You’ve probably seen Viking drinking horns on television or in mead promotions, wondering if they’re authentic or just a significant bit of art in media. Beyond being an aesthetically beautiful piece to drink mead from, Viking drinking horns have a fascinating story that represents the Nordic gods to rites of passage.

While they are neat things to see around, they aren’t just some made-up art piece but a historical and culturally important chalice. The Viking drinking horn has a long history and weaves through many still alive and healthy customs. Though an aesthetic masterpiece, Viking ale horns have an enthralling story representing the Nordic Gods. 

If you think these ale glasses were only used for alcohol and revelry, this blog is for you! Here, we’ll talk about these drinking horns and why they are still in demand.

The Beginning 

People of the Medieval era prized hunting animals. They believed that not a single part of the animal should be wasted as it could be an insult to the Gods of nature.

Viking drinking horns have been around for 2,600 years or even longer. Their uses have evolved from culture to culture, from practical drinking utensils to ritualistic and ceremonial items.

While they are renowned in Viking culture, these have also been used in ancient Rome, Greece, and by the Celts.

Diverse Drinking Horn of Different Cultures

The drinking horns used by various empires of different eras speak a lot about the diversity and modernity of people of Scandinavian, Celtic, Greek, Roman, and American backgrounds. Not only are the drinking horns popular with our historical re-enactment customers, but they are also popular with hospitality businesses, beer drinkers, film and theater companies, and the general public.

Let’s take a look at these cultures. 

Scandinavian

According to Norse mythology, female fighters, known as Valkyries, were responsible for selecting the men who would go to battle. They were frequently seen welcoming the dead soldiers to Valhalla by holding drinking horns. Later, this manifested as female hosts ceremonially presenting their male guests with ale mugs.  

Celtic

The Celts of the Iron Age were notorious party-goers who would fill their drinking mugs with communal vats of mead, wine, and beer. Metal-banded drinking horns were standard at significant Celtic burial sites.

The Medieval Period, Christianity, and Recent History

In the 13th century, ale mugs transitioned from their Pagan roots to Christian society in Medieval Europe. They became popular among the clergy and noble households. Christians were so engrossed with this custom that it has been frequently depicted as a present given to the Christ Child at His birth.

After the 15th century, drinking mugs were only used for special occasions. The deep symbolism they once had was abandoned for its uses as symbols of status and ornament.

The Americans

In 1877, when Nez Perce, an American warrior, got injured during a fight, he used to carry an ale mug attached to a leather thong so that he could easily drink from the lake while riding on the horse.

These drinking vessels were initially crafted from authentic, ethically sourced ox horns and were chosen for their appearance, durability, color pattern, and shape. 

Most Viking horns sold today are still created from real horns. The manufacturers sometimes boil the horn of cows, buffalos, or oxen to get rid of the inner core.

Even today, many drinking horns from different eras are kept safe in different places, like museums, to preserve their historical significance and legacy.

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