History with a Twist
Vikings Used Urine to Start Fires
Overview
Vikings soaked tree fungus in urine to create slow-burning fire starters.
Key Insights
Vikings Used Urine to Start Fires is a fascinating subject within history with a twist. Vikings soaked tree fungus in urine to create slow-burning fire starters. Sodium nitrate in urine made it work. Could smolder for days. Practical for long journeys. They burned slowly and reliably.