Warriors
who fought in a crazed state.
Berserker
The berserker is closely
associated in many respects with the god
Odhinn. Adam of Bremen
in describing the Allfather says, "Wodan --- id est furor" or "Wodan ---
that means fury." The name Odhinn derives from the Old Norse *odur*. This
is related to the German *wut*, "rage, fury," and to the Gothic *wods*,
"possessed" (Georges Dumezil. The Destiny of the Warrior.Chicago, U of
Chicago P. 1969. p. 36). This certainly brings to mind the madness associated
with the berserker, and other Odhinnic qualities are seen to be possessed
by the berserk. Ynglingasaga recounts that Odhinn could shape-shift into
the form of a bird, fish, or wild animal (Snorri Sturluson, p. 10). The
berserker, too, was often said to change into bestial form, or at least
to assume the ferocious qualities of the wolf or bear. Kveldulfr in Egils
Saga Skallagrimsonar was spoken of as a shapechanger (Hermann Palsson and
Paul Edwards, trans. Egil's Saga. NY: Penguin. 1976. p. 21),and Hrolf's
Saga tells of the hero Bjarki, who takes on the shape of a bear in battle:
Men saw that
agreat bear went before King Hrolf's men, keeping always near the king.
He slew more men with his forepaws than any five of the king's champions.
Blades and weapons glanced off him, and he brought down both men and horses
in King Hjorvard's forces, and everything which came in his path he crushed
to death with his teeth, so that panic and terror swept through King Hjorvard's
army..."
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