The drinking horn was a vessel from which wine or ale was drunk, just as its name suggests. Drinking horns have been traced back to several ancient cultures around Europe and Asia, including the empires of Greece, Rome, and Persia, as well as Scandinavian peoples such as the Vikings. They most probably originated from the rhyton (derived from the Greek word rhytos, which means “flowing”), which was a drinking vessel that was similar in style but usually had an animal carved at the end of the horn. These animals and other decorations, such as a grapevine, tended to symbolize or relate to the ancient Greek god of wine, Dionysus. Quite a few of these rhytons were made of precious metals (e.g. silver) and were most likely used by individuals of higher status and in the royal courts of these ancient civilizations.
The drinking horn was commonly crafted out of the horns of a goat, cow, or auroch, which was a species of cattle that is now extinct. Metal accessories were usually attached to the horn on the end (a stopper) and the rim, and sometimes there were fitted rings with legs welded to it to let the horn stand on its own. Besides animal horn, drinking horns were also made out of glass and ceramic. Romans were especially known for their glassblowing techniques, which can be seen in the Sutri drinking horn with its blue coloring and intricate decoration.
Aside from drinking, another use for the drinking horn was to convey ownership of land. The standard process through which the horn was given to the estate-owner or passed down is largely unknown, though it seems that there were traditions for doing just this at each individual estate. Some of the traditions date back to the rule of the Danish kings of England.
On display at the Museum of London is a broken drinking horn that is made out of Kingston-type ceramic. Dating from the fourteenth century, this drinking horn originated from the kilns of Kingston upon Thames, identified by the green glaze that was typical of Kingston-type wares. It measures 104 millimeters high (about 4.09 inches), 100 millimeters wide (about 3.94 inches), and 190 millimeters long (about 7.48 inches), showing that full drinking horns were made to hold a substantial amount of liquid. This drinking horn did not need separate fittings made to help it stand since it has three, small feet at its base. Its decoration is peculiar, with features of a human face carved into the front and an erect phallus attached to the back curve.
The use of Kingston-type ceramic means that drinking horns of this style were somewhat common during the medieval London (that is, around the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries), seeing as many common tablewares and pottery (both practical and decorative) from this period were also made of this material. Its material seems to indicate that drinking horns were not just for the celebratory feasts of the wealthy or nobility of this time, but possibly for more ordinary drinking practices as well.
FAQs
Drinking horns are known from Classical Antiquity, especially the Balkans, and remained in use for ceremonial purposes throughout the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period in some parts of Europe, notably in Germanic Europe, and in the Caucasus.
What does a drinking horn symbolize? ›
Feasts and celebrations often involved the passing around elaborately decorated drinking horns filled with mead, ale, or other beverages. These events were steeped in ritual, with drinking from a horn symbolizing camaraderie, loyalty, and the honoring of the gods.
What is the drinking horn myth? ›
The Rise Of The Viking Drinking Horn
According to the Prose Edda, an Old Norse mythology textbook from the 13th century, Thor unknowingly drank from a horn that was full of all the seas of the Earth after a giant named Útgarða-Loki challenged him to.
Did Anglo-Saxons use drinking horns? ›
It is a Late Anglo-Saxon silver drinking-horn terminal found near Kendal, and dated to the 10th to mid-11th Century. The terminal is 50mm long and is in the form of a slightly tapered socket terminating in a cast animal head thought to be a lion.
Did Vikings really drink from horns? ›
The Vikings were indeed prolific drinkers of mead, and they loved imbibing from their drinking horns, often obtained from a bull's horn. There are numerous depictions throughout antiquity showing Vikings and their beloved drinking horns, and in the process of celebrating a feast or holiday.
Do drinking horns smell? ›
The varnish smell (if present) disappears over time but it can be removed faster by juicing a lemon, pouring rhe raw juice into the horn or tankard and adding water until it is full. Leave overnight and this will remove any noticeable odor.
What cultures used drinking horns? ›
Drinking horns have been traced back to several ancient cultures around Europe and Asia, including the empires of Greece, Rome, and Persia, as well as Scandinavian peoples such as the Vikings.
What to drink out of a Viking horn? ›
These versatile horn coffee mugs can be used for a great dark roast or steeping tea, as well as ice-cold beer, water, or even those fancy mojitos. Simply handwash between uses to help maintain long-lasting quality.
Did the Irish use drinking horns? ›
8th century Irish law tracts tell us that such large horns from wild cattle (aurochs) had to be imported into Britain and Ireland. The drinking horn that the Bullion man has clasped in his hands tells us that Pictish people probably had access to one of these imported auroch horns.
What do Odin's drinking horns mean? ›
The Triple Horn of Odin symbolizes this story and the mead's significance in Norse mythology. It is a powerful emblem that is associated with Odin's pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, as well as his connection to poetry, inspiration, and the pursuit of divine secrets.
Using a lighter to burn a genuine horn, the horn will not fire. The burnt part will become powder, and meanwhile, you will feel the hair or nail burning smell. if its is Plastic? Of course, burnt plastic smell.
Who invented the drinking horn? ›
After them, the Romans made drinking horns out of glass for use during feasts and ceremonies. From most accounts, it is clear that the drinking horn was adapted from the Thracians and the Scythians by the Greeks and the Romans, and only then by the Vikings.
How big is a Viking drinking horn? ›
This drinking horn measures between 20cm - 30.5cm (8"-12") in length. Each horn holds approximately 250ml in liquid. Each horn is smoothly polished and finished with a water proof food safe epoxy. The horn shown is an example, of the style of horn.
What alcohol did Saxons drink? ›
Its worth examining then, what precisely Anglo-Saxon 'ale' and 'beer' were, how it was made, and why it became so important. The four basic alcoholic drinks available to the Anglo-Saxons were wīn, medu, ealu and bēor.
What were horns used for in medieval times? ›
Horn beakers and lanterns would have been commonplace fixtures in historic Britain, as would horn based handles on knives and weaponry. Drenching horns were used in early veterinary practices, while buttons, hair accessories and musical instruments were also likely to incorporate horn components.
How did people drink in medieval times? ›
All classes commonly drank ale or beer. Milk was also available, but usually reserved for younger people. Wine was imported from France and Italy for those with money. The wealthier you were, the better you ate.
Why were horns used as cups? ›
These future drinking horns however held a higher status symbol instead of being everyday cups. The ancient Greeks drank out of horns during celebrations and depicted their god of wine, Dionysus, with a drinking horn. After them, the Romans made drinking horns out of glass for use during feasts and ceremonies.
