Saturday 26 April 2014

BARBARISM AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Visited Vikings Life and Legend at the British Museum, the latest blockbuster show at the BM that has easily drawn the hoards (of tourists) from across Europe. 
"I think its only a reproduction Dear" . . 

Along side a thousand others we dutifully shuffled past some delightful treasures that the exhibition’s organisers have pillaged the museums of Scandinavia and Germany.

The most exciting discovery I made was in conversation with Sian after the show relating to the origin of the word berserk: Berserkers (or berserks) were Norse warriors, primarily reported in the Old Norse literature to have fought in a nearly uncontrollable, trance-like fury, a characteristic that later gave rise to the English word berserk. (Wikipedia – thank you)


Most historians believe that berserkers worked themselves into a rage before battle, but some think that they might have consumed drugged foods. This preparation would help you enjoy the exhibition more fully I am sure.

Viking Bits

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Thank you very much for your comments - Tim