title: The mystery of the missing Viking helmets.
abstract: Based on archaeological finds and old Norse literature, this study describes the Scandinavian helmet tradition from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age, as well as the Viking culture, with special emphasis on weaponry and head protection. Contrary to what is commonly believed, the study shows that metal helmets must have been used very infrequently by the Vikings. In fact, only one Viking helmet has been retrieved in Scandinavia. Possible reasons for the widespread misconception that the Vikings wore helmets are discussed, and the responsibility for not correcting this misunderstanding is placed with the archaeological profession.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bergen Medical School, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. knut.gustav.wester@haukeland.no
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wester
mesh_terms: D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000266:history*; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries