#22: Vikings’ Horned Helmets
Contrary to popular depictions, Vikings did not wear horned helmets, as they would have been impractical and even hazardous in battle. Historical evidence suggests that Vikings likely wore simpler headgear made from materials like leather or iron, designed for functionality rather than elaborate ornamentation.
The myth of horned helmets gained traction largely due to artistic interpretations, including Richard Wagner’s 1876 opera Der Ring des Nibelungen, which portrayed Norse characters wearing such headgear. However, archaeological findings and scholarly research have debunked this misconception, revealing a more accurate representation of Viking attire.