BERSERKERGANG!
///////// What does it mean to 'go berserk'?\\\\\\\\\
Who did this affect? / Which culture deemed this as a normality?
This cultural-bound syndrome (CBS) affected the Norsemen from the Northern territories of Europe.
When and how did this occur?
To "go berserk" was described as to “change form". Norse men would "enter a state of wild fury”.
It was said that 'berserkergang', occurred not only in the midst of a heated battle, but could also happen simply during laborious work. Men who were overcome by their high levels of energy, adrenaline and aggression were said to 'go berserk' and performed things
which normally seemed impossible for human power.
In historical context, norse men would prepare for battle by purposely driving themselves mad in order to enter the state of wild fury.
'Going Berserk'
Visible characteristics:
Shivering
Chattering of the teeth
Chill in the body
Face swelled and changed its colour
Great hot-headedness, which at last gave over into a great rage
Howled as wild animals, bit the edge of their shields, and cut down everything they met without discriminating between friend or foe.
Once over:
- Great dulling of the mind and feebleness followed which could last for one or several days.