wear horned helmets into battle. The 9th Century Oseberg tapestry shows someone in a horned helmet, but either it’s someone performing a ritual or it’s supposed to be a god. It wouldn’t be a very practical thing to wear while cutting down unsuspecting English Christians with your sword.
This myth comes from the 19th Century revival of all things Norse, when horned Viking warriors were put into epic paintings and productions of Wagner. In fact the whole thing may be the fault of Carl Emil Doepler, Richard Wagner’s costume designer.
Despite them being associated with Nordic raiders in popular culture, the Vikings, however, didn’t wear horned helmets into battle. The 9th Century Oseberg tapestry shows someone in a horned helmet, but either it’s someone performing a ritual or it’s supposed to be a god. It wouldn’t be a very practical thing to wear while cutting down unsuspecting English Christians with your sword.
This myth comes from the 19th Century revival of all things Norse, when horned Viking warriors were put into epic paintings and productions of Wagner. In fact the whole thing may be the fault of Carl Emil Doepler, Richard Wagner’s costume designer.
