Vendelhelm

Vendelhelm from the 7th century from a funeral boat from Uppland.

Vendelhelm refers to the Germanic term with which we refer to a type of military defensive helmet in the Age of Vendel, at the end of the Iron Age, and to whom it owes its name.Also known as "helmet of glasses" and "crested helmet" emerges after the Spangenhelm, and it is estimated that its use began around 650 to about 800 in Scandinavia and the British Isles, although after the discovery of the helmet of Gjermundbu it is theorized that it continued to be an identifying element of the nobler warrior castes in the Viking Age. characteristics

The basic structure of the helmet consists of three inter-riveted iron bands, each forming a crown, a crown band and another band from ear to ear. A sheet of metal is added as a protector for the face and sometimes for the cheeks and neck, accompanied by fastenings for a mesh dimension. The spaces between the iron bands are also filled with plates. They are identified mainly by a top crest and very characteristic protective eyeglasses, which end with animal heads. The entire surface of the hull is also covered with metal or bronze sheets, often decorated. Archeology

About thirty of these helmets have been found at various sites in Scandinavia and England, notably Valsgärde, Vendel and the royal Upsala necropolis at Uppland. Others in poorer condition have also been found mainly in Gotland and elsewhere in Sweden, mainly due to funeral rites by cremation.

There are also some well-preserved specimens from England, although they do not have the typical eye protection, but because of their basic construction they correspond to the crested helmets. The oldest of these is the Helm of Sutton Hoo by King Raedwald († 625). However, the helmet could be much older, from the beginning of the sixth century. Two more are native, the York Coppergate Helm and the Derbyshire Benty Grange Helm, which is decorated with a 'boar crest'. The boar crest is mentioned in the epic poem Beowulf.

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