Despite numerous cartoons and other depictions to the contrary, there is no evidence that Vikings ever wore helmets with horns on them. While some pre-Viking cultures possibly had individuals who sported headgear with antlers or horns attached thereon, the wearers were generally priests who donned such a cap for ceremonial occasions and not a warrior who would prefer to avoid having his helmet catch on tree branches or other objects when he is running or fighting an opponent.
The horned helmet stereotype sprang primarily from the minds of creative Scandinavian artists in the 19th Century. The imagery became ubiquitous as a result of the costumes used in Richard Wagner's “Der Ring des Nibelungen” opera in the 1870s.
For more information on Norsemen cerebral fashions, please click on the History Channel website.
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