Berserking for Dummies

I love Grettir's Saga. It is far and away my favorite of all the sagas.

Grettir has long been my hero.

My day was brightened significantly by your reference to it.

Thank you!

I've done some studies on this as in my youth I'd encounter "black out rages" and trance-like moments while engaged in less-than-moral pursuits. One of the comparisons that readily comes to mind from such studies was the Whirling Dervishes, who would also often seek such a trance state in combat. They still incorporate the concept in their religious practices.

This reminds me of when I fence for a long time without taking a break. I eventually hit a point were everything slows down and it almost feels as though time has stopped for everyone but me, also at that point I feel no pain really. I did some research into beserkergang before but never a lot. I find this post really interesting. I remember me and a friend discussing if such a ability could be learned by anyone or if it is somehow passed done genetically.

I think many people have experienced a form of berserking to one degree or another when stressed or in a physically-straining situatioon. But most people don't know what to call that state. It's kind of like "runner's high", when people who run and push their bodies experience mood alterations and sometimes note physical changes as well. It's the same kind of concept, but it's mixed in with spirituality and magic in the sense that berserks used that state of mind to essentially do channeling and possession work.

I finally got to read a couple articles on here about Berserkering. It's like ( This is opinion now) that its very much like a Native American Tradition of dancing till you reach the state of euphoria .. Bringing you closer to Spiritual enlightenment,which is what I always thought a Shaman was... Neat little tid bit,but a great article,I enjoyed the brief history of them wearing animal skins,fun fun fun.....

Oh brother Charlie Brown.

Thank you for the post, miss.

Berserking, is just the practice I need to expand my knowledge of Norse Paganism.

I watched a show on this last week on the History Channel
They said that this practice still exists and they have written admissions from the US Army that a group of Troops are trained to Tap Into this Power.It was an interesting show and great way to spend an hour...I think IM actually starting to like Norse better thrn Greek myths at this point.Great stuff
Ok going to study this subject deeply.

I found something similar when I would practice fighting, that at a certain degree of rage everything seemed to blur and I would feel stronger and more energized than normal. perhaps Berserking would be something good to study.

Kind of odd in my opinion but I see many similarities to some of the druidic teachings I've picked up over the years kind of brings you back to the old chicken and the egg conversation.