Barbarian

The term "barbarian" comes from ancient Greek and is used to designate an uncivilised person or a person of an inferior culture. In reality, practically all foreigners or those who did not speak Greek were deemed to be "barbaros" and sometimes the term was used even for Greeks from other states. Later on, the term came into used mostly to designate the migrating tribes that conquered Rome during the dark ages and after that it referred to Goths and Vikings more specifically.

Barbarian characters have been a staple of fantasy at least since Conan the Barbarian (ie. since the beginning) as "noble savages" who impress with their might and courage. Today, barbarians in fantasy retain this image of a savage warrior, clad in simple or primitive clothing that rely more on brute strength and chaotic violence than any precise fighting style or cunning.

• 
  The comics dumbed down the original Conan, who was not a stupid muscle-man but also a thief and a wise ruler.
• 
  A modern day barbarian activating his Rage.

GARRRRRR!!!! I SMASH YOU WITH GREATAXE FOR 1d12+STR*1.5 DAMAGE!
See: Rage

Barbarians in D&D 3.5

[1]