Bear Mythologies of Scandinavia
In Scandinavia, there was a firm belief in the ability of some
people to change into or assume the characteristics of bears. Our
English word "berserk" comes from this legend. It was thought that
if a warrior was to don a bear-skin shirt
(called a bear-sark) which had been treated with oils and herbs,
that the warrior would gain the strength, stamina, and power of
the animal. These people would be driven into a frenzy in battle
and were said to be capable of biting through the enemy's shields
or walking through fire without injury. No matter how much of
the legend is true, the thought of a group of Vikings made
up as bears is sobering.
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