The Evolution of Medieval Helmets: From Spangle to Great Helm

👑The Viking helmet with horns is a 19th-century creation and was never worn in the medieval period.

🔒The spangle helmet, made from sections of metal, was a basic but mass-producible helmet used in the early medieval period.

👀The Sutton Hoo helmet, associated with Anglo-Saxons, featured a face plate and was more for show than protection.

⚔️The kettle helm, commonly worn in the high medieval period, provided protection for the head but lacked facial coverage.

😷The nasal helm, made famous by the Normans, included nasal protection to safeguard the face but still limited visibility.

Did Vikings wear helmets with horns?

—No, the Viking helmet with horns is a myth. It was never worn in the medieval period and was created in the 19th century.

What was the purpose of the spangle helmet?

—The spangle helmet was a basic form of head protection used in the early medieval period. It provided limited protection for the top of the head.

Was the Sutton Hoo helmet functional or ceremonial?

—The Sutton Hoo helmet was more of a ceremonial helmet, showcasing the wealth and status of its wearer.

What were the drawbacks of the kettle helm?

—The kettle helm, despite providing protection for the head, lacked facial coverage, making it susceptible to blows from the sides.

Did the nasal helm limit visibility?

—Yes, the nasal helm restricted peripheral vision and made it difficult to see anything not directly in front of the wearer.

00:00In this video, we explore the evolution of medieval helmets, from basic spangle helms to the iconic great helm.

02:30The Viking helmet with horns is a myth and was never worn in the medieval period. It was created in the 19th century.

06:30The spangle helmet, made from sections of metal, was a basic but mass-producible helmet used in the early medieval period.

10:00The Sutton Hoo helmet, associated with Anglo-Saxons, featured a face plate and was more for show than protection.

14:00The kettle helm, commonly worn in the high medieval period, provided protection for the head but lacked facial coverage.

17:00The nasal helm, made famous by the Normans, included nasal protection to safeguard the face but still limited visibility.

20:00The great helm emerged as an iconic medieval helmet, offering full head and face protection.