The warriors of the middle ages have fascinated historians for centuries. But it is the age of the Vikings and their culture that have spawned so many legends and stories.

These Norsemen were particularly brutal, with some of them even taking part in bizarre rituals that would drive them into a mad rage earning them the title of “Berserker.”

This fearsome group struck fear into the hearts of enemies with their strange ways, and even researchers have discovered wild facts regarding these elite fighters.

Read on to learn more about the Viking berserkers: