Just about everyone knows the work berserk. I'm sure most of us have experienced that emotion in themselves or others. Some act on it, others not. But do you know where the word comes from?
It's actually a Norse word that comes to us from the Vikings. Of course, we all know of the wild and formidable raider/warriors who terrorized Middle Ages Europe. They used their magnificent Long Boats to sail the world, terrorizing and pillaging cities and villages from Ireland to Sicily. Their raids were so sudden and shocking that the most popular prayer of the time was "Lord, protect us from the Vikings". And the fiercest of the fierce Vikings were the berserkers. They were the storm troopers of their day. They fought with such ferocity that it is widely believed that they were under the influence of some type of hallucinogenic substance (probably wild mushrooms). In addition to their wild fighting style, they were distinguished by their bear skin or berserk tunics. Hence the moniker berserker.
So, the next time some idiot treats you with disrespect or some clueless driver cuts you off at 70 m.p.h., break out the bear skin tunic and just go berserk! :)
Boy, I gotta hand it to you, I never ever thought about where this word came from. Where do you get this stuff from? Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteStill more to come form the 'pool!
ReplyDelete