dólgreistr

Dólgreistr is a term originating from Old Norse mythology, often translated as "wound-greed" or "slayer-greed." It describes a specific type of insatiable bloodlust or a ravenous desire for vengeance and combat that could possess a warrior. This was not merely a temporary surge of adrenaline but a deep-seated, almost supernatural craving for inflicting harm and shedding blood.

The concept of dólgreistr appears in various Old Norse sagas and poems, often associated with berserkers or other formidable warriors. These individuals, when overcome by dólgreistr, were said to enter a frenzied state, exhibiting immense strength, ferocity, and an indifference to pain. In this state, they would fight with unparalleled savagery, often without regard for their own safety or the enemy's strength.

While often depicted as a formidable and terrifying trait in battle, dólgreistr was not necessarily viewed as entirely negative within the warrior culture of the time. It could be seen as an extreme manifestation of martial prowess and courage, a sign of a warrior truly embracing their role on the battlefield. However, its uncontrollable nature and the potential for excessive violence also carried a sense of danger, both to the enemy and potentially to allies. The term highlights the complex and often brutal realities of ancient Scandinavian warfare and the psychological states that could accompany it.