Description
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The Scandinavian goggled war helm first emerged in the 8th century and reached this distinctive form by the 10th century. This design evolves from the traditional Spangenhelm by incorporating a steel face mask, offering much greater defense than the earlier simple nasal guard. Such a mask protected the wearer’s face during the brutal encounters typical of Viking raids and battles. Although mail coifs were known, Vikings often forewent them unless their heads were shaved, instead depending on the helmet’s solid steel construction combined with an attached camail,a drape of interlinked rings,to guard the neck and shoulders. This camail is made from 16 gauge steel, with rings about 3⁄8″ in diameter, while the helmet’s body is forged from 17 gauge steel, each piece hammered and shaped by hand. This combination reflects the straightforward, sturdy craftsmanship of Norse armorers.
The Scandinavian goggled war helm first emerged in the 8th century and reached this distinctive form by the 10th century. This design evolves from the traditional Spangenhelm by incorporating a steel face mask, offering much greater defense than the earlier simple nasal guard. Such a mask protected the wearer’s face during the brutal encounters typical of Viking raids and battles. Although mail coifs were known, Vikings often forewent them unless their heads were shaved, instead depending on the helmet’s solid steel construction combined with an attached camail,a drape of interlinked rings,to guard the neck and shoulders. This camail is made from 16 gauge steel, with rings about 3⁄8″ in diameter, while the helmet’s body is forged from 17 gauge steel, each piece hammered and shaped by hand. This combination reflects the straightforward, sturdy craftsmanship of Norse armorers.
Fun fact: The Gjermundbu Viking Helmet, unearthed in Norway, is the only nearly complete Viking helmet ever discovered and features many elements found in this style of goggled helm, including the protective face guard and camail.
