The Koryonos and the God of Fury

Every band was led by a Koryonos (master of the band). In later Germanic tradition, Wodan (Odin) became the ultimate leader of these warriors. Wodan is the god of ecstatic war fury, warfare, and shamanic transformation. He was the leader of the Wild Hunt, a mythical reflection of the Kóryos that tore through the winter nights across the sky. Although we often see these animals as "cute" nowadays, the wolf and bear were historical symbols of cunning and violence—they posed a serious threat to human survival and their livestock.

Ritual nudity and the symbolism of the belt

Archaeological finds, from the steppe belts (3000 BCE) to Celtic figurines, show warriors fighting naked, except for a belt.

• The Belt: This was no mere garment, but a ritual object that symbolized their bond to the band. It was the only "law" they obeyed while standing outside normal society.

• Vulnerability and Strength: Fighting naked displayed their fearlessness and unwavering confidence in their prowess as warriors and the protection of their gods.

The roots of the black bands: Night and mystery

The Kóryos was associated with the colour black and the darkness of the night. Their attacks often took place in the dark, which emphasized their connection to underworld (chthonic) forces.

• Folklore: Scholars see in these black warrior bands the origin of figures like Knecht Ruprecht or Black Peter—the dark, wild companions who emerge from the wilderness.

• The Bear: Black was also the colour of the bear, an animal whose name in Proto-Indo-European was so dangerous (or feared) that people avoided the taboo word and simply called it "the brown" bear meaning brown.

Conclusion: The necessary chaos

Although the Kóryos seems destructive, they played an essential role in the cosmic order. They formed the defense line in winter and the conquerors in spring. By temporarily embracing chaos, these young men could ultimately return to society as adult men, ready to fulfill their own Dharma within the tribe and protect the order they once abandoned.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

When did a man stop being a member of the Kóryos?

Probably when he had accumulated enough wealth and honour to pay a bride price.

Did all Indo-European warriors fight naked?

No, this was specifically connected to the initiation phase of the Kóryos and certain cultic groups. Later professional warriors sometimes even wore mail shirts and helmets.

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