Gjermundbu helmet

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Gjermundbu helmet - cropped

Gjermundbu helmet is a significant archaeological find, representing the only known example of a complete Viking Age helmet. Discovered in 1943 at a burial site in Gjermundbu, located in Buskerud, Norway, this artifact provides invaluable insights into the martial culture, craftsmanship, and attire of the Norsemen during the Viking Age, which spanned from the late 8th to the early 11th century.

Discovery

The Gjermundbu helmet was unearthed during an excavation led by Norwegian archaeologist Sigurd Grieg. It was found within a richly furnished grave that also contained other high-status items, such as weapons and equestrian equipment, suggesting that the site was the final resting place of a prominent Viking warrior or chieftain. The helmet was part of a larger find that included the remains of a chain mail shirt, providing a rare glimpse into the protective gear of Viking warriors.

Description

The Gjermundbu helmet is made of iron and is characterized by its rounded cap and the spectacle guard that protects the eyes, nose, and upper face. This feature is particularly noteworthy as it provides a clear connection to the earlier Vendel Period helmets found in Sweden, illustrating the continuity and evolution of Scandinavian helmet design. The spectacle guard not only served a protective function but also endowed the helmet with a distinctive appearance, reflecting the wearer's status and identity.

The helmet's construction involves four plates held together by rivets, a design that was likely intended to distribute the force of blows and increase the helmet's durability in combat. The presence of a mail aventail, which protected the neck and shoulders, further emphasizes the helmet's role as a piece of functional military equipment. Despite its practical design, the Gjermundbu helmet also bears traces of decorative elements, suggesting that aesthetic considerations were important in the production of Viking Age armaments.

Significance

The Gjermundbu helmet is of paramount importance for the study of Viking Age warfare, society, and material culture. As the only complete helmet from this period, it provides direct evidence of the types of protective headgear used by Viking warriors, contributing to our understanding of their combat practices and military technology. Moreover, the helmet's design and decoration offer insights into the broader artistic and cultural expressions of the Norse world.

The discovery of the Gjermundbu helmet has also played a crucial role in dispelling the popular myth that Vikings wore horned helmets, a misconception that has no basis in historical artifacts or contemporary accounts. Instead, the Gjermundbu helmet aligns with descriptions found in Norse sagas and iconography on runestones, which depict warriors wearing conical or rounded helmets with spectacle guards.

Preservation and Display

After its discovery, the Gjermundbu helmet underwent conservation and analysis. It is currently housed in the Cultural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, where it is displayed as part of the museum's Viking Age exhibit. The helmet continues to attract interest from scholars and the public alike, serving as a tangible link to the world of the Vikings and a symbol of their martial prowess and craftsmanship.