EPISODE · Apr 22, 2026 · 1 MIN
#13: Berserk — Viking Bear-Warriors Who Wore Animal Skins
from The Why of Words
Discover the surprising origins of 'berserk'—a word meaning to lose all control and go wild. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stem from Viking battle fury but from something far more primal: actual bears. Trace the word's journey from Old Norse in the 10th century to its modern meaning.---More from Sticky Note Podcasts:Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips)stickynotepodcasts.com
What this episode covers
Discover the surprising origins of 'berserk'—a word meaning to lose all control and go wild. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stem from Viking battle fury but from something far more primal: actual bears. Trace the word's journey from Old Norse in the 10th century to its modern meaning. --- More from Sticky Note Podcasts: Deep in the Stacks (daily jazz vinyl) | Required Drinking (cocktail history) | Photography Knowledge (daily photo tips) stickynotepodcasts.com
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#13: Berserk — Viking Bear-Warriors Who Wore Animal Skins
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