berser

Berser, also known as berserkers, were a type of Norse warrior who are often depicted as fighting in a trance-like fury. These warriors were highly feared in battle and were often seen as elite shock troops, capable of turning the tide of a fight. The term "berserker" is thought to derive from the Old Norse words "berr" (bare) and "serkr" (shirt), possibly referring to a practice of fighting without armor, or perhaps a tunic made of animal skins.

Historical accounts of berserkers come from various sagas and historical texts, though the exact nature of their condition and practices remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some theories suggest they may have used hallucinogenic mushrooms or other substances to induce their frenzied state, while others propose it was a combination of intense training, adrenaline, and cultural expectation. Their wild fighting style and formidable reputation made them a terrifying force on the battlefield. They were often associated with the god Odin. While their exact historical prevalence and specific practices are debated by historians, the image of the berserker has become a prominent and enduring symbol of Norse warrior culture.