Introduction
Viking helmets are an iconic symbol of the Norsemen warriors who roamed and raided across Europe during the Viking Age. These helmets have been depicted in various forms of media, but the question remains: what were Viking helmets actually made of?
List of Materials Used for Viking Helmets
- Iron: Iron was the most commonly used material for crafting Viking helmets. It was readily available, easy to work with, and provided good protection against enemy blows. Iron helmets were typically made by heating the metal and shaping it into a helmet form.
- Steel: Some Viking helmets were also made of steel, which is a stronger and more durable material than iron. Steel helmets were often reserved for high-ranking warriors or chiefs who could afford the higher cost of this material.
- Leather: Leather was used in conjunction with metal to create helmets that were both sturdy and flexible. The leather was usually used as a lining inside the helmet to provide added comfort and cushioning for the wearer.
- Animal Horns: Contrary to popular belief, Viking helmets did not have horns protruding from them. However, some helmets were adorned with animal horns as decorative elements to intimidate enemies in battle.
- Wood: While not as common as metal or leather, some Viking helmets were made partially or entirely of wood. These helmets were likely more ceremonial or decorative in nature rather than being used for actual combat.
Iron and Steel Viking Helmets
Iron and steel were the primary materials used for crafting Viking helmets. These helmets were typically made by skilled blacksmiths who would heat the metal and hammer it into shape. Iron helmets were more common due to the availability of the material, while steel helmets were reserved for wealthier warriors or those of higher status.
Viking helmets were typically made of several pieces of metal that were riveted together. This allowed for a more custom fit for the wearer and provided added strength to the helmet. The helmets often featured a nose guard, cheek guards, and a dome-shaped top to protect the head from enemy blows.
Leather-Lined Helmets
Leather was often used in Viking helmets as a lining to provide added comfort and cushioning for the wearer. The leather lining would reduce the impact of blows to the head and make wearing the helmet more comfortable during long periods of battle.
Leather was also used to create chin straps or buckles to secure the helmet in place. This ensured that the helmet stayed securely on the head even during the chaos of battle.
Animal Horn Adornments
Contrary to popular belief, Viking helmets did not actually have horns protruding from them during battle. However, some helmets were adorned with animal horns as decorative elements.
Animal horns were typically attached to the sides or top of the helmet to create a more intimidating appearance. The horns were often used to symbolize strength, virility, or even spiritual significance for the wearer.
Wooden Helmets
While not as common as metal helmets, some Viking helmets were made partially or entirely of wood. These wooden helmets were likely more ceremonial or decorative in nature, rather than being used for actual combat.
Wooden helmets were often intricately carved with elaborate designs that showcased the craftsmanship and artistry of the Viking people. These helmets may have been worn during religious ceremonies, feasts, or other special occasions to display the wealth and status of the wearer.
Conclusion
Viking helmets were made of a variety of materials including iron, steel, leather, animal horns, and wood. Iron and steel were the most common materials used for crafting helmets, while leather provided added comfort and cushioning for the wearer.
Contrary to popular belief, Viking helmets did not have horns protruding from them during battle. Instead, some helmets were adorned with animal horns as decorative elements to create a more intimidating appearance.
Wooden helmets were less common and were likely more ceremonial or decorative in nature. These helmets showcased the artistic prowess of the Viking people and may have been worn during special events or occasions.
