A member of the priestly classes will explain to the dying person how their soul will travel to it final resting place. If the priest cannot speak to the person before death, they will whisper this information to the corpse as soon after death as possible. It is believed that an unguided spirit might hang around the body, and thus become a target for devils or demons, or may even become a restless spirit of some kind.

The body will be "laid out" for at least one day and then the wake can begin. If the wake begins earlier it might attract the devils and demons before the soul has made its way to the after life.

During the wake mourners come and sit close by the corpse and talk about the dead person. Old men might discuss boyhood memories, warriors might talk through the last battle of their former comrade. House wives might discuss the dead persons children ie is expected that all visitors will "have a drink" with the dead person, although it is considered good manners to only have one drink. the corpse is never left alone, particularly at night, just incase it becomes susceptible to the devils and demons.

After a suitable period, half a day for some, perhaps a week for nobles or great warriors, the funeral feast is started. An animal is roasted (boar or bull is best) and mourners are invited to eat with the dead. The left fore leg is taken as a complete joint and given to the dead person as grave goods. In most cases the body is then cremated, and the ashes buried. If possible the ashes are placed in a Cauldron, along with various grave goods before burial.

Great leaders and warriors are buried rather than cremated, but this will only be done when the body can be placed in a known burial ground. The greatest leaders and warriors have their own mounds built for them, all others are buried in the side of one of the existing mounds. In burials, of this type, the body is laid on its side, head to the north, facing East, in a flexed position.

Still born babes are taken away by the priest and buried without ceremony, in an out of the way location. It is considered very unlucky for either of the parents to be there.

Their own grave goods accompany each body into the pyre or grave. There is the joint of meat mentioned earlier, at least one weapon, and an indication of their trade. Wake or funeral guests may place their own sacrifice in the pyre or grave, although these are generally minor tokens, they become more extravagant according to the status of the giver.

The really wealthy might be buried with a chariot, the senior woman of a family rates a comb and a mirror, and members of the priestly classes, a torc. The head of family is usually buried with a gold belt.