Exploring Different Sizes And Shapes Of Viking Drinking Horns

Historical Aspects of Viking Drinking Horns

What Were Viking Drinking Horns Made Of?

Viking drinking horns were primarily crafted from cattle horns, which were readily available in Scandinavia. Since real horn is naturally hollow, it made a perfect drinking vessel. However, to make them safe for drinking, the inside was often cleaned, polished, and sometimes lined with:

• Beeswax – to prevent liquids from soaking into the horn and altering the taste.
• Resin or Pitch – to create a waterproof seal.
• Metal (Silver, Bronze, or Gold) – for elite Vikings who wanted to show off their status.

Some fancier drinking horns featured carvings, metal rims, or even gemstone inlays, making them prized possessions. These high-end drinking horns were often reserved for Viking nobility, war chiefs, and those with higher social standing.

Different Sizes of Viking Drinking Horns

Viking drinking horns varied in size depending on their purpose. The size determined how they were used and who used them.

Small Drinking Horns (6-12 inches)

• Used for everyday drinking, like enjoying ale, mead, or water at home.
  Easy to carry and hold with one hand.
• Sometimes attached to a belt for convenience.
  Held about 200-400 ml of liquid, making them practical for daily use.

Medium Drinking Horns (12-18 inches)

• Common at feasts, celebrations, and gatherings.
• Large enough to make a statement but still manageable to drink from.
• Could hold 500-800 ml of liquid, making them ideal for toasts and rituals.
• Used by both common folk and warriors at social events.

Large Drinking Horns (18-30 inches or more)

• Often reserved for special ceremonies like weddings, religious rituals, or honoring fallen warriors.
• Typically held with both hands or placed in a stand due to their weight.
  Could hold over 1 liter (1000 ml) of liquid, allowing for longer feasts and toasts.
•  Decorated with intricate carvings or metalwork, symbolizing wealth and power.

Larger drinking horns were sometimes passed around in a group during feasts, reinforcing bonding and camaraderie among the Vikings.

Different Shapes of Viking Drinking Horns

The shape of a Viking drinking horn wasn’t just about looks—it also influenced how it was used.

Straight or Slightly Curved Horns

• The most practical and widely used shape.
• Easier to drink from since the curve wasn’t too extreme.
• Common among farmers, traders, and everyday Norse folk.
• Could be placed on a table with a stand or held comfortably in hand.

Deeply Curved Horns

• More dramatic in appearance, making them a favorite for leaders and warriors.
• Required a special stand to rest between drinks.
• Often used in ritualistic or celebratory settings.
• Some were used purely for ceremonial display rather than drinking.

Wide-Mouth Horns

• Featured a broader opening, allowing for faster drinking (or chugging).
• Popular in competitive drinking games and feasts.
• Often seen at Viking gatherings where warriors tested their drinking endurance.

Narrow-Tip Horns

• Designed to create a steady controlled flow of liquid when tilted.
• Helped control the speed of drinking, preventing spills.
• A preferred design for those who wanted a smoother drinking experience.

How Were Viking Drinking Horns Used?

Vikings didn’t just drink out of their horns casually; these vessels played an important role in their social and religious traditions.

Feasts and Gatherings

• During great feasts, Vikings would pass drinking horns around, sharing drinks as a sign of camaraderie and respect.
• Mead, ale, and fruit wines were the most commonly consumed beverages.
• Drinking horns encouraged bonding among warriors and clans.

Toasts and Oaths

• Vikings often raised their drinking horns to toast their gods, leaders, or fallen comrades.
• Some even swore oaths while drinking from a horn, making their promises more sacred.
• It was common to make boasts or challenges at feasts while drinking from a horn.

Rituals and Ceremonies

• In religious ceremonies, Viking drinking horns were sometimes filled with offerings like mead, blood, or milk to honor their gods, such as Odin or Thor.
• Horns were used in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing unity between families.
• Some drinking horns were buried with warriors, signifying their honor and status in the afterlife.

Modern Ownership of Viking Drinking Horns

How Can You Own a Viking Drinking Horn Today?

If you want to experience Viking culture firsthand, you can buy or even make your own drinking horn! Many craftsmen still create authentic Viking-style drinking horns, which you can find online or at Renaissance fairs, historical reenactments, and Viking festivals.

What to Look for When Buying a Viking Drinking Horn

Material Quality: Ensure it’s made from real cattle horn rather than plastic imitations.

Lining: Choose one with a safe interior coating, like beeswax, resin, or food-safe lacquer.

Size and Shape: Pick one that fits your needs—whether for display, casual drinking, or historical reenactments.

Authenticity: Some high-quality drinking horns are hand-carved or feature historically inspired engravings.

How to Take Care of Your Viking Drinking Horn

Hand Wash Only: Avoid dishwashers as heat can damage the horn.

Use Mild Soap and Cool Water: Harsh chemicals can weaken the horn over time.

Dry Immediately: Prevent cracking by wiping it dry instead of letting it air-dry.

Avoid Hot Liquids: Viking drinking horns were traditionally used for cold beverages only.

Conclusion

Viking drinking horns are more than just historical artifacts; they are a symbol of Norse heritage, celebration, and camaraderie. Whether small or large, straight or curved, these horns played a vital role in Viking feasts, rituals, and oaths. Today, owning a Viking drinking horn allows you to connect with this legendary culture and experience the traditions firsthand. Whether for reenactments, display, or actual use, choosing a high-quality horn with proper care ensures longevity and authenticity. As you raise your horn in a toast, remember the warriors, leaders, and adventurers who came before. Honor the past, embrace the tradition, and most importantly—Skål!

FAQs

Were Viking drinking horns only used for alcohol?

Vikings sealed their drinking horns with beeswax, resin, or pitch to make them waterproof. High-status individuals sometimes had horns lined with silver or gold for durability and decoration.

Yes, smaller drinking horns were often attached to belts or carried on their person for convenience. Larger horns were typically used at feasts and stored in special stands when not in use.

No, traditional drinking horns were not designed for hot liquids. Heat can damage the horn and cause cracks or warping. They are best used for cold or room-temperature beverages.

You can find high-quality Viking drinking horns at historical reenactment stores, Renaissance fairs, Viking festivals, and online specialty shops. Look for genuine cattle horn, food-safe lining, and authentic craftsmanship for the best experience.

Users Also Say

Did Vikings really drink from horns?

Ly*****ha******in

“There was a fashion of drinking from horns in northern Europe. Certainly the Anglo Saxons used them. In the Saxon grave at Prittlewell, Sussex, archaologists found two horn rims (the horn had disintergrated).”

We*******rs

“Traces of drinking horns have been found in found in many Viking Age burial mounds; the Danish National Museum has quite a collection”

Ju******67

“Reputedly the Vikings drank all sorts of things from horns, mostly mead (fermented honey), water, beer or wine.”