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Religion
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According to the Norse religion, when people died they made a journey, in spirit, to the next world, and so they were buried with many of their possessions for use in the afterlife. The tombs of important people were placed inside ships. The ships were then buried, or sometimes set alight and cast adrift. Ordinary graves were often marked by stones laid out in the shape of a ship. Before they became Christian, the Vikings believed in the Norse gods and goddesses, who behaved like humans with superhuman powers. The gods demanded sacrifices in exchange for sending victory to warriors and good weather to farmers. The Vikings held three religious festivals, marked by feasting, each year.
(A) BURIAL SHIP
The bodies of kings, queens, and other powerful people were placed in a real ship, which was then covered with a mound of earth.
(B) HORSES
The Vikings believed that the dead had to make a long journey, so they were buried with horses, and sometimes with carts.
(C) BURIAL CHAMBER
A special tomb was constructed inside the ship to contain the body.
(D) GRAVES
Graves were sometimes outlined with stones in the shape of a ship. Only important people were buried in a real ship.
(E) POSSESSIONS
Many of the dead person's possessions were buried with him or her. The rest were divided among the family.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
Religion
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