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71. VIKING ULFHEDNAR
An extract from Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066
by Ian Heath
71. VIKING ULFHEDNAR
These were a variation of the Berserkir, Ulfhednar meaning ‘the wolfskin-clad ones’ or ‘wolfcoats’. They added to their attributes the howl of the wolf. Volsunga Saga records Ulfhednar who each undertook to fight up to 7 foes at once! This particular figure actually predates the Viking age, being taken from a 7th century helmet plaque which clearly represents a warrior dressed in the pelt of a wolf. A similar warrior, dressed in a (bear?) skin, can be found in the Oseberg Tapestry.
[Based on Berserkers, including an Ulfhednar, on a Bronze Matrix Used in the Manufacture of Helmet Plaques. Bjornhouda, Oland, Sweden, 6th century.]
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