Is the Sutton Hoo Helmet from "The Dig" Really an Odin Mask?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2021
- The new Netflix film "The Dig" highlights the discovery of the famous Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo boat burial, and its magnificent helmet! It's a beautiful movie, but is there more to this find than we thought?
An exciting theory about this helmet suggests it was once worn as a mask of the Germanic and Norse god Odin (aka Ian McShane. Love American Gods!). What is the evidence for this amazing idea? Is there more to this than meets the eye? There's a pun there, but you'll have to watch to video to get it! ;)
I filmed this outside in Edinburgh to get my lockdown exercise, so there's a little wind noise my editing didn't quite get. Apologies in advance!
Some great articles to read:
www.academia.edu/7925222/An_E...
www.academia.edu/3769922/Sens...
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My neighbour and I once rescued a one-eyed crow and took it to the vet.....
I am blind in one eye, so I think Odin is well cool.
I think you're biased ;)
I agree that you are biased, and I think that's fantastic. I was thinking of adding an Odin smile with one eye, but I don't know if that would be rude. I certainly don't mean it that way. I have a genetic disorder that makes me physically disabled, and I can call myself a gimp, but able-bodied people don't get to. I'm not sure if it would be the same. Sorry if even sharing all that comes across wrong! I just could really relate to your comment in my own way.
if you ever get to choose to gain great knowledge in exchange for an eye it could be a really good deal or a really bad deal...depending on if you get to pick which eye :-D
Odin sacrificing his eye for enlightenment is BIG PhD feels. I had to pause the video to laugh/cry for a hot minute there.
Weird looks or not, that brooch is beautiful and really compliments the embroidery on your cloak. It's outside in the snow that one understands the appeal of warm orange and red...
Were the crows at the beginning heckling on behalf of Huginn and Munnin, or showing their support?
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*magpies :)
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Very interesting, I didn't know "Grim" was a way to say Odin ! But now it makes sense. In French we still have words from this etimology (from old frankish "Grima") and they are either related to facial expressions or to magic things, like for exemple "Grimace" (wich exists with the same meaning in english I think) and "se grimer" which means disguising/painting your face more or less, or for the magic part ; a "grimoire" which is like an old/strange magic book. So it makes sense that grim would be a root related to Odin.
That's fascinating, thankyou!
Grimace, yes. Grim. Grimoiren (grim moire), grimmer. All make sense. Thank you 😁😁
Now I see things different while looking at the helmet's face.
English heritage's Curator's Corner also talked about the Sutton Hoo Helmet and mentioned the new research about it possibly being a mask of Odin. Very exciting the new research that is going on on older discoveries!
A couple of weeks ago I watched a Curator's Corner here on the Sutton Hoo Helmet, hosted by Sue Brunning, and she mentioned the light effects on the eyebrows and the paper you mentioned here as well as the animals 'hidden' in the decorative motifs. There was no mention of the light effect on the eyes of the double headed snake along the top of the helmet, however.
I just had that recommended. Is it good?
@@WillowTDog It's excellent
If the helmet was to symbolize Odin then when combined with the sword, which I recently saw mostly replicated on Forged in Fire, it must have been a truely impressive sight to be seen around the hall.
Yeah, firelit and accompanied by some dramatic recitations- what an image!
Yep... together with all the other accoutrements found in the burial, belt, buckle and baldrick (sword hanger) all made to match the sword and scabbard, and perhaps with his shield. Must have been a seriously impressive sight to behold.
"Larping" done properly
Saw that on Forged in Fire, love that program!
This was really fascinating! The gap in the garnets over one of the eyes in the Sutton Hoo helmet almost makes me think of a scar going through an eyebrow.
Also, my linguist nerd heart rejoiced, as I finally understood "diolch yn fawr" (and this is the time I really hope I got the consonant gradation right) :D
Viking Jimmy "I'm a good boy"
Granny Meg. " Ers pryd" 🤣
HAHA! Chîcs myn deiani! 🤣
Also, drinking mead in a cloak listening to heavy metal is 100% my lifestyle.
It’s a darn good lifestyle and one I encourage! 🤘
One might research the sounds of music, past and present. Some cues might point in the same direction... no matter the centuries...
I love this theory. Even back in prehistory there was supposed traditions of people wearing animal masks to appease the animal gods and help them with their hunting.
This is so fascinating and I would love to see more research on this.
I have a replica of this helmet and I hadn't even noticed that one garnet shines brighter than the other, very cool information
Maybe they were attempting to gather the spirit/courage of Odin during battle by paying homage. Hopefully it was a bit less overtaking than Loki's mask when Jim Carrey got hold of it. Thanks for another very interesting subject. Viking era cosplay. I could go for that. Take care and stay warm.
This is brilliant! It reminds me of The Fyrdsman's latest video, which looks at the Germanic Odinnic Wolf Cults (Ulfheðnar) and their use of masks/animal skins to form a connection between themselves and their ancestors as part of worship. This makes so much sense! Really hope we see more on this theory
So the funny thing is, I watched the British Museum Curator's corner video on the sutton hoo helmet that mentions this - though it didn't mention the snake also had one eye, or the Vendel helm - after trying to find some stuff on migration period swords.
This was the day The Dig came out on Netflix. I ahd not heard of this film and had no idea it was coming out :D
I was about to leave this exact comment. Nice to find out more detail and that the claims have been backed up by an academic paper :)
One of the best books on the topic is The Viking Way by Neil Price. I’d love to see book reviews, or maybe a video about the connections between the Norse and the Saami. I’d been hoping that Jackson Crawford would make a video on theses topics, but he hasn’t as far as I’m aware.
Purple mitts with an orange cloak is very much a look. Hope it snows some more !
The gold foil and garnet thing is fascinating ! It does make me question why there are two eye holes in the mask, instead of a hole and a decorated eye/blind eye. Is it something as simple as "So that Aethelflaed doesn't fall on his face when boozed up, duh." ? Or to have a nice symmetry, and have it only be a discrete reference that everyone would have picked up on anyways without really thinking about it ?
Time and research may tell us, likely won't, but either way it's an absolutely fascinating subject !
That was very interesting, especially the part about the garnets. Crafts from the past never cease to amaze.
Some of them are 1.5mm across, it’s absolutely staggering.
@@TheWelshViking I think I might actually have to do some research into jewelry of this time after the video!
As a practice Norse pagan, I now feel validated, as when I do my rituals, I paint up my face and dance to runic chants. It just feels natural. Kinda cool to know that my ancestors may have done something similar
So if the Sutton Hoo helmet seems to be ceremonial, that would suggest the Staffordshire Hoard helmet would be too. Which would make things make more sense then, for the decorative plates on the Staffordshire Hoard helmet to be fully gold, they didn’t seem too sensible as a king’s battle gear - since, if I’ve understood correctly kings were battle leaders and actually fought in the 700s.
I wouldn't say this is any evidence to suggest they are purely ceremonial, quite the opposite in fact. These helmets certainly seemed to fill a spiritual role, but make no mistake they are fully practical items intended to be used in war as well. The idea that things for war should be plain and utilitarian is a purely modern phenomena. As an early medieval chieftain or king it is to your advantage to be a beacon of gold and finery on the battlefield. It makes you easy to spot, allowing your men to locate and follow you in the chaos of battle (very important in an era where leaders were expected to fight in the front lines as warriors and not behind the line as generals) it also is an important outward symbol, a projection of your status and power as a man and as a ruler.
@@callumtostevin-hall2044 Agreed. But protective is also a great feature in a helmet.
@@lynn858 These helmets are perfectly protective, they have iron caps or iron latticework underneath all the pressblech decoration.
@@callumtostevin-hall2044 Ahhhh! Thank you!
I think with the snake as well that clinches it as not just being a dodgey repair or something, and the vendel even more so. I hadn't heard about the mask tradition theories, but I like it and agree it paints a fascinating picture
I’m so delighted to be a part of the early stages of this channel, which at some point will blow up, and be on the level with TH-cam’s other great historical channels. Lovely content mate, greetings from Denmark 🍻
How ironic that I watched several videos about this helmet when I was woken by a sudden heavy downpour in the middle of the night. I haven't watched the movie yet but I think that will be on my to do list today.
Have you been to the site at all? I'm sure you'd be in archaeological heaven.
Thanks for another great and interesting video Jimmy!
The Helmet should henceforth be known as "The Bling of Odin".
Lol, I watched the Dig earlier this week & have been watching the videos on the Sutton hoo helmet & sword just yesterday.
If I remember correctly Odin is also God of poetry/Skalds as well, I wonder if the helmet is meant as a way of channel both aspects?
Mmm, I do love speculating about how these artefacts might have been used.
it's really cool to know that not only can still find new info from older finds, but also that researchers are looking to them for more information as the years go on. Who knows what else me might be able to learn next year, in 5 years! All from things that were already found
this is utterly fascinating, i'm glad more people are starting to explore this theory
Yet another riveting video! I also like your lovely purple fingerless gloves 👍
Diolch yn fawr.
That cloak pin is absolutely lovely 😊
Fascinating as always! Will have to read through the full paper. But based on what you've presented, I'd bet it is related to warfare. Warrior kings seeking wisdom of Odin before battle. But this is one of those theories that it's a blast to argue about over a beer in a pub (once that's, you know, safe).
Congrats on closing in on 10k! Glad to see some of my favorite smaller costubers growing. :)
This was so cool to listen to! I love the eyebrow theory especially because Orin’s sacrifice of his eye gave him special sight and wisdom.
Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, it seems to make sense
As someone from Connecticut, where garnet is the state gem, I always forget that garnet is rare in some places. You can even find chunks of garnet in gravel driveways here! I have memories of being a child and going to summer camp, where the woman who ran the nature program put up a display on Connecticut nature, and I promptly went about twenty feet outside to a gravel walkway, scooped up a handful of stones, and gave her the ones with garnet flecks. She put them in the exhibit politely but I think she had left them out originally because of its status as "just a rock" in Connecticut.
I was so excited to hear you going in depth on this! My Old English professor presented this theory about the Sutton Hoo helmet in class last year and I thought it was so cool from a costume point of view. Lovely video.
If you haven't seen already, I'd recommend The British Museum's "Curator's Corner" video on the Sutton Hoo helmet!
The museum curator talks about this theory too, and is able to show all the little details that support it since she has the helmet displayed next to her in the video. It was also interesting to hear her take on whether or not it would be worn in battle (and subsequently damaged as a result), and that we mostly deem that improbable because our modern values would tell us never to damage such a precious artifact.
She also made a brilliant video on the sword, which touches on all the information it subtly gives us about its original user (he might've been left-handed!).
I was aware of the Sutton Hoo helmet but I never realised how f*cking cool it was up close! God I want this pandemic to be over so we can visit museums again!
This idea was mentioned in the British Museum's video a few weeks ago. th-cam.com/video/zYk0GH5iFYI/w-d-xo.html They didn't say that other artifacts had different eyes.
I wonder what the significance of being buried while dressed up as your god might be. (Assuming that the helmet was worn by the buried body.)
Such a cool educational experience!!! Thank you for taking the time to share what you learned
I literally finished watching this movie 2 minutes ago and now you've uploaded this LOL
Same here!
He knows...
This has blown my mind! Going straight to the articles now!
Just discovered your site! I am a retired Welsh Paramedic, with a keen interest in anything Celtic/Norse/Teutonic and although all i have seen so far is this video, but with a name of 'Welsh Viking' I have a feeling that your site will be spot on! So much so, that i have subscribed before even looking at your content!
(so please, dont let me down?) anyway stay safe.
Diolch yn fawr!
Even closer to 10k subs today! Insane I saw the count yesterday and came back to watch some older ones today and D: up a few hundred!
Thank you for this channel, I'm a new subscriber and am enjoying your content very much.
Totally enjoyed this, Jimmy! So very interesting. I watched a curator from the British Museum's give a lovely explanation of the details of the helmet in a video they put together in 2020. I don't recall mention of it as potentially an Odin mask but have to go back and watch again.
I love when artifacts, or anything for that matter, are reexplored. A long time ago, via reenacting, I was told to never say, think or go into research with thoughts of definitives like: "they always; they never; it always was this way or that way; it was never this way or that way; etc. etc."
I slept wrapped in my cloak on my couch last night after our 4 year old, who crawled into bed with us, wouldn't stop kicking me. Cheers!
I only just watched the curator of the museum talking about it the other day and it never crossed my mind till now. Its a very valid point.
The Dig was a good watch. The helmets are very interesting they are so intriguing. The way they put in these small details is so amazing to see. I hope the theories prove true as more is discovered and old evidence is given another once over.
I hope all of you have a beautiful day and week.
Just came across this video and it is so informative. I also subscribed!!! I have always loved history and when growing up I always wanted to be an archaeologist. I spent 4 years (my age was 4-8 years old) in Germany near Trier with my family. My father was in the US Air Force after WWII. We spent many weekends in Trier in the ruins. My father also studied history and relayed the history of Rome and the founding of Treves/Trier. The Roman ruins really inspired me to study history in university. I look forward to watching your other videos.
Makes perfect sense! Can't be coincidence!
By the way I like the way you've given your outfit a modern twist with the Covid mask while ingeniously referencing the whole mask theme!
See what I did there? ;)
Yeah!!! PO Box! Congrats sir.
This was a very cool video. I love that the "one eye"ness appears across multiple figures, masks, and helmets. There's definitely a thread of continuity there.
This is brilliant and exciting! Love a good historical theory that expands the way we think about things, especially things that are so old we may think we know all there is to know about them.
I just watched The British Museum's "Curator's Corner" video on the Sutton Hoo helmet, and while I found the theory of the one-eyed Woden mask interesting, I wasn't sold on it from the content of that video. But that video doesn't note that the serpent's eyes echo the foiled/unfoiled design of the anthropomorphic eye, and it focuses wholly on the Sutton Hoo helmet, not presenting any examples of other helmets and art that presents this one-eyed Woden iconography. I really, really loved hearing your thoughts on this, and now I'm stoked to watch "The Dig"!
I'm a recent subscriber and I just want to say I love your videos! I'm not particularly interested in re-enactment but learning about history always gets me excited.
Fascinating and inspiring. Can’t wait to read the article!
I saw a documentary last month about this, Lost worlds and hidden treasures. Definitely a recommended watch ^^ they also mentioned the no foil behind the eye and that its probably a Odin mask ^^
hey I just wanted to say that I really think your channel is bad ass! I find you are a unique person and your a real dude. Meaning that your not faking anything and just authentic and yourself which is something we need more of. Anyways, I just wanted to tell ya I think your an awesome TH-camr and keep kicking ass. My Welsh ancestors are smiling down because someone actually talks about their history with you channel. Thanks man from Oregon USA
As fun as it is to watch you shiver in the cold, Jimmy, may I suggest the very unhistoric , adhesive warm packs? I use them when I winter camp and they can last for up to 10 hours( rated for 4hrs.)and are worn next to skin under your clothing so no one need know. Very interesting subject and , yup, makes sense to me.
I swear by thermal underwear, vest and long johns, plus a fleece, then another fleece, thermal socks and Arctic gloves, hats with ear flaps and a scarf, jeans and if it’s wet, waterproofs over the lot plus Walking Boots. If it’s not wet I wear just the jeans and a duffle coat. I walk very, very slowly. 😁
@@scarletpimpernelagain9124 I must admit to owning 2 quilted petticoats, a wool set of unions and some silk long johns so, yea...layers are queen!
I really enjoyed The Dig, what an underdog story! This is a very interesting idea and I'm super excited to read the articles provided!
Unrelated but glad I found your videos. I didn't sleep well last night so I need something to binge. Your lowkey approach is really nice when I'm so exhausted.
Where the Doctor when you need them. It would be so cool to time travel back to see how the mask was used. I bet a masked religious battle dance would be a sight to see! Fascinating theory indeed
It makes me happy to see an exited Jimmy. Thank you for sharing interesting things!
Very cool information. Also, as a side note, you’re one of the only TH-camrs that actually makes me laugh out loud when watching.....thank you!
Jimmy Approves. Yeah!!
I love to wear my cassock out in the snow seams to keep me a lot warmer.
Keep up the great videos
Imagine someone actually using that fancy helmet in combat. All the city would cry if they found out their fancy gold plated mask went away lol.
I am so enjoying your videos, I only discovered your channel yesterday and I am immensely impressed, and that's not an easy task.
I'm currently making a "Guy Fawkes" mask from copper sheet (cause yeah, I make stuff) for a steampunk base for my nephew.
(yes, you're still adopted, and dinner is at 7)
Glad I found this channel. You are awesome!
Oooh, ancient cosplay? Teensy-weensy jeweled details? Extracurricular reading?
Yes, yes, and hell yes.
Also, that mask is fab! Did the lovely partner fix that one up for you, or was it a purchase?
Yay! I’m glad you liked it :)
It was a purchase, but there’s a place called Face Space masks in the USA that makes similar ones designed for singers!
@@TheWelshViking Ah, excellent! I'll have to go check that out-- I'm in need of a new mask 😷
If you have any sewing ability they are easy to make. There are a plethora of different patterns on here they even have sizes!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 I do have the ability, but, frankly, I know that I won't do it.😬 There's a mental block there that I've yet to get over. Will I spend a month making a gown? Yes. Will I spend an afternoon making a mask? Nope.😅 I also don't have appropriate fabric for a mask and since I don't ever use those kinds of fabrics I can't justify buying any.
@@ashleejones1690 I’m the other way around. I have a block about making things for myself. If it’s practical or for the family I’m there. Make weird anime for kids starting from random cartoon pictures yeah. Make a ridiculous number of masks for friends and family I’m there. Need to go buy special fabric because my father said he would only wear superman or Canadian flag masks. This after my parents told me they were reusing medical masks. I thought he was an adult!!!
As a neo pagan with some Germanic leanings, this makes sense for me. Mask work is a really fascinating way to work with channeling.
I think Sue Brunning from the British Museum has a video about the helmet and this theory on the British Museum YT channel
Yes there are a few videos up on this theory. It’s super interesting!
I know where I'll be heading next then😀
I watched that video only yesterday!
The ones on the helmet & swords are quite interesting.
Call me a fancy boy! I love the gold and garnet.
Could we get some videos on the celtic peoples of the Brittish isles, particularly Picts, Britons, or Gaels, I find them super interesting and the fact that you yourself are from a Celtic region and are such a god when it comes to historical knowledge leads me to believe you would know a great deal about this subject. Anyways, another great video, and I'll keep watching
This is a VERY interesting theory. And the fact that people look at the helmet all the time and don't think twice, wild.
Right? I've been up close and personal with it a few times, and the Valsgarde lids, and never thought about this. So cool.
Truly enlightening :) Keep on bringing those garnets of knowledge to us!
That is absolutely fascinating! I love the dragon facemask btw!
"...Sitting in a corner drinking mead draped in a cloack listening to heavy metal music...... you know..... as you do....."
Good man.
Just recently watched a video of the BM curaters corner on the Sutton Hoo helmet. Loved it as I am one of those pouring over the SH exhibition for hours :D I do hope we get more and more (speculative) insights in this.. image a candlelit meadhall and a storyteller wearing or using these wonderful artifacts of craftmanship to tell a story. The light catching the gold and the garnets.. yum!
“I was last week years old…”. Hysterical!
Regarding the idea that one wouldn't want to risk such an item in battle, we have to avoid projecting our 21st c. assumptions onto past cultures. While I agree with Jimmy about the risks of making comparisons from other cultures, the practice of rulers/prominent warriors wearing such "bling" into battle is well documented among unrelated warrior cultures around the world, such as Eastern Woodland Native Americans, Japanese Daimyo/Samurai, etc. Most also, where anything of the religion is known, do so because of their belief in the power or symbolism of such ornaments.
We also tend to separate our daily activities from our religious practices, whereas for most pre-industrial societies, ritual was part of daily life. Look at the everyday prayers/charms from the Scottish Highlands preserved in the 19th c. Carmine Gaedelica.
Falling between HEMA and reenactment, I really wish there were more finds of simplified versions of the Sutton Hoo helmet so I don't need to get a helmet heavily modified for safety allowing for less restricted combat.
Fascinating news/theory and thank you for the article links, much appreciated. Looking forward to reading these.
1) Dud someone hand knit your fingerless mits? They are fabulous! 2) wow this is so interesting!!! Thanks for telling us about the new research. Amazing what artefacts can keep telling us decades after they are found! 3) I have some garnets that gave been set into things (wood) but we have not foiled behind them... Picked up a new trick to make them shiny! 4) sounds like the authors of the pub (and you) Acham's (sp??) razored your way to a legit conclusion! *High five*
8:30 cuts included Jimmy mumbling inanely to himself about how certain his certainty is about the plausible plausibility of a seemingly solid fact. . . ish concept.
I love that you are so genuinely into your field. It's wonderful that this channel is taking off a bit for you!
The fact you looked around anxiously before saying "Gucci"... *looks for more welsh viking stuff* XD
Very, very interesting.
What a neat thing for them to notice and thank you for sharing about it!
Fascinating as always. Congrats on your numbers. Can’t say I am surprised it is a very interesting channel.
I recently saw the Curator’s Corner of the British Museum on the helmet and I wondered at the time why the foil backing on the one eyebrow and not on the other...that makes sense to me!
I did not know about the dragon beastie only having foil under the right eye (to be honest I didn’t know either one had foil) that’s really interesting
I didn’t until I watched Sue cover it on the British Museum channel. I recommend you checking that one out!
Really enjoyed today's video
What a fascinating subject to explore. Thanls.
Definitely going to watch the film this week now thanks 😊
Awesome video man! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Missouri! 🍻
when I went to Sutton Hoo. I have always wanted a replica of the helmet ever since.
That's awesome news for me. The "vikings" in my setting have a thing for masks and until now I was worried it didn't quite fit.
Thank you for this valuable information as I am going to Sutton Hoo in half an hour.
This sounds a very plausible theory. Many prehistoric societies practised shamanism, which included wearing the skins and horns of animals to take on their attributes to make them better hunters - then later which may have included human scalps, to absorb the power of your enemy (documented as specifically French, before being adopted more famously by the Native Americans). So a mask designed to look like your god of war and worn by the chieftan leading you into battle sounds incredibly likely. It's certainly a fascinating theory. Thanks a for sharing.
P.S. Love it when you speak Welsh! Such a beautiful language :D
I grew up near Sutton Hoo and visited it so many times as a kid, and I've never heard of this theory! Mind you, somehow I had never noticed there were snakes on it either (or maybe I had? It's been a while since I last saw it) so I might just be an idiot XD I'm definitely going to have to get round to watching that film, my parents have watched it and I feel like I'm missing out.
Thank you for the video!
Truly fascinating. Thank you.
I'm loving how much he is loving the eyebrows 🤨😂 its really those little details though 👑🖤
Just discovered your channel already a huge fan