The Henbane Theory of Berserkers with Dr. Karsten Fatur

You may have heard of the legends of the Norse Beserkers-a fierce group of wild warriors from Scandanavia that were known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. But, did you know that a new theory has emerged that instead of consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, a plant may be responsible for achieving the state of berserkeage? A nightshade plant from the same family where we find tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants? Tune in this week as I chat with Dr. Karsten Fatur about his theory concerning the use of the anticholinergic plant henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) by the Vikings!
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[@jamesswim9035]

Love your work keep it up I am subbing for sure

[@TeachEthnobotany]

Thanks for the sub!

[@user-ip2tc8qv8c]

Henbane seeds were found in a woman's grave associated with a Viking fort at Fyrkat, Denmark

[@jamesbryansaclolo7441]

Sir Karsten i have question. Berserkers and vikings eat raw and dried amonita muscaria before fight or every rituals. I searched in google that Amonita muscaria can be poisonous if not cooked or parboiled. Then why Berserkers and Viking dont get poisoned ? and even better they become stronger using it

[@hehunches]

shivering may refer to the jaw clench and teeth chatter that some people get with substances like MDMA etc I have had teeth chattering and gone all shaky on different drugs, because my nervsous system is finicky

[@simeonbanner6204]

Very interesting but I would think that somebody going "crazy" in a battle situation would be a liability surely, actually a danger to the rest. Perhaps they used trance and other methods.