What Do Vikings Say When Someone Dies

When we think of Vikings, we often imagine fearless warriors, longboats, and helmets with horns. Yet, there’s much more to these seafaring people who occupied Scandinavian lands from the late eighth to early 11th century. The Vikings had a rich culture, intricate rituals, and a complex belief system around death. This article will delve into their practices, prayers, and poetry surrounding death, including the Viking toasts to the dead and Viking death poems.

What Is a Viking Funeral Called? 

The Viking funeral is often referred to by various names, representing a different aspect or stage of the process. The entire ceremony, from the moment of death to the final burial or cremation, is sometimes referred to as the ‘sjaund,’ which means ‘the last rites’ in Old Norse.

The initial part of the process, similar to a wake, is called the ‘veizla.’ During the veizla, the deceased was prepared for their journey to the afterlife. This could involve dressing them in their best clothes, laying them out for viewing, and possibly embalming or temporary burial.

Following the veizla, the next step in the funeral process was the ‘erfi,’ or funeral feast. This was a time for the community to gather, share food and drink, and remember the deceased. The erfi was a significant part of the Viking funeral process, serving as both a celebration of the dead’s life and a communal act of mourning.

The final part of the Viking funeral was the ‘haugbui,’ which refers to the burial mound or grave itself. The haugbui was often a grand affair, with the deceased buried or cremated with grave goods that reflected their status and accomplishments. The grave could be marked with a stone or a mound of earth; in some cases, a ship was used as a burial vessel.

The Viking funeral was not a single event but a series of rituals and ceremonies that took place over several days or even weeks. Each stage of the funeral, from the veizla to the erfi and the haugbui, played an essential role in honoring the deceased and guiding them on their journey to the afterlife. The name ‘sjaund,’ encompassing the entire process, reflects these rites’ comprehensive and profound nature.

The Role of Skalds in Viking Death Rituals

Skalds held a vital role in Viking society. As poets and storytellers, they were the keepers of history and the community’s voice. This role was particularly significant during death rituals, where their skills were used to commemorate the deceased and guide the community through the grieving process.

One of the main responsibilities of the skalds during a funeral was to compose and recite the ‘erfidrápa,’ or death poem. These poems were both a tribute to the deceased and a testament to their deeds and virtues. By crafting these stories, skalds were essentially weaving the individual’s life and legacy into the fabric of the community’s shared history.

During the funeral feast, the skalds also often led the ‘minni,’ the Viking toast to the dead. By leading this toast, they helped reinforce the community’s bonds and ensure the deceased’s memory lived on.

The role of the skalds in Viking death rituals was not merely one of remembrance but also connection. Through their words and stories, they connected the living with the deceased, the individual with the community, and the mortal realm with the divine. In doing so, they helped to shape the Vikings‘ understanding of death and the afterlife.

What Is a Viking Farewell?

A Viking farewell, often called a “Viking send-off,” was a ceremonial event that held significant importance in Viking culture. Vikings had profound beliefs concerning death and the afterlife, which were reflected in how they bid farewell to their deceased.

A Viking farewell was a blend of ceremonial rituals and social customs. The process could last for several days, and it included a range of activities such as a wake, a grand feast known as the ‘erfi,’ and the final act of interment, either through burial or cremation.

The wake was the initial part of the farewell, where mourners gathered to pay their respects to the deceased. This could include storytelling, where individuals shared tales and memories of the departed, and the composing of death poems to honor their life and deeds.

The ‘erfi’ was a significant part of the farewell process. It was a feast that allowed the community to come together to mourn, celebrate the life of the deceased, and perform the ‘minni,’ a toast to the dead. This toast served as both a commemoration of the departed and a reaffirmation of the social bonds within the community.

Finally, the interment was a solemn ceremony where the deceased was placed in a grave or set aflame on a funeral pyre. Often, grave goods, including weapons, jewelry, and even boats, were included with the body, believed to aid the deceased in their journey to the afterlife.

In essence, a Viking farewell was a celebration of life and a respectful send-off to the afterlife. It was an event marked with both grief and honor, reflecting the Vikings’ deep reverence for the cycle of life and death.

Viking Funeral Sacrifice: Fact or Fiction? 

The Viking funeral sacrifice is a topic that has been subject to much speculation and debate. The idea of human and animal sacrifices during Viking funerals is often depicted in popular culture, but is it fact or fiction?

The answer, it appears, is a bit of both. While not every Viking funeral involved sacrifice, archaeological evidence and historical accounts suggest some did.

Animal sacrifice was a fairly common practice, as evidenced by the remains of horses, dogs, and birds found in some Viking graves. These animals were believed to accompany the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, providing them companionship or sustenance.

Human sacrifice, on the other hand, is more controversial. The most famous account of a human sacrifice at a Viking funeral comes from the Arab diplomat Ibn Fadlan, who witnessed and documented a Viking funeral along the Volga River in the 10th century. His account describes a ritual where a slave girl voluntarily joined her master in death. Yet, this account represents a specific group of Vikings to a particular time and place, and it’s not necessarily representative of all Viking funerals.

Moreover, archaeological evidence of human sacrifice is rare and often open to interpretation. Some scholars suggest that instances of human sacrifice may have occurred during times of social stress or upheaval, or they could be related to specific religious beliefs or practices.

Ultimately, while sacrifices were a part of some Viking funerals, it’s essential to remember that practices varied widely among different Viking communities and over time. The image of the Viking funeral sacrifice is thus a mix of fact and fiction, reflecting both historical reality and myth.

The Viking Belief in the Afterlife

The Vikings’ view of death was closely linked to their afterlife beliefs. They believed in a variety of realms where the deceased could reside. The most renowned of these was Valhalla, the hall of the slain, where those who died in battle joined Odin, and Hel, where the rest of the dead resided. These beliefs significantly influenced their death rituals and the words they spoke when a person passed away.

What Is the Viking Death Prayer?

The Viking death prayer was a crucial part of the Viking funeral rituals, serving as a spiritual guide for the deceased’s journey to the afterlife. While the exact wording of the prayer would likely have varied based on the individual and their deeds in life, its intent was consistent: to appeal to the gods for the safe passage of the deceased and affirm their place in the afterlife.

A spiritual leader or elder typically spoke Viking prayers during the burial ceremony. They were solemn and heartfelt, often invoking the names of the Viking gods, like Odin, Freya, or Thor, to guide and protect the deceased.

For example, a Viking death prayer might have gone along these lines:

“Oh, Odin, All-Father, hear our plea. As we return our kin to your embrace, may their journey be safe and swift. May the brave deeds they performed in life echo in your great hall. Thor, protector, let your mighty hammer guard them. Freya, goddess of love and war, receive them with open arms. May they find peace and honor in the realms of the gods.”

Despite the passage of centuries, the Viking death prayer remains a testament to the deep spiritual beliefs of the Vikings, their reverence for their gods, and their respect for the cycle of life and death. It’s a poignant reminder of how the Vikings viewed death not as an end but a journey to another realm.

The Viking Toast to the Dead

The Viking toast to the dead was a key part of the funeral rites, often taking place during the wake or the funeral feast, known as the ‘erfi.’ Here, friends and family gathered to eat, drink, and remember the deceased. A special toast, or ‘minni,’ was made as part of the feast.

The toast was not just a celebration of the deceased’s life but also a means of ensuring their safe journey to the afterlife. The ‘minni’ was typically performed by the most senior member present, who would raise a drinking horn filled with mead or ale, praising the virtues and deeds of the departed. Each participant would then take a sip from the horn in honor of their fallen comrade. This toast served as a binding social act, allowing the community to collectively mourn and commemorate their loved one.

What Were the Words Said at the Viking Funeral?

Viking funerals were complex, richly symbolic events filled with rituals designed to honor the deceased and guide them to the afterlife. Even though the exact words said would have varied based on the individual and the community, certain elements were likely common across many Viking funerals.

The Viking funeral would typically begin with a wake, where the deceased’s family, friends, and community members gathered to mourn and remember the dead. During this time, stories of the deceased’s life and accomplishments were shared, often in the form of skaldic poetry or epic sagas.

Then, during the funeral feast or ‘erfi,’ a toast to the dead, known as a ‘minni,’ was performed. This toast was not only a celebration of the deceased’s life but also a means of ensuring their safe journey to the afterlife. The toast would often include a recounting of the deceased’s virtues and accomplishments and hopes and prayers for their journey to the afterlife.

Finally, a Viking burial prayer was recited during the burial or cremation. This prayer was usually a heartfelt plea to the gods, particularly Odin, Thor, and Freya, for the safe passage of the deceased’s soul to the afterlife. It was a solemn farewell, spoken with deep respect and reverence.

While we can’t know the exact words spoken at a Viking funeral, these practices give us a glimpse into the depth of the Viking beliefs about death and the afterlife, their respect for the deceased, and their community bonds.

Melancholy Norwegian Prayer for the Dead

The Norwegian prayer for the dead is another element that reflects the depth of Viking spiritual beliefs. Despite the stereotypical image of the Vikings as ferocious warriors, they were also deeply spiritual and respectful. The prayer for the dead, typically spoken by a spiritual leader or elder, sought to guide the deceased’s spirit to the afterlife and provide comfort for those left behind.

The prayer, often woven with requests to the gods for the safe passage of the deceased, reflected the intimate relationship the Vikings had with their deities. While specific in its purpose, this prayer also reflected broader themes of Viking life, such as the importance of honor, bravery, and community.

Viking Burial Prayer

When it came to the burial of the dead, the Vikings had intricate rituals to ensure the deceased were well-prepared for their journey to the afterlife. The burial prayer was a crucial part of these rituals. This prayer served as a final farewell, a plea to the gods, and an affirmation of the deceased’s place in the community.

The prayer was usually delivered at the graveside or during the burial at sea, another common Viking practice. While the content of the prayer would vary based on the individual and their deeds in life, the underlying sentiment was the same: a wish for a peaceful journey to the afterlife and a reminder of the individual’s legacy within the community.

Viking Death Poem at the Glance 

In addition to prayers and toasts, the Vikings used poetry to express grief and commemorate the dead. Viking death poems, or ‘erfidrápa,’ were often composed by skalds, the Vikings’ poets and storytellers, and recited at the funeral feast.

While mourning the loss of the individual, these poems also celebrated their achievements and virtues, serving as a eulogy and a testament to their lives. The death poems encapsulated the Viking belief that while bodies may perish, names and deeds live on in memory and story. The power of the spoken word was deeply respected in Viking culture, and the skalds held a high position in society due to their ability to immortalize heroes and events.

Essentiallt, these poems were a celebration of life and its temporary nature. They revered the bravery and courage of the deceased and were a poetic testament to their journey into the afterlife. The poems could be filled with battle metaphors, referencing the Viking belief that the bravest warriors would join Odin in Valhalla. However, they were also deeply personal, reflecting the characteristics and actions of the individual.

The Value of Words: A Viking Perspective

It’s essential to understand that words held significant power in Viking society. The Vikings believed that words could shape reality and influence fate, a belief deeply embedded in their rituals surrounding death. Toasts, prayers, and poems weren’t just tributes to the dead but also tools to guide the deceased’s spirit and shape their journey in the afterlife.

By examining Viking death rituals, we see a culture that deeply valued honor, courage, community, and immortality provided by memory and story. Their toasts, prayers, and poems were expressions of these values, serving not just as rituals for the dead but also as reminders for the living.

The Legacy of Viking Death Rituals in Scandinavian Folklore and Tradition

The Viking death rituals have left a lasting impact on Scandinavian folklore and tradition. These rituals, filled with rich symbolism and deep spiritual beliefs, have transcended time and continue to influence the region’s modern practices and cultural narratives.

One clear example is seen in the tradition of raising a toast or ‘skål’ during special occasions. This practice has its roots in the ‘minni,’ the Viking toast to the dead, and serves as a reminder of the communal bonds and shared memory that were so important in Viking society.

The Viking death poems, composed by skalds to honor the deceased, have also left their mark. Today, the tradition of storytelling and commemoration through verse remains alive in Scandinavian literature and poetry.

Moreover, the Viking beliefs about the afterlife continue to influence Scandinavian folklore. Tales of Valhalla, the hall of the slain where brave warriors go after death, and Hel, the realm of the ordinary dead, are common in Nordic myths and legends.

So, the legacy of Viking death rituals is deeply ingrained in Scandinavian culture. The echoes of these ancient practices continue to resonate through traditions, literature, and folklore, reflecting a timeless fascination with the mysteries of life and death.

Conclusion

In the contemporary world, the image of the Viking is often simplified to that of a ruthless, seafaring warrior. Still, we encounter a more complex picture by looking at their rituals surrounding death. The Viking toast to the dead, the Norwegian prayer for the dead, the Viking burial prayer, and Viking death poems reflect a society that deeply respected the deceased and believed in the power of words to guide, comfort, and immortalize.

Through these rituals, we get a glimpse into the Viking world, one where death was not an end but a journey to another realm. A world where a person’s deeds were celebrated, their virtues were toasted, and their journey to the afterlife was guided by prayer and poetry. These practices remind us that, for the Vikings, the power of words was not just in their utterance but in the beliefs, values, and memories they carried.