Pathfinder the Movie.
Did Vikings wear horns? Part 2.
There are too few Norse movies made.
When Pathfinder was released, I was eager to see it.
Like many action-adventures; there is a strong dichotomy defining good and evil.
The Viking(s) character approximates a constant berserker state, slaughtering all without mercy.
And, the Native Americans are good natured folk, rearing their families in peaceful bliss.
The hero is a Norse orphaned boy; the sole survivor of a ship wreck.
He is befriend by the Indians, and adopted into their society.
Between the shipwreck and return of the Norse (15 years), the boy called Ghost; retained fluency in his native tongue. And, self -mastered the family sword sufficiently to best any opposition.
The Indians called the invaders Dragon Men, owing to the dragon head on the ship’s bow.
And, the peculiar matching dragon head pommel on the sword. However, traditional Norse swords characteristically follow a pommel design made of separate "lobes”; in the shape of a Brazil nut.
The Pathfinder Viking helm is another striking departure from standards, having ram horns attached to either side. Each horn is pointed forward, and angled down. Beginning with the traditional vendel, leather appears riveted onto the face spectacle, and assorted sharp metal protrusions complete the effort. The finished prop resembles “Death Dealer” by artist Frank Frazetta.
Did Vikings wear horns? Part 1.
From April 4th, 2007
Each year, several people ask the same question(s); why doesn’t your helm have horns? And, this year is no exception.
At the risk of offending somebody; the answer is: no, Vikings didn’t wear horns. I have not found any legitimate archeological evidence suggesting otherwise. For a historical perspective: the Viking Age began in 793 AD with the raid on Lindisfarne monastery in England. This era ended in 1066 AD with the defeat of the Viking king Harald by English king Harold on September 26th, outside of York, England. Yes; it is possible that earlier societies adorned themselves with horns, but the Vikings departed from those traditions.
Typical helms included the Vendel - Spectacle Helm (L) and Spangen Helm(R).
~ Raven
* Harold II of England (Harold Godwinson; c. 1022 - October 14, 1066) was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon King of England.[1] He ruled from January 5 to October 14, 1066 when he was killed at the Battle of Hastings.
* Harald III Sigurdsson (1015 - September 25, 1066), later surnamed Harald Hardråde (Old Norse: Haraldr harðráði, roughly translated as "Harald stern council" or "hard ruler") was the king of Norway from 1047[1] until 1066.
Very interesting reading. I love it when people at least try to get it correct. I have to admit I'm one of those who sees a barbarian in horns and automatically "knows" he's a Viking! Thanks for the history lesson!
Lady St . Loe12:29 PM MST