12/24/2023 0 Comments Burning pyre![]() Based on analysis of their diets and DNA, it was determined that they were likely slaves, who had been sacrificed to spend eternity with their former masters. One Viking site in Flakstad, Norway, contained multiple bodies (some decapitated) in a single grave. These goods ran the gamut, from weapons to jewelry to slaves. Tributes and gifts, known as “grave goods” and usually of equal value to the deceased’s status, were buried or burned along with the recipient. The body was draped in new clothes prepared specifically for the funeral, and a ceremony was held featuring songs, chants, food and alcohol. Regardless of how the body was disposed of, a few rituals remained almost constant. So it’s unlikely that there were many ships that were set sail and then set ablaze by fiery arrows shot from the shores. Seventy feet long and nearly 17 feet wide, the ship had 15 oars on each side, a pine mast more than 30 feet high, and was spacious enough to fit 30 people.īut contrary to popular belief, funeral boats were rarely sent out to sea, likely because the cost of building these legendary longboats was prohibitive. While the Vikings were known for the craftsmanship that went into their vessels in general, the size and detail of the Oseberg was exceptional. Known as the “Oseberg ship,” it’s one of the most well persevered Viking artifacts. ![]() One of the most extravagant boat burials honored two women, who likely died around 834 A.D. For other high-ranked Norsemen, the honors went a step further, and they were buried with their actual boats.īut these types of elaborate boat funerals weren’t reserved for just men. Some grave mounds were built to resemble ships, with stones used to outline the vessel’s shape. In Norse mythology, boats symbolized safe passage into the afterlife on the same vessel that aided their travels in life, so they played a key role in funeral rites. Each circle of stones designates a burial site for man who had merit in the community. Largest burial site in Scandinavia has over 600 graves dating back to the Germanic Iron Age and the Viking period.
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