Beorn

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by davem

Of course Tolkien is effectively going back to the 'archetype' - Beorn isn't simply a human warrior who goes into a frenzy, but a shapeshifter (either a bear who takes on human form during the day or a man who takes on bear form at night). From that point of view, Beorn is both a shape-shifter (probably shape-shifter first) & a 'berserker' second.

But is the Shape-shifter not just Tolkiens own version of a Berserker, a version that is easier to fit into the story?

If I remember correctly the Besrkers where often described wearing bear skins and in general being a bit "bestial"

For me Beorn could be an addaption. . .Berserker 2.0
Of course he could not be a copy that would just be weird and it is no fun when an author just copy other sources.