The image of Vikings charging into battle wearing horned helmets is iconic in popular media and Halloween costumes, reinforcing a fierce and barbaric stereotype.

Reality: There is no historical or archaeological evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets in combat. This image originated in the 19th century, largely due to the costumes designed for Wagnerian operas and romanticized art. Actual Viking helmets found by archaeologists are simple, conical, and practical. Horns would have been impractical and dangerous in battle. This myth persists because of its dramatic and visual appeal rather than historical fact.

 Marie Antoinette Said “Let Them Eat Cake”

Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution, is often accused of callously dismissing the plight of starving peasants with the phrase “Let them eat cake” ("Qu’ils mangent de la brioche").

Reality: There is no credible evidence that Marie Antoinette ever said this. The phrase appeared in literature before her time and was likely attributed to an anonymous “great princess.” Historians believe this quote was propaganda used to fuel revolutionary anger by portraying the queen as out of touch with common suffering. It symbolizes the disconnect between aristocracy and the poor but is not a factual statement.

  The Great Wall of China is Visible from Space

This popular myth claims that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from outer space.

Reality: While the Great Wall is enormous, it is not easily visible from low Earth orbit without aid. Astronauts confirm that many man-made objects are visible, such as cities and highways, but the wall itself blends with the natural terrain because it is relatively narrow and made of materials that match the surroundings. This myth likely originated in the early 20th century as a form of national pride and has been perpetuated through media and textbooks. shutdown123