Tankards were an important part of Viking social life, often used during feasts and gatherings to drink ale, mead, or other beverages. These large drinking vessels symbolized camaraderie and celebration, as Vikings would raise their tankards in toasts to honor the gods, fallen warriors, and their community. Sharing a drink from a tankard was not just about quenching thirst, but also about fostering bonds and reinforcing the social fabric of Viking culture.