The best known toadstool, often illustrated in children's books. Only fatal if ingested in massive amounts but presence of muscimol causes psychotropic poisoning similar to alcoholic intoxication, and can lead to coma in extreme circumstances. Subject of much ancient mythology said to be used by the 'Soma' of Hinduism. It was once used in Scandinavia for religious purposes but is now used for herding reindeer, the vikings were reputed to consume large quantities of fly agarics so as to send them into a state of madness, they were known as the berserkers. The siberian tribes of northeast siberia still to this date use the fly agaric mushroom in there shamanic rituals, as do a few Native amarican tribes. The modern day santa with all the red and white, flying reindeers, etc etc have strong similiarities with the fly agaric.. even the comming down a chimney part.
