Norse Funerary Customs

By Crusader1307

Beginning in the early Viking Age (6th Century AD), Cremation was the primary form of sending one to the Afterlife. The Deceased were cremated on wooden pyres in their everyday clothes together with any items destined to be needed in their “next life”. This could be a weapons, food, pottery, etc. Afterwards, the ashes of all consumed would be spread out onto the ground or – gathered up in a Pottery Urn. These could be kept by loved ones. Normally, they were not buried and passed down to the next generation. The last surviving member was expected to scatter the ashes. Graves that were dug into the ground and marked with large earthen mound or stone cairns – were reserved for Nobility or Royalty. In these cases, huge areas would be excavated for use. An entire ship (usually the deceased's warship) would be dis-assembled and re-assembled (minus the Center Main Mast) – within the hole. The dead's weapons, gold, and other goods would be interned with him (much as if he were going on an extended sea voyage).

It would not have been uncommon for a Nobleman to have several dead slaves, favorite animals and even in some cases wives – added for “his” comfort in The Afterlife. The often seen (and seldom correct) vision of a dead Viking (and his warship), sailing out past a point in the water – which is then pelted by “fire arrows” did NOT happen with any great regularity. Ships were seen as extremely valuable. They were meant to either perish in battle (sink), or be reused. The dead was dressed in all his finery (as befitting his station in life). Although seen by many female members of the Village as a sad affair, a sense of excitement (or Feast) would be held before (or after) whichever ceremony was performed.