Timber ships ‘figureheads’ stemmed from Viking Long ships which featured a
‘Dragon Head’ intended to frighten sea monsters, evil spirits and human
adversaries – something similar to pirates’ skull and crossbones. Viking ship
figureheads were demountable to avoid alarming friendly land spirits!
Words that evolved into English
Enthralled
Norse for ‘slaves’, hence ‘being under someone’s power’
Berserk
Norse for ‘bear coat’, suggesting ‘becoming like a beast’