BECOME A NORSE WARRIOR

Berserkir are defined by exceptional levels of fitness, strength, skills and spirituality. They are warriors part of Jómsvíkingar, including in some cases Væringjar, and full members of Skjǫldrinn, the ancestral Norse military order that goes back over 1,200 years.

BERSERKIR HISTORY

Berserkir (singular Berserkr) are crazy viking warriors who are intertwined with the spirit of bears, and who are associated, often metaphorically, with the wearing of bear skins. Berserkir are also known for entering apparently uncontrollable trances triggered by Úlfhéðnar, naturally and without the use of any mood-affecting substances, resulting in violent expression of Óðr, such as biting their wood shields to ultimately reach battle fury. 

Berserkir, like Úlfhéðnar, were used as shock troops by King Haraldr hárfagri, and he would have been unsuccessful in his quest to unify Nóregr (Norway) without them.  

Berserkir are frequently attested in Norse oral traditions, as well as Norse culture and texts, including in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks (The Saga of Hervör and Heidrek). This includes Angantyr and his 11 brothers, all known for being berserkir, and for their association with Tyrfing. As described in Hervararkviða, the  magic sword cuts through anything like clothes, and kills a man every time it is unsheathed.

The Swedish King’s champions, Hjalmar, decided that he deserved the princess Ingeborg more than Hjörvard, one of the 12 berserkir. The king, to avoid having 12 known Berserkir become uncontrollable in his hall, suggested the princess should have the final word. She selected Hjalmar, prompting Hjörvard to challenge him to a hólmganga on Samsø. The 12 brothers went berserk as soon as they arrived on the island, bit their shields, screamed uncontrollably, and by the time Hjalmar and his bro Ǫrvar-Oddr had arrived, they had cut all their men into pieces. Ǫrvar-Oddr slain the 11 brothers with a club, while Hjalmar engaged Angantyr. Hjalmar killed Angantyr right before being mortally wounded by Tyrfing.

SELECTION & TRAINING

BY INVITATION ONLY

Berserkr training is by invitation only. Meaning, no, you can't just sign up for it. We approach you if we think you're Berserkr materials. This usually happens in various combat theaters for those of you with military and actual combat experience, and this accounts for the bulk of our recruiting. In rare instances, you may also be selected after you've completed Hersir training (let’s face it though, your chances of becoming a Berserkr are not terribly high... We're talking about less than 1 Hersir out of 30 having what it takes.)

CHALLENGE

Berserkr training is harder and tougher than what you could possibly imagine, and exceeds by far the Special Forces training programs of all the SOF we know in the world. It is most likely to be the most difficult thing you will ever do in your life. Expect severe pain, cold, misery, injuries, major suffering, both physical and psychological, and probably a nervous breakdown at one point or the other.

TRAINING ORGANIZATION

Phase 1 - Selection: This first phase of training/selection, conducted over the course of 4 weeks, within one general area. Specific details are only discussed with you if you are selected for training.

Phase 2 - Training: This second phase only applies to those wishing to join a Berserkir unit and is conducted over the course of 6 months, in several countries, and covers advanced skills, including tactical, to ready Berserkir for combat operations. Candidates in this second phase receive a monthly stipend consisting of an average of military pay in Norway and the United State.

Phase 3 - Probation: This last phase is a probationary period among an established Berserkir unit. Final integration is conditional on all members of the unit agreeing to it.

GETTING STARTED

You cannot apply to reach the rank of Berserkr and to become part of Jómsvíkingar, maybe even Væringjar, and members of Skjǫldrinn. You can stand out, though, through your fitness, combat skills, and overall ethos, so one of our deployed Úlfhéðnar or even Berserkir can notice you and establish contact if he thinks you may be a match. Alternatively, you can give a shot at Hersir and be one of the few selected for Berserkr promotion.