The Vikings: Berserkergang Trivia Quiz

Answer: It was the actual fit or state of madness.

Believed to have been drug induced, the Berserkergang was the actual fit of madness and fury that a Berserker experienced. Snorri Sturluson, the thirteenth century poet, said that during this fit, Berserkers could not be harmed by edged weapons or fire. It is also said that Berserkers bit and devoured the edges of their shields and gulped down fiery coals.

Answer: Any of these changes could happen.

Much is written about the appearance of the Berserker when in the state of Berserkergang; he is described as a giant troll. One account stated that they were more like monsters than men with a horrible appearance: "He had black hair, a thick tuft of it hanging down over his face where the forelock should have been, and nothing could be seen of his face except the teeth and eyes...."

Answer: Heat of battle

Which Viking leader would not enjoy the service of the fine Berserker warriors who had such great military value? King Harold Fairhair used Berserkers as shock or assault troops. They would lead the attack for others to follow. Other Scandinavian kings used Berserkers as their "hirdmen", or body guards. Which Viking leader wouldn't enjoy the extra association with the god Odin? Beserkers belonged his cult, and one of Odin's many roles was connected with rulership.

Answer: They would drink the blood of a bear.

While it was common for a Berserker to take some form of a "bear name", such as Bjorn, according to accounts, they would also drink the blood of a bear. "Straight away bring your throat to its steaming blood and devour the feast of its body with ravenous jaws.

Then new force will enter your frame, an unlooked-for vigor will come to your muscles, accumulation of solid strength soak through every sinew...."

Answer: True

This could definitely present a bit of a problem. One story, "Egils saga Skallagrímsonar", tells an account of a man named Skallagrím, who was playing with his son, Egil, and a friend, Thord, when the Berserkergang came upon him. Skallagrim killed Thord, by picking him up and throwing him so hard on the ground that every bone was broken and he died immediately.

Then he turned to his son, who was saved from the same fate by a servant, who was also killed, but not before saving Egil, who later became a Berserker like his father.

Answer: Great strength

A Berserker under the influence was not only as ferocious as a bear, he was also as strong as a bear. It was written that he lost all human reason and was immune to weapons, that "no weapon or fire could bite him". Of Berserker Bodvar Bjarki it is said that while in his animal form "blades and weapons glanced off" him.

Answer: Weaker than normal

This was the time when a Berserker was especially vulnerable, as he was completely disabled. According to "Egils saga Skallagrímssonar", as long as he was experiencing Berserkergang, nothing could touch him, but as soon as he was out of it, the Berserker became weaker than normal.

This affliction, which was described as feebleness, could last for a day or more. It was possible, therefore, to find a Berserker and slay him while he was in this state.

Answer: One day

According to "Hrólf's Saga" the condition of Berserkergang lasted for one day. During this time, there was nothing that was too much for the Berserker to handle.

Answer: True

While the Vikings were expected to battle ferociously against their enemies, they were not allowed to treat their friends in that way. A heroic Viking treated his friends with loyalty and honor; the Berserkergang took a person beyond all reason. This rage interrupted the peace of the Viking community, and some Berserkers would take to pillaging the neighborhood, carrying off the women, and challenging wealthy men to "hólmgang", or duels; after easily killing them, the Berserker could then claim all their property.

Answer: Banishment for three years

Not only was the Berserker banished, but any man who was there and did not try to stop him was as well. Once the Vikings were converted to Christianity, Berserkergang, with its cult of Odin and the idea of shape-changing, was considered to be magic and heathen, and was outlawed.