You may have already seen it from your favorite Viking shows that the Vikings are voracious drinkers. Whether it was their source of warmth or merely a part of their race and culture, the fact remains that they seemed to enjoy drinking a lot.

Before today’s fancy glasses came into place, many years back, the Vikings had to make do with what they had, hence, the drinking horns. As the name suggests, it’s a cup shaped like a horn.

If you’re interested in learning more about lesser known facts of a Viking drinking horn cup, read on below to find out new facts.

1. Viking drinking horns did come from the horns of real animals.

If you think that the drinking horns of the Vikings were artificial, then you’ve been wrong this whole time. Viking drinking horns were created from the horns of real animals.

Historical accounts and records would show that most Viking drinking horns were made from either the antlers of goats or the horns of other cattle. These are then carefully redesigned to hold drinks and to last for many years to come.

2. Viking drinking horns were used mainly for practical purposes.

During the Viking age, there was no technology and resources weren’t as abundant as today. You don’t see factories that create all sorts of household goods, including mugs and cups. Hence, the Vikings had to make do with what they had.

Most of their food came from the animals that they raised and caught. Since this was one thing they had in abundance, they wanted to utilize every single piece of the animal. It’s in this sense of practicality that the drinking horns came into place.

It’s only during the modern days where drinking horns are made for ornamental or decorative purposes. Years back, it was in fact, one of the very few ways for the Vikings to have a means of drinking cups.

Drinking Horn Cups

3. Viking drinking horns were believed to have the ability to ward off the nasty taste of beer.

One of the reasons as to why the Vikings were so keen in using horns as their drinking cups was the belief that it had the mechanism to ward off the nasty taste of beer. During that time, malt, beer, and any other drink that they enjoyed were as raw as it can be. You cannot compare it to the drinks and lifestyle of drinking all over the world today that are heavily processed to taste well.

Although this fact remains to be doubtful, perhaps there may be some truth to it. If drinking horns did not really eliminate the bitter taste of beer, how then did the Vikings drink so merrily and happily without ever getting tired of the nasty taste of raw drinks?

4. Viking drinking horns were also used in many other parts of the world, even at that time.

Just because these cups are labeled as “Viking drinking horns,” it shouldn’t just imply that it was only used by the Vikings. Did you know that around the time, these drinking horns were also used in many other parts of the ancient world? Romans, Greeks, Celts, and Persians were all recorded to have had drinks from these Viking drinking horns as well.

5. Viking drinking horns weren’t meant to be put down until the contents are empty.

One of the most common questions thrown about Viking drinking horns has to do with how a Viking horn looks unstable, yet, the Vikings managed not to spill their drinks? The verdict is this: Viking drinking horns weren’t meant to be put down, not until the contents are empty.

History recounts that Vikings enjoyed merry-making, and also loved celebrations. Because drinking was their way of conversing, creating friendships, and toasting, many believed that the Vikings never put down their drink until they have finished it. Hence, the lack of the need to have a balance mechanism for these horns to prevent spillage.

Conclusion

Now that you are equipped with all these facts, you have an excellent conversation starter when you head out to your next Viking movie viewing party.

Even more importantly, now you’re aware of the Viking’s culture and practices, including their drinking behaviors and style.

In fact, this piece of history is carried over centuries after, whereby Viking goods, crafts, movies, and other paraphernalia is a trend among many.