At least that’s what everyone thought until an April 1st news article in the Council for British Archaeology revealed Vikings may have worn horned helmets after all.
Millinery specialist Professor Paul Norn of the University of Reinstädt explains all:
It is clear that the helmet was worn with one horn up and one down. Equally important is the fact that it was worn fore and aft not side-to-side, as the front horn was worn down to provide a nose guard. These guards in metal are clearly portrayed on the Bayeux tapestry on the Normans (who were themselves descended from the ‘Norse Men’). In the past people were shorter, so the rear horn pointed upwards so that the Vikings could find one another in long grass. By 1066 the rear horn was unnecessary as the Normans rode horses (again evidenced in the Bayeux tapestry) and so were now visible in all situations.
“…the rear horn pointed upwards so that the Vikings could find one another in long grass.” hee hee.
Yes, it was an April Fool’s Day joke.
The helmet in the photo is a museum reproduction I was borrowing for a little, uh, light pillaging shopping.