When most people think about Vikings, they imagine fierce warriors donning horned helmets charging into battle. This image has been deeply ingrained in popular culture — from movies to cartoons — but it’s actually a myth. Despite countless artistic portrayals, no Viking helmet with horns has ever been found by archaeologists.
In fact, there is only one complete Viking helmet ever discovered — and it tells a very different story.
The Historic Discovery at Gjermundbu, Norway
On March 30, 1943, a farmer named Lars Gjermundbo was digging on his property near the Gjermundbu farm in southern Norway when he uncovered something extraordinary: a large burial mound. This discovery caught the attention of archaeologists, including Marstrander and Blindheim, who began an excavation the following month.
The mound measured approximately 25 meters long, 8 meters wide at its broadest, and 1.8 meters tall at the center. Mostly composed of stones and soil, the mound’s interior featured a carefully paved stone layer. Beneath this, about one meter below the surface, archaeologists discovered a grave believed to belong to a petty king from the Ringerike region.
Artifacts Reflecting Viking Life and Warfare
Known as Grav I, the burial contained dozens of personal items linked to daily activities such as fighting, archery, horse riding, gaming, and cooking. Among these artifacts were two exceptionally rare pieces — a chain mail armor and the helmet that would become world-famous.
The Gjermundbu Viking Helmet: A Spectacle of Craftsmanship
The Gjermundbu helmet is the only complete Viking helmet ever found, making it an invaluable artifact for understanding Viking warfare and armor design. Made of iron, the helmet features a distinctive peaked cap formed from four plates.
Its construction includes a “spangen” — a horizontal band coupled with two vertical strips forming the framework, to which the iron plates are riveted. This design belongs to the category of Viking spectacle helmets, named after the protective eye guards that resemble spectacles.
This helmet offers solid face protection while maintaining a wide field of vision, essential for battle. It shares several design traits with earlier helmets from the Vendel period, including the rounded cap and chain mail aventail that protects the neck.
Today, the Gjermundbu helmet is preserved and displayed at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, drawing interest from historians, archaeologists, and Viking enthusiasts worldwide.
Debunking the Horned Helmet Myth
The idea that Vikings wore horned helmets likely originated in 19th-century romanticized artwork and theatrical costumes rather than historical fact. The Gjermundbu helmet clearly shows that Viking helmets were practical and designed for protection, not decoration.
Why the Gjermundbu Helmet Matters
This rare find not only sheds light on Viking armor but also helps historians better understand Viking burial customs and social hierarchy. It offers an authentic glimpse into the life of a Viking warrior, helping to dispel myths and bring Viking history into clearer focus.
Explore More Viking History
If you’re fascinated by Viking history, armor, and archaeology, the Gjermundbu helmet is a must-see artifact. For those planning a trip to Norway, the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo offers an incredible chance to witness this rare piece of Viking heritage firsthand.
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