How do we KNOW the Vikings ate Amanita Muscaria before going into battle?

Question

Or is it just legend?

Thank you so much for your research Ms. Rose: I had no idea that this was being debated -- Some Scandivian historians *believe* that Viking 'Bezerker Warriors' ingested Amanita muscaria before going into battle.

Answer 1

At the source of almost all myths and legends usually lies a vestige of truth.
The history of the Vikings, the battles they fought ,and the type of lives they led has been documented by observers of the time. There has also been considerable archaeological information gathered about the preparation for war or battles by the so called beserkers.
The descriptions of their behaviours before during and after battle does suggest strongly that they may have ingested some form of naturally found hallucinogenic.
There are several forms of poisonous and very hallucinogenic fungi and mushrooms that grew readily in Scandinavia and Greenland.
Descriptions tell of them tearing of their clothes and donning bear skins.Choosing not to wear their helmets, their only defence being a shield and the impact of their terrifying appearance screaming threats and oaths at the enemies and the Gods.
They are said to have had greater strength and endurance when in battle and a high level of pain endurance.
It was common practise for these warriors to control the agony of severe wounds by biting on the rim of their shield. ,so they could continue on with fighting.
There is no hard evidence of exactly what they ingested or how or when it was taken.The evidence does suggest that,it was highly likely the readily found mushroom known as amita muscaria.
It is believed that it was eaten either by itself or in a stew or soup a few hour prior to commencement of a battle.
This would give them the energy,mind set and ability to endure high levels of pain,and continue to fight as though unimpeded in anyway.
In conclusion we do not know positively, that the Vikings ate amanita muscaria.
But knowledge of the Viking customs and religious beliefs,as well as their knowledge of the abilties of these so called "magic mushrooms. Makes it highly likely that they did.

Answer 2

Vikings Mushrooms

Answer 3

We don't know. Just because it might have been found in a few warriors does not mean it was a custom or that it was taken prior to battle. If we found alcohol in WW1 soldiers would we conclude it was taken prior to battle or after?

Answer 4

we dont KNOW in truth we really dont KNOW a whole lot about our human history....it's just what we can piece together.
But check out this web page kinda cool
http://www.erowid.org/plants/amanitas/amanitas_history1.shtml

Answer 5

I would say that a better drug for both great feeling of strength endurance and bezerking would be dextromethorphan, I made a few batches of that **** and it gives you inhuman breathing and strength also drives you bezerk.