One could not speak of the vikings without mentioning their special soldier, the berserker. These were proficient fighters in their own regard but their strength was legendary when they went into what was called berserker gang. Historians have many theories on how they attained this mindset. The most common theories are working themselves into a rage, excessive alcohol consumption and hallucinogenic drugs such as the fly agaric or amanita muscaria mushroom. It was believed they would bite their shields and gnaw on their skin before entering battle, clad only in animal skins or completely bare. The berserker's killed indiscriminately, ferociously and without mercy any who stood in their path.