Berserker: zwischen archaischem Krieger und künstlerischem Motiv

Abstract

The motif of the reckless raging berserker is one of the richest in all Scandinavian literature. However unclear some aspects may appear, for instance the possible origin of such a figure, the cultural history of this warrior type and the ritual madness it embodies proves his noteworthy symbolic value. In this short essay we will attempt to investigate the figure in older sources, tracing the controversies surrounding it, as well as pointing out its impressive contemporary reception using Heavy Metal music as a study case.