9. The Viking style
The very first image that comes to our mind when we hear the word “Viking” is probably that of a tall blonde man wearing a horned helmet. The tall and blonde parts are probably true, statistically speaking. The helmet part? Not so much. Let’s put it this way: no sane warrior would wear something that could provide a handhold for a potential battle opponent. Imagine fighting someone who has a pair of bicycle handles attached to their head: wouldn’t you try to make a grab for them right away?
In truth, the only Norse men who wore decorated helmets were priests who used them during religious ceremonies. It was only later and only due to artistic license that horned helmets started featuring in the portrayals of Viking warriors. Artists, as anyone can tell you, are all about beauty rather than common sense.
