Sue Takes on the Sutton Hoo Helmet | Curator's Corner S6 Ep5

You didn't think Sue only did swords did you?
The excavations at Sutton Hoo during 1939 were unique for a number reasons. We're not sure the exact number of reasons (like Irving, maths really isn't our thing), but there were definitely enough for Netflix to make an original, dramatized version of it in the form of 'The Dig'. A ship burial of this level of wealth has not been found before or since in England, and excavations were conducted under the shadow of the United Kingdoms impending involvement in World War Two.
Though a great number of exceptional objects were found in the mound at Sutton Hoo, none have captured the public imagination like the Sutton Hoo helmet. And tonight, for the first time in 10 years, we got to get the incredibly delicate helmet out of its display case, and hopefully do it justice (it was incredibly intimidating to film with).
#CuratorsCorner #SuttonSue #KnowingMeKnowingHoo

[@ThatLadyBird]

Ive seen a hundred photos and videos about this helmet, but never once got to see the rear or side view. This was super interesting.

[@britishmuseum]

That's awesome. When we found out we could film the helmet out of the case, Googling the hell out of it to work out what people couldn't see just online. Turns out it's most of. Thanks for noticing - and letting us know

[@manuelibanezgabarron8761]

@@britishmuseum This implies that there are some objects you ("you" meaning the KZbin channel, not the Museum) can't film out of their cases, either due to conservation/fragility reasons or due to lack of some sort of permission. Is any of these the reason? In the second case, who has to grant permission for the object to be taken out of the cage? Also, possible future video: "Things we can't show you".

[@britishmuseum]

It's not a permission thing so much as a logistics thing. The Sutton Hoo helmet is incredibly popular (some people will visit the Museum from overseas specifically just to see it), so our policy is to never have it off display. This means we had to get it out of the case, film it and the episode and get it back on display in a single evening. It takes two expert object handlers to move it safely owing to how fragile it is (the lead object handler for this shoot has 20+ years experience) and then get it back in the case again safely in that time. Because it was after hours, it was an additional 5 hours added to their work day and Sue's day. It also takes a lot of planning to move the helmet, so it's not something we could really propose without a lot of work going into it first. Probably not the most interesting answer to your question, but it's the genuine one.

[@eedwardgrey2]

Yup no idea there was another dragon/snakehead on the back, never seen that neckguard either.

[@manuelibanezgabarron8761]

@@britishmuseum Thank you for answering. I don't think the answer is uninteresting, the fact that you need two experts to just move it from display really gives us another glimpse into the Museum logistics.

[@zarahandrahilde9554]

Curator: "This priceless,rare,most famous piece was jigsawed carefully back together...." Internet: "......Put it on."

[@kellynorman9270]

To be honest from experience in working museums that’s literally the reaction of every visitor ever 😂. Here’s this priceless, one of a kind object .... gotta touch it immediately!

[@greentag50]

I think it's interesting because usually it's more like this- Woman on the internet: .... Internet: ".... take it off."

[@zarahandrahilde9554]

@@greentag50 that part of the internet doesn't get historical museum videos recommended to their feed, i don't think :D

[@UnDeaDCyBorg]

@@zarahandrahilde9554 Depends on what else they are looking at, does it not? This is the first time I got a recommendation for the british museum, coming from an AoE 2 video. Not that I actually disagree.

[@ichhabe330]

@@kellynorman9270 NRK ( Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) just send a three part series about our forever king, Olaf the holy hosted by Kristofer Hivju aka Tormund Giantsbane. Man, that guy was a toucher. You could see that every time he got near something older than a 1000 years he had to battle himself to not touch the item in view. He lost many of them battles. It was almost comical and I just laughed a lot through the three episodes after being aware of that.

[@AdamHHI]

Shout out to the editor for throwing in the flames and metal music bit lol

[@Asgath]

Absolutely ambushed me that did, creased! :)

[@tomdillistone1828]

Yes to the kooky, cool levity!

[@DyersburgTennessee]

@odeerg You have no clue what they would have liked. If they had been exposed to metal music they may have loved it!

[@Asgath]

@odeerg I bet you're a wild ride at parties.

[@ia3630]

@odeerg Pfff, please. These were warriors, they'd have decided the fate of kingdoms in duels of Metal Air Guitar! :P

[@valution9792]

There is nothing better than listening to an expert who's in love with what they curate

[@BOOGiNS]

Or boring

[@grep67]

@@BOOGiNS You must be glued to your phone watching tik tok "influencers" instead of learning something about past history.

[@derchozenvun83]

Yet she lies and calls a Judish Dane burial "Anglo Saxon". People complain about folks playing dress up, but Brits straight up steal culture. Show a little respect for the dead; don't just loot the grave and rebrand it.

[@michaelraymon111]

@@grep67 why are you making stuff up

[@swayambhurashtra]

What do a call expert of the Chor Bazzar?

[@Ohfishyfishyfish]

Very disappointed her name isn't Sue Hutton.

[@mattdeblassmusic]

“What do you want on your helmet.” “I don’t know, something badass, like a dragon or a boar or a snake or something.” “Say no more.”

[@tbone2646]

I want a gilded mulletstache

[@borjesvensson8661]

@@tbone2646i dont want anyone to harm my beautiful face. Sir i have just the item for you. A hig tech faceplate. But people wont be able too see my magnificent moustache! Say no more, a gilded moustache on the faceplate can bee arranged.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

@Threehundredpages Pages this is Sutton _Where?_

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

@Threehundredpages Pages lol, I already am.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

@Threehundredpages Pages take it easy, I love history.. I'm just having a giggle, not trying to hurt others. Don't know how things are for you, but life is grim where I am rn. So stay safe. 💝☯️♾🌻☮

[@phoule76]

Nobody ever asks "Sutton How?".

[@britishmuseum]

Sutton Why don't they care?

[@nielsegense]

@@britishmuseum I care! Every time I teach the Illerup Ådal finds I draw lines up through history to both Valsgårde and Sutton Hoo ;)

[@elirien4264]

Sutton Where?

[@kensae]

Sutton Whom?

[@julzmgrforll7278]

Oh come on y'all. Don't be so Sutton silly. Sorry. I'll go home now.

[@margo3367]

I had no idea the helmet was in fragments when they found it. Reminiscent of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how they’re painstakingly putting it back together. Fascinating.

[@zigzagarisen]

It's amazing that the standard for "complete helmet" is 'a thousand piece jigsaw that takes a year to assemble.' Shows how truly fragile the works of humankind are.

[@practicingstoicism2048]

Lmfaoo it was buried under hundreds of thousands of pounds of earth very few things in existence wouldn't be crushed by that kind of weight

[@leahcimolrac1477]

More so shows how much conjecture is involved in reconstruction of these items. I work in a museum. It’s not like curators and academics know _nothing_ but there is a lot of hypothesis involved. They’ll rely on other archeological evidence from the same time period + written primary sources, secondary narratives, and so on. So it’ll never be 💯

[@mistergreene2]

some assembly required

[@cuatican]

And even after all that jigsaw puzzle work, we only have half- or less than half- of the helmet, and it's still considered complete.

[@jobnieloliva5358]

there’s 16% of the original helmet left. A lot of conjecture is involved

[@gsquaredthebassman]

This curator needs her own TV show. She’s great.

[@ronlhubbard1353]

Maybe She could have super hero powers when she wears the helmet on her head. Fight crime by dancing in a conga line around the villains.The name of the show could be called “Helmet or Mask” or something like that. Let’s hope so! It would make such a great movie ! Hopefully she could tell some jokes too! Great idea!

[@LadyAmarra1]

She`s absolutely a gifted educater for these types of topics.

[@langraman8756]

@Zulu Necker Dr

[@crazycressy7986]

Watch the film "the dig" your see how corrupt the BM really are with this hoard

[@gonnabeok]

the problem is nobody watch tv these days, internet era is here

[@sunrisings292]

Sue is all professional, excited with this relic, and adorable... The flames and metal were unexpected but well received! LOL. We all have an internal warrior somwhere.

[@yousuck6222]

It is funny because if she met the person who wore this hat in real life he would probably rape her and then pillage her flat.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

She can make you fascinated about anything because she is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her artifacts! Enjoyed this so much! I wear helmets for a living, so this really spoke to me!

[@stevensonbak]

"Sue Takes On the Sutton Hoo" sounds like the title of a Dr. Seuss book

[@ac1239844]

Sounds like a porn

[@fallen969]

Lmfao

[@OneDayOrDayOne_117]

@@ac1239844 I swear I read "Sue takes one up the poo"...

[@phoenixdavida8987]

that's EXACTLY what i thought!!! 😉☺️

[@markpieexplores]

Hutton Sue takes on the Sutton Hoo

[@MarkoPareigis]

Dr Sue Brunnings "Curators Corners" are simply the best! Her fascination and love for her work is contagious!

[@Khronogi]

Definitely

[@mudkatt2003]

and she is hot.......

[@JCO2002]

@@mudkatt2003 I was just about to post the same comment.

[@jebusgod]

also helps that she's easy on the eye

[@andrewvictor1865]

You obviously haven't come across the one about Assyrian smugglers stuffing tin down their underpants.

[@dvhughesdesign]

Oh my, she is a fantastic storyteller. I was like...yeah, I'll check this out for a few seconds. And 1 minute into almost 20 minutes later, Sue had me wrapped around her gloved finger. Nice work.

[@evan_ingalls]

Same! Thought I'd watch a minute or two and I watched all 20. She's fantastic at what she does!

[@lifesgood9528]

lol 😂

[@gordonlekfors2708]

the original Sutton Sue

[@betrisherninox2865]

This lady is a wonderful narrator and had me entirely spellbound for the whole video! I hope to see more from her over time.

[@Tonks143]

The British Museum is one of the best youtube channels, no joke

[@britishmuseum]

We love you too

[@Magius61]

Accurate.

[@nilesbutler8638]

Tru dat. Although I also enjoy Penn and OI ....

[@hughmac13]

It's one of the best museums, no joke. For me the highlight was Lindow Man, because I wrote a long paper about him and other bog bodies. But everything about the museum is awesome.

[@BPMbuckley]

Because they stole all the good stuff from countries they conquered

[@Coniuratos]

11:56 Sue is fucking metal.

[@KarlBunker]

I was busy shoveling food into my mouth when that happened, and I for real almost choked.

[@keicbell]

I burst out laughing then cheering

[@johnladuke6475]

Curator of Tortured Souls.

[@Salomon_G]

Nah, the editor is ;)

[@TorToroPorco]

I was listening with my headphones and that part was quite startling, I thought for sure Sue had become a spawn of hell.

[@dindu551]

Whoever wore that helmet was a complete badass in his day. We're talking about a deadly warrior. Meeting him on the battlefield would have been a nightmare. He almost certainly have dispatched many other champions in single combat. We're looking at the helmet of an Achilles from the north. It's amazing.

[@Lkdahiya-fn4oy]

Or maybe a spoiled royal brat wanting to intimidate his weak subjects.

[@jorgecardoso5863]

Sue is so awesome, you can tell she knows an absurd amount of stuff and yet is so relatable. She is the master made human

[@scouttyra]

​@Legion ?

[@Temujin1206]

That possible reference to Wōden's one eye is doubly interesting given that the person buried at Sutton Hoo was virtually guaranteed to be an East Anglian King from the Wuffingas dynasty, who claimed descent from Wōden. Therefore, given the noticeably pagan nature of the burial, whoever originally wore the helmet almost certainly believed himself a descendant of Wōden.

[@elwolf8536]

fucking awsome !!!

[@eveningstar7048]

I was about to comment the very same!

[@hengelhardcore3860]

But did they also honour the same gods ?

[@charliestepson90]

Are the "horned" helmet men really references to Woden too with ravens on his shoulders?

[@elwolf8536]

I wonder if the little guy on the back of the horse holding the spear is an incarnation of gungnir

[@75YBA]

All the best to you and yours, Sue and the British Museum staff. Health and happiness from one of your Canadian cousins!

[@britishmuseum]

Cheers, we're all keeping safe, but miss being in the Museum 😓

[@TheZumph]

@@britishmuseum it should be in Suffolk you cockney thieves

[@EleanorPeterson]

@@TheZumph - Ah, in the words of Micky Flanagan, " Stroll on double lively, treacle! Finders keepers, oi, oi!" :-)

[@preddes6522]

@@TheZumph 😂😂😂😂

[@weatherman1978]

She does an excellent job bringing Anglo-Saxon history to life. You can sense her enthusiasm and excitement for this particular object. I think I could listen to her for hours on end talking about history. What a smart and charismatic woman! I hope I'll get to see more videos with her soon...

[@chinmayeesurve7769]

Mad respect for the person for putting the helmet pieces together

[@neeko4676]

Love Sue! Would really enjoy more of her Curator's Corner videos. More Sue please!!

[@raeburn1277]

She's wonderful isn't she? So intelligent and enthusiastic and pretty too. I fall for her a little bit more with every video.

[@ColdHawk]

Second that motion!

[@quinntus2559]

Yes please!!!

[@KavaKavana]

I’ve got a fever and the only cure is more sue..and more cowbell

[@dianespears6057]

Her energy, her commitment and enthusiastic voice makes me think this may be our Lucy Worsley Junior coming along. An enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@newtonfoust5702]

So, I just watched "The Dig" this morning. I do realize that this is a fiction worked around the history, however, it has led me here to your "Corner" so I am sure that you can grasp the value of such "liberties". (I did enjoy the movie and if you are a movie buff I recommend it.) Such a wonderful method of presenting the subject, Sue. I could feel the history, wonder, and even the fear brought to life through your refreshing energy for the piece. As someone who lives in the Piedmont of North Carolina, any finds of this age would be of Native American origin and would not be nearly as, well, ornate. Still interesting of course but this is incredible. Thank you for your work here. I can't wait to see some more of your vids.

[@pspboy7]

There's something about a ship being buried under a earth mound that's just so cool!

[@mustafa1name]

Sue's ideas about the senses changing inside the helmet, and the wearer imagining themselves into some kind of animal-robot-god on the battlefield, are compelling

[@BayleyDon]

Happens to me every time I put on my motorcycle helmet.

[@ub3rfr3nzy94]

@@BayleyDon Do you become the ghost rider?

[@MartinTraXAA]

I think anyone who has put on a recreation helmet and gotten into a scrap recognizes that sentiment! Saw a crazy Ukrainian dude in full plate charge a poor sod in Prague shouting "I AM IRON MAN!" so seems there's something to it :D

[@SouthCountyGal]

Makes me think of the pre-Christian ceremonies where someone put on the headdress or other trappings of a God and became that entity for the ritual. It's even more believable if the sense of self is altered by the helmet's acoustics. Fascinating idea. (Religious cosplay! lol)

[@SouthCountyGal]

@@BayleyDon I just become a hard of hearing person with a skull full of novacaine when I put on a motorcycle helmet.

[@bradleymcclure2675]

11:57 was a nice touch

[@radioactivepotato2068]

I live five minutes from the site. Often sit next to the river at the bottom of the hill where they'd have hauled the ship from, imagining the process. The place is magic as the sun comes up. I adore it there.

[@user-td9qs4vm8q]

This curator needs her own TV show. She’s great.. This curator needs her own TV show. She’s great..

[@kristopherjon6496]

You can say that again!

[@paperclipfantasy5961]

The way Sue gets excited about handling and seeing artefacts outside of a display case, reminds me why I love Archaeology and material culture. As well as the incredible work the British Museum and many other museums do.

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

Sue packs a lot into this short talk, in such a way that it does not seem over-loaded. The object itself (and the back story) takes precedence over production values - quite a contrast to many main-stream history programmes. Sue has no need to be anything other than herself . . .

[@jeremyday9056]

Very true and well said!

[@judylearn7971]

I visited the British Museum a few years ago, and it was one of the great travel moments of my life. More than the Elgin Marbles, the treasures of Sutton Hoo was near the top of my list. Looking into the "eyes" of the helmet, you can't help but speculating about who once looked out from those enigmatic eye openings. I so wish this video had been available for viewing before my trip. But now I have even more reason to return! I adore the Curator's Corner features. All do an awesome job! Thank you!

[@JohnnyBlaze5100]

The accent is music to my ears! Yes England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿!Yes, the beauty of thy tongue shall forever be in my heart!

[@granaff]

I'll say it again. This channel is criminally underrated.

[@KougajiCalling]

@@JohnSmith-gs2rv Irving Finkle's generally aren't... But also, some of these items are in a million, billion teeny, tiny pieces. A box full of iron shards is not going to be as dramatic or interesting as a helmet.

[@davidcockayne3381]

@@JohnSmith-gs2rv Dick.

[@davidcockayne3381]

@@JohnSmith-gs2rv Sorry, my original post was in error: You’re a know nothing and a dick.

[@F3CHT3R]

May I point out, that the motive of the warrior riding down his opponent and the spirit guiding the spear was found 1 on 1 in southwest Germany in an Alamanic woman’s grave on a golden disc. It is called the „Reiterscheibe von Pliezhausen“ (Rider‘s disc from Pliezhausen or simply Pliezhausen brooch) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliezhausen_brooch

[@mothratemporalradio517]

Cool.

[@gebeme11]

I clicked on the link fully expecting to get Rockrolled.

[@F3CHT3R]

@@gebeme11 No rockrolling, no rickrolling.....maybe some rock´n´rolling, but not this time ;-)

[@suebrunning4288]

Absolutely right!

[@callumtostevin-hall2044]

The small figure guiding the spear of the mounted warrior probably represents Woden, like lots of other things on the helmet.

[@destinytroll1374]

Man, this guy would have looked like a real BADASS in that helmet. Not to mention excellent protection for the head and neck! Excellent brake down, as always ^_^

[@fletcherchambers7175]

Sue's enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious. You have an additional subscriber! Very nicely done.

[@Missangie827]

Sue is an excellent presenter - her passion for the subject and her down to earth personality are perfectly balanced with her knowledge.

[@AC........]

I agree - let's hope there's more in the pipeline!

[@TheLawDawg]

I built a Sutton Hoo inspired sword about two years ago and the quality of the gold and garnet work on the original period pieces from both Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire hoard leave me absolutely gobsmacked. How they were ever able to work with garnet that small, and set them over the reflective gold micropattern baffles me.

[@uzivatel56]

The craftsmanship is absolutely stunning.

[@thhseeking]

"I'm not saying that it was aliens..." XD

[@theniceorganization]

"Illustrious feasting equipment" sounds like a euphemism for the mouth. "'Ere y'are, mate, egg and chips. Get yer illustrious feasting equipment round that!"

[@End-Putler4eva]

Spectacular narration, production and all aspects involved in creating such a warm, friendly yet super informative presentation. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Canada

[@MGMan-ce7sf]

"OH" says I, " a British Museum channel featuring a video on the Sutton Hoo helmet. I'm sure it'll be interesting and enlightening, if somewhat stuffy." Twelve minutes later; "I AM LIKE A DRAGON, I AM LIKE A SNAKE! CROSS ME AT YOUR PERIL." With flames, yet! Shutting my open mouth, I instantly click on SUBSCRIBE! Well done!

[@mrmartin2079]

Great comment

[@dzd2371]

Got me the same way!

[@Grim_Beard]

If this was my academic specialism, I'd change my name to Dr. Hoo.

[@AtheistOrphan]

A friend’s dentist is called Doctor Hu.

[@chilliam00]

@@AtheistOrphan there's a Mongolian metal band called The Hu.

[@britishmuseum]

Ok. You win the comment section for this one

[@jcb3883]

Dr. Suetton Hoo

[@fx4d]

I don't know, is "Dr. Sue Hoo" any way to go through life?

[@johnmaser4545]

I could listen to her discuss history endlessly. Lovely balance, very easy to listen to in the background while I burn through these spreadsheets at work.

[@ethanharvest4917]

Wow you got a listen from beginning, to and because this story just gets more, and more, and MORE interesting! That is absolutely nuts That historians sculptor man, had the voracious appetite to put together something so obscure/seemingly in penetrable absolutely blows me away that someone actually did this truly!

[@daemonharper3928]

Boar have incredibly thick and tough skulls - their tusks are pretty much the only way to defend themselves - and if you need to thrust your head towards an attacker to get your your tusks into the fight, mother nature had better ensure your head can take some serious blows too. Spears or arrows simply can't penetrate them. Nobody in their right mind would try to kill a boar via its head......a very desirous attribute for a war helmet and worthy of artistic depiction to imbue such prowess to the wearer. Modern hunters with high velocity rifles avoid the head too, bullets can literally glance off - you end up with a temporarily stunned boar who wakes up very very angry - as you're stood close by imagining all the sausages you're going to have.....many a reckless hunter had their femoral artery fatally severed by a wounded boar.

[@spfbaits]

Hunted bush pigs in Australia on me travels, everything you say is correct, they're mini tanks.

[@MrEvanfriend]

With modern rifles, the best place to shoot a boar is in the head, specifically at the bottom of the earhole. Virtually no modern bullet, and certainly not one that any reasonable hunter would take boar hunting, is going to bounce off bone.

[@b.f.2461]

@@MrEvanfriend The Anglo Saxons had a strange dearth of boar guns.

[@MrEvanfriend]

@@b.f.2461 And hunting at the time allowed for that

[@eviljoel]

@@MrEvanfriend Are you illiterate?

[@freddysperring8294]

She's so passionate it makes you really intrested in the subject

[@nelson1525]

Strikingly beautiful...and so is the helmut!

[@danielomalley4394]

Wonderful knowledge presented with assurance, no pedantry and a lovely woman who loves her job! I’m jealous of her accomplishment. Also the boar is predominant on my family’s arms. I saw in total awe the Sutton Hoo hoard at the British Museum in 1975, which makes me ancient as well!

[@scifiguy74]

I find it fascinating how she mentions sensory effects of the helmet, and how it may possibly effect mindset of wearer. Makes me wonder if legends about quote unquote magic helmets maybe due to fact that such helmets somehow empowered their wearer in much the way of a berserker

[@Kompressor594]

Sue's enthusiasm really brings this artifact to life. Thanks, was great to watch! When Corona ist over I need to give the BM a visit.

[@caveymoley]

"I am like the dragon, I am like the snake... Cross me at your peril !!" Well... that was.... a twist lol

[@badwolf7367]

Thank you Dr. Brunning. Your presentation is not only informative and fascinating, it is also very well done. I don't know what it is with many of the current generation, but they simply cannot string two words much less two sentences without using "ah", "you know", "like", etc.

[@JoelAbeyta]

This made my day! "I am like the dragon! I am like the snake! Cross me at your peril!" with the metal riffs and flames... so good.

[@Headbangnuker]

The best thing about these is the passion of the curators, it's fascinating the symbolic connections people develop and the experiences that gives them.

[@ironhornforge7970]

As a blacksmith and a person of Scandinavian descent I'm always in awe of the Sutton Hoo find. The craftsmanship of these objects are breathtaking even with modern technologies it would still take a skilled artist a considerable amount of time to create just one of the spectacular pieces in the hoard. Thank you for sharing such an up close and in-depth look into this fine helmet

[@faramund9865]

As someone of Dutch descent I'm also in awe ;)

[@earthstick]

You mean the few fragments that are left? The gold and silver parts that did not rust away. Because the rest of it is just iron oxide and really bears little resemblance to the reconstructed helmet we are all shown.

[@Semordnilaps]

@@earthstick No doubt an opinion based on your own study of archeology and the piece in question in particular. I'm a mere layman, sir, tell us your insights.

[@earthstick]

@@Semordnilaps An opinion based on observation. The helmet we are presented is politely called a reconstruction. It cannot be denied that there is barely anything left of the actual discovered helmet. Where else in archaeology do you find reconstruction being presented while the actual artefact is rarely exhibited? Of what benefit is the guesswork of a modern day artist?

[@earthstick]

@@Semordnilaps The insight we can derive from this is that the maker did not have either the resources, skill or inclination to make the entire helmet from a non-oxidising metal. Otherwise, they surely would have.

[@christinenewell9820]

Thank you so very much for this amazing talk and interesting information. It has made the Sutton Hoo story even more fascinating. I live in Australia and to see thing from the 6th century is wonderful. Our First Nations people go back 60000 years. History is incredible. Sincerely Christine.

[@pietersanders7761]

Thank you, Sue. A fascinating analysis told with warmth and infectious enthusiasm.

[@victorwelkin9136]

I love how she talks about what is and what isn't known. She doesn't dwell in the perhaps as much as most historians.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

One of the things I love about this series is that it allows access to history and knowledge anywhere in the world. You nurture LEARNING!!! Thank you!

[@funkymonkey1968]

I could listen to this lady speak about her subject material ALL day, a genuine rollercoaster ride of fascination. Thanks Doc.

[@dalekundtz760]

Thank you Sue for bringing to life this ancient helmet. Your history lesson and your great tour around the entire helmet bringing into focus the fine artistry one might miss without your help. The side view of the snakes teeth and his opponent facing off is unbelievably scary when get get the closeup look. Thank you for taking the time to show us this amazing archeology! I, and I am sure many others are looking forward to you future educational documentaries. Keep up the great work on Time Team!

[@rorybisson756]

is there a Sue fan club? by far, my favorite presenter on this channel. Welcome back, Sue. WE MISSED YOU!

[@alquinn8576]

Simps4Sue

[@Gdsm9]

Really enjoyed her last two mini-lectures!

[@Jestersson]

One can only imagine how beautiful it was when first made. Amazing video thank you.

[@wildone8397]

True! Also very Intimidating!

[@vladimirlopez7840]

This beautiful and intelligent woman is amazing at painting the picture of what we would have seen in those days. She is also humorous and light hearted. I hope someone in television sees her and perhaps gives her a tv show based on history. Just a wonderful young woman with a great talent.

[@mikes5637]

I live in Suffolk near Sutton Hoo and I've learned more about our most famous local legend in this 10 minute video than all the time I've lived here. Kudos!

[@Ariannaishun]

Agree. I lived nearby and visited twice. I dont recall those details in the display.

[@SlyBlu7]

I'm certainly no expert, but perhaps the boar motifs have something to do with how extremely tough a boar's skull is? Boars will defend their tunnel homes by backing into the entrance and presenting their incredibly hard heads and pointy tusks. Also, Sue is a great presenter and I love her enthusiasm and the way she considers the personality and period context of each item. Thank you so much to Sue, the other curators, and to the entire staff of the British Museum for creating these videos.

[@vanjimbo]

In the Bronze age helmets were made of boars teeth bound together! Check out Mycenaean warriors!

[@ferrisbueller9991]

You can tell she really cares about what she's talking about. I could listen to her for hours.

[@-mikabe834]

Thanks for your very interesting story and also it's good to understand even when your English is not your native language.👍 🇳🇱

[@GD-tt6hl]

As a former American football player, when I put on my helmet I was a different person. It was go time. I was deadly serious. All the joking stopped. So when you said the wearer of this helmet would have the same kind of thing a rush of emotions came over me. I remembered.

[@ColdHawk]

This helmet adds a new dimension to that old saying, “put your game face on!”

[@sadnessinside123]

Great comment. I agree

[@doug6500]

Minus the harsh reality of very possibly dying.

[@GD-tt6hl]

@@doug6500 making a fool of yourself in front of the whole school gives the same feeling as being dead. ;)

[@hideousruin]

I can't believe there isn't a "Pepperidge Farm remembers" response here yet.

[@billywindsock9597]

It is wonderful to see how excited you are to be face to face with such an iconic piece of our national history.

[@awalk5177]

This presentation was one of the best I have ever seen. The detail is described as it is, without assumptions or projecting opinions. It is refreshing to hear someone say "we don't really know" as scientists can only have an open mind to other possibilities. Thank you so much for this video.

[@PartTimeJedi]

Sue has Brains, charm and an irresistible cuteness that makes watching her a treat!

[@wlieu12]

Sue: "...that doesn't necessarily mean that they didn't have different priorities, different ideas, different concerns, different ways of thinking about things..." is a profound statement that all human being should always consider.

[@jk28416]

exactly, they did have the idea that gold and Gemstones had great value in their economy, if you clonked the guy on the head you'd probably knock off the equivalent of a £1 million quid shard. Not sure he'd risk that. Especially after the fall of Rome in 410 AD when European money markets would have collapsed leading to a coveting of precious metals.

[@adalbertschwafel2587]

@@jk28416 the whole trick might have been to not get clonked on the head tho, especially for the leader But who knows

[@jk28416]

@@adalbertschwafel2587 why wear a helmet at all then?

[@adalbertschwafel2587]

@@jk28416 Maybe to look more frightening, but yes I agree with you. Nevertheless the wearer would probably avoid putting the helmet to real use and I personally would not care about all gems in the world if someone was hitting me on the head with a sword... might aswell risk all the riches if i am risking my head ;) But as I sayd we cant really know for sure

[@andrewwigglesworth3030]

@@jk28416 "Especially after the fall of Rome in 410 AD when European money markets would have collapsed" What are you on about? "Money markets"???

[@dvn1329]

SUE NEEDS HER OWN SERIES ON THIS CHANNEL. LONGER VIDS PLEASE TOO

[@helenafrisk8787]

I grew up in the Vendel area and was christened in the church right next to where the boat burials were found. Ever since I first heard of Sutton Hoo I’ve been intreaged - surely our two communities knew about each other back in the 7th century. I do wish these helmets could talk. The image of the helmet from Vendel was even on the cover of my the local school’s telephone book (yes, it was the early 90’s and people still had a land-line). 😅

[@sneedposterextrordinaire3206]

Here’s a fact no one asked for: my great grandad was the vicar of the parish where this was found, when it was found, and he got to see it being unearthed

[@deadpool3131]

Thats amazing! :D

[@annienewton3999]

Wow he was there at the beginning of this !!

[@BENzoic-zj2do]

Thank you bigger chungus

[@mefnow]

Have you watched "the dig" yet?

[@AudioEsoterixxx]

Wait a minute if he was a holy man why did he have kids?

[@duybear4023]

I remember seeing that helmet in a history book over 20 years ago. The description was only two sentences but the helmet was so beautiful I never forgot it. Thank you for bringing back an old memory and explaining what I saw.

[@CharlieJapan]

That is so cool. I'm imagining a glowing red-eyed warrior leading a platoon of soldiers and how intimidating that must have been.

[@tommysayer512]

How smart is this one? This is what an outstanding education gets you. So impressive. Sending this to my 14-year-old daughter now...

[@bonnpoland]

I DID think Sue only did swords... but this is awesome! She's great at explaining these pieces. Thanks Sue!

[@thetranspanzer3692]

She can curate my sword anytime she likes.

[@khasab6124]

the Sutton Hoo Helmet, maybe the best find ever. Can you look at the eyes without getting chills...that's a scary helmet

[@21sungalute.42]

When I think about the idea of ‘going back in time’ being able to travel back 14 centuries or so to witness this burial ritual would be high on my wish list.

[@danstory4286]

To move in time as little as 50 years, forward or backward, would be to expose yourself to deadly microorganisms that you are defenseless against and you would likely die. Sorry.

[@21sungalute.42]

@@danstory4286 I think you misunderstand the sentiment.

[@danstory4286]

@@21sungalute.42 No, I get. Just wear an environment suit when you go. Lol

[@edzell1970]

We need an outtake of her wearing it. hell, even a replica. its almost obvious in her eyes that she wants to put it on. no worries...I do too. 😀

[@JohnSmith-mk1rj]

That was the very first things that I thought. I dunno how she resists the temptation. If you left me alone with that thing for 5 seconds I'd have that thing on and be re-enacting a scene from Gladiator.

[@owntor1]

11:58 I wasn't expecting that.

[@LIamaLlama554]

That was epic.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

\\M//

[@Lleanlleawrg]

This artifact is news to me, but being Norwegian, I found myself thinking about Norse mythology as soon as I saw the thumbnail. The one-eyed effect does bring to mind Odin. I thought the small creature guiding the spear could be him too, as he is known to have a spear called gungnir which always strikes true. If the boar imbues defensiveness, the snake and dragon imbue aggression, perhaps the eye effect imbues wisdom, and the spear-assistant if odin imbues precison.

[@RenMVlogs]

Thanks for sharing this perspective 🙂

[@krashd]

If I recall correctly two of the three "Germanic" tribes that displaced Britain's native population were Danish (the Jutes and the Angles), only the Saxons came from modern day Germany, so we're more descended from Scandinavians than Germans. Either way Odin - or Wodin as Germanic tribes called him - would still play a large part in our early history, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are named after Odin, Thor and Freya respectively. Also you might be Norwegian but your name means 'tiny office cubicle' in Welsh. I think.

[@YorkyOne]

@@krashd Depends where in England you are. Angles - East Anglia, Midlands and Northumberland to Firth of Forth. Saxons - south and west of the Angles (to Wales and Cornwall). Jutes - Kent and around Isle of White. There is no evidence to prove that the existing Britons were totally displaced.

[@thomassugg5621]

@@YorkyOne True it's most likely that the Brition ruling elite with their followers were killed or driven to Wales and Cornwall, the majority of the common folk would have stayed and adopted Anglo-Saxon culture, Religion and Language.

[@Hugh_Morris]

@@YorkyOne I think it's commonly accepted that the Britons mostly weren't displaced, but willingly integrated into Germanic society

[@kingtungstenworldwide4472]

Brilliant explanation!! Thanks Sue! I’ve never heard such an enthusiastic and insightful rendition of what this artifact is likely to mean and the design elements.

[@reason43poole37]

Great commentary, and thank you for not drowning or even playing music in the background.

[@taylor.h_n]

The flames sent me 🤣 so good!

[@britishmuseum]

🔥🔥🔥

[@larsberglund]

As a Swede, it is nice to see that we share a common ancestry. Some twenty years ago, a quite similar hilt was discovered not far from where I grew up. Great video, Sue! I admire your passion.

[@elwolf8536]

I'm English with some Swedish accestery

[@larsberglund]

@@elwolf8536 Actually, Beowulf himself comes somewhere from my part of Sweden. Maybe he is our ancestor? 😄

[@amedeadecataldis1061]

Thank you very much for the fantastic video. It’s just so beautifully put together. Very engaging and in formative. I love it!!

[@markleclairii2987]

I love the way you bring all of this history to life. Your videos are fun, thank you.

[@sillywabbit]

Netflix needs to pick up a series of this, she is perfect on camera.

[@rolldogg01]

Nope she definitely needs to have her own show talking about all these artifacts in a bikini or naked (since I'm dreaming anyway)!!! I think it would be an award winning show!!! Maybe go with a artifact recovery "dirty jobs" type show!!! Just my two cents

[@MrDrewbies]

@@rolldogg01 weirdo

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

she's pretty hot

[@shibainu6087]

God no. Keep those ghouls away from this.

[@SomeInterestingName]

@@rolldogg01 can't you function day to day without getting your genitals involved? Must be difficult.

[@4Curses]

The horns remind me of some imagery of odin i´ve seen, where his ravens are depicted over his head resembling horns.

[@peternystrom921]

So not Aliens? 🤣😊

[@callumtostevin-hall2044]

You're right those two horn like things on the headress probably aren't horns but are representations of Woden's two Ravens, they have bird heads after all. The whole helmet is deeply Wodenic, from the spear-dancers to the mounted warrior with Woden guiding his spear to the one eyed connotation. This is no surprise as Woden was King of the Gods, so naturally earthly Anglo-Saxon kings were deeply invested in his cult.

[@daemonharper3928]

Freya was closely associated with boar, birds of prey and war.....she also had first pick of the weapon slain warriors and took them to Folkvangr before Odin took the rest to Valhalla....it could be referencing this?

[@matto2514]

I was surprised she said they didnt know what they were.. I thought that was well established that its Woden.

[@draw1951]

Absolutely fascinating hearing of your (collective) interpretations and pointing out the details. Kudos to those who recreated the Sutton Hoo helmets, both the original and the reproduction, but it is your detailed but fireside approach to schooling us that’s so wonderful.

[@waynedexter3446]

Wonderful narrative style! Amazing job of putting so much meaning into such a precious object

[@jamesdoyle5405]

The Curator's Corner is the best format the Museum uses. Happy to see the format return.