Curse of the Vikings? (Drafted May 03, Published June 21)

This is a Minnesota Viking's logo, a Viking with a horned-helmet. During our trip to Oslo last spring, we went to the real Viking museum (see Ed and a restored Viking ship below). Our tour guide's first remark was on the myth about the Vikings wearing horn. The artefacts from the Viking era do not include a horned-helmet. Apparently, the myth started when a costume designer for an opera got a pair of horns and said that they can use it for a Viking helmet. A newspaper printed "Viking helmet found" and that started the legend. Just a thought - maybe the current Vikings will have better luck during play-offs if they drop the horns.




I have always enjoyed visiting the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis. Our visit to Oslo reinforced in my mind the close tie between Norway and Minnesota. We went to the Vigeland Park and I was in awe just looking at Vigeland's sculptures and comparing them with Rodin's. We may visit Oslo again just to spend more time in the park and museum.