@swevixeh
Indeed! As a Scandinavian, vikings were simply typical Indo-european warbands bourne by ships rather than horses and wagons, probably as a result of the Scandinavian topography where mountains, seas, rivers, rocks/hills and forests were frequent obstacles unlike the flatness of the eastern European steppes. The cattle raids described by the ancient Irish and Indians are similar examples.
@Another_opinion_
Not to detract from other great history channels, but... What a huge difference makes having a professional storyteller producing these videos.
@smithdog4770
Totally Wild. I've slipped into that state in combat, it didn't happen to me until I'd been on a LOT of missions one after another. I hit a state where I just didn't care at all about the danger and just wanted to destroy. It was a very weird and amazing in a way to know that it's inside of you. I never ran from a battle even without being in this state, but once in it, well it was just different. I don't know how to explain it any better than that. It's also why I hold the Brass and Politicians who send us to war for all of the deaths. They scapegoat a few guys who go Berserk in every single conflict. I know two people who became their scapegoat after losing it. But they can't send men to battle and not expect the wolf to come out, because it will, at least in some of them, if they have seen enough.
@mladenmatosevic4591
True berserking have someting to do with elevated level of adrenaline. This pushes pain and fear aside, gives additional strength and makes time go slower.
@rollothewalker5535
Fighting in a frenzied state is seen in all indo-european cultures and beyond. In antiquity, the germanic tribes, celts, and thracians are all described as being hellish warriors. In the early medieval period, viking berserkers made their living out of duels and were known for outlandish acts of violence. More on this subject can be found in the book "Ancient germanic warriors: warrior styles from Trajan's Column to Icelandic Sagas" by Michael P. Speidel.
@ivan55599
13:45 "They are also shown as violent boasters and bullies". Just a note: for example icelandic Grettis saga (written in age of christianity) berserks were said to be bullies, and they were outlawed in Norway in 1015. Whether it had anything to do with christianity (and christian politics) or not, is up to debate (according to my memory/knowledge).
@bencopeland3560
Fantastic as always. Makes me think of a small handful of men I grew up with who just seem dispossessed by modern society. In another time there may have been a marginally productive role for them. Today it’s a sad life of conflict and recidivism.
@ysteinberg5084
In essence, the trick was to induce an adrenaline rush, which can make you stronger than you normally are. It can happen automatically, or artificially induced. The change in strength, speed and control is significant, which makes me think that the stories about the berserkers who lost control and attacked their own had induced the adrenaline rush with shrooms or something that took the control away.
@NiejakiDD
If I understand correctly, the warbands/beserker initiation lost its popularity quite early - as soon as the groups of hunters-gatherers transformed themselves into class societies, since rise of the Bronze Age. Since then, the ancient, predatory form of initiation became the privilege of small class of warriors only, especially elite, and in the most valiant cultures only (Spartans, Germans, Vikings, etc).
@mykulpierce
Very cool paper on the subject of berserker as a fighting style from Indo-European tradition in 2002 paper: Berserks: A History of Indo-European "Mad Warriors" September 2002, Journal of World History Michael Speidal
@MrRedberd
Start as a bear cub, and work your way up to eagle scout.
@miguelmendoza4513
Great content. This brings into mind the connection of the agogi of Sparta, the Wolfskin-wearing Roman Velite Skirmishers and the Viking Beserkers even if they are all separated by so much distance. Keep it up.
@Unter-hater
Bro this was absolutely a work of art. This episode here has convinced me to go buy your novels. This was sooo awesome.
@thenewwaydevil
Hey Dan, I should just look this up but I'm too deep into this sentence to quit now brother. Is ur book vampire crusader or something like that an audiobook as well? If so I'm buying asap man
@richern2717
Almost swept away to those ancient times. Goosebumps and excitement running through me. Very nice storytelling.
@zachariedube1796
A video on how the koryos tradition evolved in later ages as indo european split into different cultures would be most interesting. Great channel!
@garygwong88
Reading Godborn currently..great work sir..
@michel3386
Really great job!!! Some ancient native american tribes also had this kind of practices, as ritual initiation into adulthood. Thank you once again!
@norsemagicandbeliefs8134
Great video! im working on one with the exact same connection now
@DanDavisHistory