Norse Burial Rites

The body is placed on a funeral pyre and cremated.. The grave should include weapons, food for the afterlife, tools or items that indicate the trade followed and any symbols of rank that are appropriate. The grave may be marked, if appropriate.

As the pyre is lit a funeral service is delivered and as the grave is filled in a poem or saga is recited, individual mourners often place an item in the pit as a sacrifice, that reflects their own status.

The wealthy will arrange for a hill or pile of rocks to be built over the grave.

Forms of Cremation

Open Interment

Dig a pit and build the pyre in the pit, place the body and the grave goods on the pyre and cremate. When the pyre has burnt completely fill in the pit.

Closed Interment

Build the pyre normally and cremate the body. When the pyre has completely burnt out, gather the ashes into an urn and bury along with the grave goods.

 
Grave Goods
are taken from among the possessions of the deceased

Bondsmen

Should be provided with a bowl and a knife, and some food. They may be given a club or a staff as a weapon and should have at least one tool to indicate their trade.

Freemen

Will be provided with a wider range of eating utensils and a range of food and drink. Warriors will be provided with a full set of weapons, tradesmen with a full set of tools etc. An item of simple jewelry indicates free status.

Nobility

Nobility may be buried with sumptuous eating and drinking utensils and possibly with gold or jewel inlaid weapons. Richer females might be buried with a cart or wagon, wealthy men in a boat or a ship. An item of gold jewelry indicates noble status. An independent ruler will be buried with a scepter.

Animals and Servants.

Where appropriate, dogs and horses may be sacrificed and interred with their owner. Occasionally a bond servant might choose to be sacrificed and buried with their master or mistress.


Personal Sacrifices
placed into the grave to honor the dead. The greater the value the sacrifice the more honor is given to the dead.

Bondsmen

Copper coin or item or an item of food.

Freemen

Silver coin or item. A weapon or treasured personal item is also acceptable.

Nobility

Gold coin or item, jewelry, weapons or specially made items are also permissible.