Image: CC BY-SA 3.0 )īe that as it may, there is at least one example of a winged helmet from the world of the ancient Celts. The Magnificent Helmet of Greek Warrior MiltiadesĪ 3 rd century B.C.Why Is This the Only Existing Viking Age Helmet?.Still, such headgear would not have been used by warriors in battle, as they would have been cumbersome, and would be more of a liability than an asset. The priests of the Celts, for instance, are said to have used winged helmets during certain religious ceremonies. It has been suggested that the notion of northern barbarians wearing winged helmets comes from ancient Greek and Roman texts. For instance, there has been no discovery so far of actual winged helmets, as we would imagine, from either the Viking or the Celtic realms. ( CC BY-ND 2.0 ) Were Winged Helmets Actually Used?ĭespite these representations in art, there is a dearth of archaeological evidence to support the imaginings of the Romantic artists. Thors Helmet at the Marvel booth at San Diego Comic-Con. In a way, the winged helmet has become a symbol of the ‘barbarians of the north’. This misconception is extended also to the Celts, the cartoon character Asterix being its most famous example. Today, it is common for people to imagine that the Vikings wore winged helmets (horned helmets are another popular, though equally erroneous, motif). The vivid imagination of these Romantic artists not only influenced the artistic portrayal of the Norse gods, but also that of actual, historical Viking warriors. It may be said, however, that the depiction of Norse mythological figures with winged helmets may be traced back to the artists of the Romantic Movement. Additionally, the Valkyries (beings who chose, and brought those slain on the field of battle to Valhalla) are also commonly shown with winged helmets. Such gods as Odin and Thor are often portrayed with such helmets. ( Public Domain ) Winged Helmets of the Norse GodsĪpart from Hermes and Mercury, the Norse gods are also depicted as wearing winged helmets. (A medal based on a design by John Flaxman). Hermes carrying Pandora down from Mount Olympus wearing traveller hat.
Exposing the Roots of the Viking Horned Helmet Myth.The Confusing Horned Helmets Depicted in the Oseberg Viking Age Tapestries.Hermes’ status as a traveller is further enhanced by the hat said to be worn by him, either a broad-brimmed traveller’s hat, known as a petasos, or a winged cap. Thus, to aid him in this, Hermes has a pair of winged sandals, which is said to have been made by Hephaestus using imperishable gold.
In this role, Hermes is required to travel swiftly from one place to another. The Greeks and Romans believed that this was the emissary and messenger of the gods. In mythology, the winged helmet is perhaps most famously associated with the Greek god Hermes, and his Roman counterpart Mercury. Variations of the winged helmet were also used by different peoples during various periods of history.
Historically, the winged helmet is often associated with the Celts and Vikings, though erroneously so. In the realm of mythology, such helmets are associated with the Greek god Hermes (known also as Mercury by the Romans), as well as the Norse gods. The winged helmet is a type of helmet that is found in mythology as well as history.
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