Amon Amarth frontman Johan Hegg has challenged popular stereotypes about Vikings in a Metal Injection interview, arguing that many familiar images of them are inaccurate. He says the historical reality was less sensational than portrayals of bloodthirsty, horn-helmeted raiders, a subject closely connected to his band’s Viking-themed metal identity.

Hegg addresses 10 Viking myths, including the belief that they wore horns on their helmets and were unclean. He says Vikings were regarded as notably hygienic in Europe because they washed once a week, while their seafaring raids took place across parts of Europe between the 8th and 11th centuries.