fallen warriors still living your carefree and happy life. The dead in the sea, unless they had fallen into manly struggle, gathered Ran, Aegir's goddess, in a giant network. A "dead in the Straw" was left underground realm of shadows and darkness: the Niflheim.
According to ancient mythological, the Niflheim was located in the North in the land of fog, the crackling frost and night life. Put him back in time as in classical antiquity, underground. Thundered wild and impetuous rivers that mansion. On one of these boisterous rivers and waterfalls released into the underground world wide bridge stood a stunning paved with gold. Leading to the hall called the dead, which in its primitive form resembles a gigantic tomb of Huns, but later increasingly adopting the traits of a dark realm beyond and becomes a place of atonement.
This domain is governed by the goddess Hell, a queen of the underworld, which, in the final form of Norse mythology established by the Edda, is the daughter of Loki. Had power over nine worlds and lived in a palace that rivals the Aces and the Vanes. Its center was a powerful golden hall which was also the shadowy goddess of the dead willingly invited friends. Oddly, nowhere says what fate awaited the gray army of shadows of people in the world of Hell. However, an interminable boredom seems to have crushed the "dead in the Straw" in the underground world without light globe.
Much of Hell must be an invention of the Icelandic poetic school of the Middle Ages. Christian influences can be seen not in the sense of considering the past as a prison and atonement. And, like the Greek Hades, hell Germanic world was also a degraded life, a sad and dull realm of the dead, condemning the deceased to an existence apparential and report, as shadows.
literary
But these loans do not fit at all with the North Viking burial applications. Here, death does not appear as the end of existence, but as a crisis that could turn a full life, without eliminating it completely. Hence, having such great importance on how and when dying. According to the North Germanic ideas, a condition of the unity of life and survival was to go to Odin in full force or at least with a considerable reserve of strength.
be laid off weakened and consumed after a long illness, was no longer any hope of surviving formal. Jan de Vries So guess that even the killing of the elderly originally had a religious character requirement and that victims deemed necessary and desirable.
The cult of the ancestors also putting their roots in the representation of active survival. The dead remained in communion with the living, though time in the realm of the shadows of Hell, where nothing ever happened, was stirred in the network or the goddess Ran manfully to surrender to the fun of Walhalla. Those who survived had a mission to equate decently for the new life, give them a decent burial, singing the glorious actions of the dead and of course make it participate in the life of the race, offering sacrifices, inviting him to the table in great feasts of the year and remember it at all important family events.
If they did not meet those obligations, if they renounced to meet the dead, it could happen that one day they returned and displayed as promoters of discord and as malicious. In such cases the race was forced to kill the dead a second time. many of the graves desecrated the archaeologists have discovered were probably open on grounds of religion.
Customs.
In the North, the burial customs were already in previkingos times (starting around 600), extremely multifaceted. News both literary and archaeological discoveries attest to the most diverse forms of burial.
Even in the centuries of the Roman Empire used to cremate the dead and keep their ashes in urns, low flat hills. But the custom of burying the body was gradually extended by the European North in the late Viking Age. This phenomenon, first observed in Denmark, can infer the early Christian influences. The burial in the ground then went to Norway and Sweden, but there was never imposed in the same proportion as in Jutland, Funen and Zealand.
researchers religions have faced hard work to discover, after the various forms of burial, different conceptions of mythology. Wasted efforts. The most they achieve is the impression that, in general, the idea of survival after death depends on the kind of burial, apparently also a warrior was burned pretty assured of a lasting existence, enjoying the fight and other earthly pleasures Odin in Walhalla.
always the remains of the deceased were placed on a hill. One of the axioms of the creed of the ancient mythology stated that a ground elevation was a guarantee of strength and, therefore, life. The hills are considered centers of power on Earth.
But the location and layout of the burial hill responded to many special ways, partly depending on local conditions. Preferred sites were the mounds of rocks by the sea or land from small rises in which the deceased could glimpse their possessions. Naturally, the height of the hill funeral home also varied by class and wealth of the deceased. The larger of the two real hills Jelling, Denmark, reaches a height of a four-story house.
often the Vikings buried their dead in a kind of wooden rooms or tombs are ships. The Swedes and Norwegians, preferably, have favored the latter system of burial. Here too, the research is manifold and varied. Many ships ended their dead in a pile of rubble, round head nails and bolts of iron mixed with human ashes are the main feature of this type of burial. Often remains of charred bodies were entrusted to a ship that did not burn or be buried at the same time ships and passengers dead.
But only the great men and families could afford one of these tombs so expensive. The farmer used to the sea was content with a set of stones arranged in a boat, the boat that symbolizes a burial and has remained until now in the Nordic landscape as a feature of it that should not be forgotten.
In almost all cases was provided to the tombs of attachments, usually bright and flashy, a sign that clearly denotes a pagan spirit.
says Adam of Bremen, for example, that the Norwegians buried on the hill, along with the dead, their fortune, their weapons and everything in life was most appreciated. For as the soul was essentially subsisting on a body, should be provided with all that is required daily life: the most valuable tools, weapons, ornaments and clothing, meat and bread, wine or mead. For the kings, chiefs and large landowners were also provided for dogs, horses and slaves.
The overall picture of the Nordic cult of the dead is rich in variations. We can say that there is hardly a more colorful, multifaceted and confusing than it is presented to the researcher who is dedicated to the study of the graves of the Vikings in the North.
Johannes
Brøndsted was making is this: "They practiced cremation? Yes They buried without incinerating? Yes tomb may have the shape of a large wooden room? Yes Does a modest wooden coffin? Yes. Does a great boat? Yes Does a dinghy? Yes Or a symbolic ship, represented by stones? Yes Does a car? Yes tomb can be placed under a hill funeral home? Yes Or on the ground level? Yes the computer can be rich funeral? Yes or modest? Yes Or even poor? Yes Or even contain nothing? Yes this could be to keep asking Under more than one hour ... "
Burial of Varangian Leader.
According to the sagas, it was inexcusable duty of a Viking burial of the dead, even the enemy who had been killed. In the dying is pressed the lips and nostrils so that the soul could escape more easily.'s funeral, of course, invited the entire race. I kept a feast after ritual among the potentates that sometimes lasted an entire day and was entertained by songs who extolled the glorious life of the deceased. In Iceland, these foods funerals, sometimes involving more than a thousand people.
Exposure accurate, revealing and suggestive of a burial Nordic we have to thank Arabian embassy secretary Ibn Fadlan, who was somewhere 921-922 Volga Varangian when a great man on his journey to Valhalla.
His thorough report begins: "I had already been told many times that after the death of their leaders do things which the least was the cremation of the body. I was keen to put things straight. One day I learned that one of its most prestigious leaders had died. He was placed in the tomb and had ten days, were busy cutting and sewing their costumes.
"For the poorest subjects make them a little boat, they put within them ablaze. But if this is a potentate, meet all their assets and divide them into three parts. A third family receives, with a third party prepare the dress and the remaining third made "Nabid" (an alcoholic beverage, mead probably). Because they go crazy for Nabid and drink it day and night. Quite often happens that one of them dies with the cup in his hand.
"The death of a leader, family members ask the slaves and servants," Who of you wants to die with him? "Then one of them replied:" Me. "And after having said is obliged to keep his word. There is now free to become ago. Although it would not allow it. Most people say "I" are slaves.
"When he died, then, the man I have mentioned, asked his servants," Who of you wants to die with him? "And one replied," I ". They ordered two slaves to the monitor and they were beside him, wherever he went. Then they started to fix things from the master, cut his clothes and set it up as corresponded. Meanwhile the slave drank and sang all day with a joy that reflected a great happiness.
"The day he had to cremate the dead and his servant went to the river where it was the boat. They had already hauled out. Four pillars angle birch and other woods were prepared and stood around large wooden images like people. Then they pulled the boat and hoisted over the media. Meanwhile, men went from here to there and said words that I did not understand. Meanwhile the dead man was still in his grave. Then they put a bench on the boat and covered with cushions, silk brocade pillows Greek of the same tissue.
"Then came an old woman they called Angel of Death. It was a gigantic woman, old, thick and grim, whose mission was to dress the dead and kill the slave chosen. They dragged the dead from the grave and removed the clothes with which he had died. I noticed it was completely black, but the funny thing is that it stank and nothing had changed except the color of their skin. Then I wore shorts, pants, boots, jacket and cloth coat embroidered with gold and gold buttons, a hat pulled down her silk trimmed with sable fur and took him to the tent was in the boat. There he was placed on blankets and held it with fluffy pillows.
"Then they brought Nabid, fruits and herbs, which placed beside the dead. Also placed bread and meat and onions. Then they caught a dog, tore in half and taken to the boat. They also established with the late weapons, brought two horses, were run until the drenching sweat, the pieces with their swords and threw the remains into the boat. Also dismembered two oxen, which suffered the same fate. Finally came a rooster and a hen, killed them and threw them into the boat.
The slave who had hoped that would kill in the meantime from one to another tent and each owner cohabited with her and said, "Communicate to your master that I do this for you."
When evening came, dragged the slave until a frame like that of a door frame and broke the rose as frame and spoke in their language. This was repeated three times. Then he reached out a chicken, the slave cut off his head, like a rooster and threw the boat. I asked the interpreter what it all meant.
"He replied:" When I first raised the maid, she said, "Look, I see my father and my mother." For the second time, said: "Look, I see all my deceased relatives." The third time he said: "Look, I see my master seated in the afterlife and everything is pleasant and green, and beside it is young men and servants. He calls me, let me go to him."
"Then she went with her to the boat. There stripped of the two bracelets she was wearing and gave them to the old woman they called Angel of Death and was responsible for killing her. It also took away two bracelets and gave them to the daughter of the elderly. The boarded the ship, but still not allowed to enter the tent. Then came men with shields and wooden bars and gave Nabid in a glass. She took it, sang and poured.
"- With this cup - said the interpreter - says goodbye to his friends."
"Then he stretched one more drink. He took it and sang a long song. But the old woman pushed to hurry to empty the cup and went into the tent of his master died. I looked at and noticed that fear gripped. True, she wanted to get into the store, but just poked his head. Then the old woman grabbed her head, pulled her into the store and accompanying entered. The men began banging on their shields with wooden bars that do not scream and to hear other women are not frightened and did not want and die with his master.
"Then six men entered the store and all cohabited with a slave. Then he died tended to side. Two men grabbed her by the feet, two by the hands and the old woman, whom they called Angel of Death , placed a noose around his neck and handed the points to the two men to tirasen. She advanced with a large knife and width, stabbed the girl between the ribs and pulled it out. The two men strangled with the knot until she died.
"Then came forward the next of kin of the deceased, took a tree and set it on fire. Then he walked back to the ship, turned his face to the people and in one hand was holding the timber while the other had it put on the back of his body: he was naked and burned timbers that had piled up under the boat. Then came also the other with burning wood and threw them at the stake. soon burst into flames, the boat first, then shop campaign, then the man and the girl and all that the ship contained.
"a strong wind blew, so did the flames and the fire is even greater, more powerful. And not even an hour had passed when the boat and the wood, and the dead girl had turned into ashes. then erected at the site where the boat had a round hill. At the top put a great post of birch wood. In the Enter the name of the deceased and the name of the king of the Rus. They continued their way. "
A description oppressive, cruel, terrifying, a story that even after more than a thousand left in abeyance. But it's not unique. Other Arab travelers have confirmed a detailed account written by Ibn Fadlan burial.
When someone died, tells Al Massudi, his wife is burned alive with him and many women were eager to turn to ashes with their husbands to follow him to paradise. And we know that Ibn Rustah Varangians built the tombs of their leaders, large and spacious houses where besides clothing, weapons and gold bracelets, coin supplies and also introduced to the top of his nights. Were locked with him while he still had life. Then he closed the door of the tomb and they died there.
"Fables, stories by hearsay, scary stories and horror? No way. Archaeologists have discovered many tombs that respond exactly to these stories.
The armamentarium of the Dead.
Mainly in Sweden have found numerous pyres graves, whose ashes contain traces of weapons as well as traces of female ornaments: the surest sign that a woman was in her husband's death or owner, or rather, the burned with him and was turned into ashes.
also numerous underground burial remains have been preserved sets of men and women. In the burial chambers of the wealthy merchants of Birka, for example, there were many details revealing that the deceased had embarked on his last trip with his wife or a slave girl. Similarly, it seems that many ladies of Birka were convinced that the afterlife also need the help of a servant. In a spacious burial chamber, archaeologists found the skeletons of two women. One of them was in a strangely contorted position. The finding can guess that a lady of high position, perhaps a princess, perhaps a queen, had been carried to the grave of a slave. And of course alive, his contorted position clearly revealed only after they choked closed chamber. Nor
Queen Asa, the famous ship Norwegian Oseberg undertook the journey alone. An old woman of about sixty to seventy years, and rheumatoid arthritis, with almost rigid vertebral column, accompanied her. Undoubtedly, your servant.
But more important than these confirmations of literary sources are the objects that archaeologists found the graves of the Vikings in the course of a century and a half, objects, in addition to the showcases, stores also occupy the Nordic Museum from floor to ceiling and provide a comprehensive picture of the material culture of the Vikings.
German Archaeologists have helped to expand this table by the research conducted in five major Haithabu cemeteries. Of a total of ten thousand graves have been excavated so far two thousand. The excavations, in addition to providing an almost incalculable wealth of findings, confirmed the multifaceted characteristics of Nordic funeral cult. The Wik people of their dead were buried in chambers, graves or coffins. The burial chambers They provided plenty of objects pits, only sporadically. Coffins in the cemetery of the southern slope of Hochburg only graves containing women's ornaments and utensils, while the men, except for rare exceptions, were empty. In the cemetery itself of Hochburg (Bastion, acropolis) were found only tombs-pyres. The cemetery discovered in 1957 near the south gate, which began around 800 by the Frisians, contains only polls.
acquired an international reputation in Denmark Cemetery Lindholm Hoje, near Aalborg, North Jutland. The findings were very scarce, since the cemetery was composed almost exclusively of tombs-pyres whose objects cataloged in the form of ash and slag, to provide data clearly the process of the tomb-pyre. The head of the excavations, Thorkild Ramskov, has described this process as follows:
"The cremation of the dead was not made in the cemetery but at an unknown location. Along with the dead, burned objects and animals that had to carry. These could include ornaments, glass beads, knives, spinning wheels, sharpening stones, stones for game tables, a dog, a sheep and, more rarely, a horse or a cow. The remains of the pyre were carried to the cemetery and then spread in a circle of about one meter in diameter that was covered with a thin layer of soil. Could be placed over a pot for sacrifices. "
in this cemetery can be studied, as elsewhere, the technique of placing stones even in its earliest forms: triangular rectangular, circular and oval. The boat-shaped tombs, typical of the era of the Vikings, they excel all others. Ramskov investigations show how careless they were these cemeteries. It has therefore concluded that its symbolic meaning is extended only to the act of burial. Comment inviting the souls of the dead will be implemented by placing stones on a boat. Once this invitation, the tomb itself was irrelevant.
also the great cemetery of Birka, the island in other times of the merchants in the Lake Mälaren, shown in the Viking Age burial different classes coexist. The great lords were buried in burial chambers, with dog and horse, weapons and harnesses. Typically, women are buried in simple wooden coffins, perhaps a sign of the dawn of Christianity, which was on the island of traders one of the main points of support. However, among the two thousand five hundred hills funeral cemetery there are many tombs Birka-pyres. Apparently, this form of burial, just in Sweden, defended with tenacity their last trenches.
Haithabu, Lindholm Hoje and Birka are large stockpiles of deaths in this study of mortuary customs of the Vikings. But the real celebrities the graves of the Vikings are isolated graves: the celebrated tombs of great men and Norse kings. Among them include as most important: Tomb Haithabu-boat, the royal hill of Jelling, the leader of Mammen tomb, the tomb of the Lord of Ladby boat, the three-boat graves Tune, and Oseberg Gokstad along the Oslo Fjord.
Princely Tombs of the Vikings.
Tomb Haithabu-boat, with Schleswig, was located south of the surface of the old walled city, commercial emporium of the Vikings, and was drawn as a small oval elevation in the landscape, before excavations of 1908, would expose. It was
a large wooden burial chamber of 3.40 by 2.40 meters and divided into two chambers placed side by plank. The rooms containing valuable objects of two or three men, three splendid swords, remains of several shields, arrows, bridles and spurs, a crystal cup, a plate of brass and a wooden bucket with iron hoops. Flat in a ditch at the edge of the chamber were buried three horses. On the hill
funeral, relatives or friends of the deceased had relied on some rocks, with the keel back down, a small cargo ship sailor about fifteen to eighteen meters in length. For on the ground only bolts and plates had already rotted.
Tomb dating IX century, in all probability belonged to a king or a member of a specially privileged social layer. But analysis of the objects can not venture any guess about who was the deceased and his companions or where they came from. Neither the technique followed in the construction of the tomb, to reach a convincing conclusion. Since, in theory, be aware of the existence of cameras located under the boat, but have not found more examples of the tomb-Haithabu boat, it still holds the value of being unique.
shops, at least in Denmark, are also the two real hills Vejle Jelling that rise in temple compound V as discovered by Ejnar Dyggve.
have studied both the northern hill and in the last century. In 1820 it was discovered in prominence from a height of eleven meters a wooden burial chamber of 1.45 m high, long and 2'60 6'70 deep, apparently built for two people. But no trace of burial or skeletal remains. In 1861, the majestic hill of the dead was reopened at the express wish of King Frederick VII. In this second excavation was only found a silver cup and some carved wooden objects.
Eighty years later, archaeologists began the excavation Danish the second hill, equipped with all the tools of modern soil research. One year made numerous cuts in the mighty work. They found a signpost, some wooden utensils, a few broken pieces of a car, several hoes, but no burial chamber and, in general, anything that referred to a possible burial. Therefore, a simple memorial hill. And a big disappointment. We looked for the graves of Gorm the Old and his wife Tyra and felt strongly to find them there, because one of the two famous Jelling rune stones bearing the inscription: "King Gorm erected this monument in honor of his wife, glory of Denmark. " Different
Mammen is the situation in central Jutland. The dead buried under a large hill of dirt into a coffin made of oak boards, unquestionably a member belonging to the class of the great Danish men has remained anonymous, but the tomb remained respected and unharmed. The leader of Mammen rested on pillows and kept sleeves embroidered with gold silk, a finely woven silk ribbon and wool garments adorned with embroidery. Among the objects found in his tomb was a beautiful bronze pot, a large wooden bucket and a wax candle. At the foot of the dead were two battle-axes, one with a rich silver inlay, whose ornaments, along with the horse collar in the form of lion's head, gave their name to Mammen artistic style that so far has retained this character frontispiece.
A leader of objects in northeast Ladby Fyn they have not been allocated a similar glory. However, the discovery of his tomb, so far the only tomb-boat in Denmark, between the hours stellar account of the Nordic Archaeology.
Ladby The funerary boat rises above the keel in a hollow excavated previously and should stop to lie or break under the weight of things that would hold the boat. Despite this precaution, the starboard bow of the ship had missed its macabre cargo: stunning detail, but understandable when it was found that the relatives of Lord of Ladby had brought for the stay beyond that in nothing less than the load they could carry eleven horses. One of the horses located at the port in the center of the boat, still wore his expensive bridle and was probably the horse he had ridden the deceased. The ship also contained large numbers of dog bones and trappings of a team of horses that should be composed of a minimum of four animals. Confirm the high category Ladby leader of a belt buckle made of pure silver with gold leaf trim, a gold plate, a bronze fountain, a wooden bowl over half a meter in diameter, and a game board. And another twenty-five objects could not be identified. In life, the lord of Ladby, as well as the leader of Mammen, had been dressed in gold embroidery, and rested on cushions and pillows and ordered as you were available for their final rest.
In contrast, their armament was modest. Apart from an iron shield, the ship only contained 45 Ladby arrowheads. But it also found a plausible explanation for this phenomenon. Because the Lord of Ladby, in ancient times, had been stripped. Stolen and somehow stolen himself. The grave robbers had opened Hill funeral home and evacuated their inhabitants and, indeed, had done so thoroughly and methodically, who could not speak of an improvised work. His action was required at least once, as archaeologists inferred by the tracks we had left, fourteen days of effort.
It was, therefore, of a planned excavation. But the aim and purpose of the company could only be conjectured. It was possible they had moved from the leader of Ladby night because his family had decided to chop him up, making it harmless, but is more likely that the hill funeral home, even after the time of the missions continue to be held sacrifices which, by the exhumation of the dead, were preparing a final Christian.
arms of the great Danish man, buried about 950, should remain usable at the time of transfer: same as the dead changed and entering, possession changed them.
Sweden also know a number of similar tombs-boat. In Uppland, for example, cemeteries have been examined in which, under almost all hills funeral, as they assume the iron pins have been found, in ancient times there was a boat. But the greatest boat-graves have been discovered in Norway.
Already in 1867, at the funeral hill excavated in Tune on the eastern edge Oslo fjord, Nordic archaeologists found the remains of a man who, along with his horse, had been buried in the aft deck of your boat caulked with moss and juniper. The objects buried with it were kept poor. Apart from a sword, a shield, a spearhead, several glass beads, fabric remnants and finally carved wooden ornaments, could not identify any object. Also Tune's tomb was looted by bandits. But the ship and hill land, eighty feet wide, shows unequivocally that Mr. Tune had been a rich and powerful man who had brought to much beyond their personal belongings.
Also in the Gokstad ship, discovered in 1880 on the west side of Oslo Fjord, found his last resting a wealthy Viking leader of vigorous constitution, 1'78 feet tall, who had been buried in a burial chamber tosca constitution in the form of a tent, located at the stern of the boat, along with twelve horses, six dogs and a large number of objects. From the brass pot to the chandelier, from wood to hoe hunter's lance, from kitchen utensils to a large pitcher of drinking water from the wooden board for carving skis games until he had provided everything a master of his class needed for a long trip, and three wooden rowboats and six spacious oak beds.
But being shown so as ostensible Gokstad man pales beside the wealth of the lady in the Oseberg ship, excavated in 1904, had embarked on his last journey.
His relatives had been equipped for your stay in the realm of the dead with three splendid sledges and a luxury coach, three beds, three chests, two tents, a chair, a floor lamp iron and a bucket of timber that could hold 126 liters. The block and the pasture had provided fifteen horses, four dogs and an ox, the fields and countryside provided also of many tools under a sled to transport solid manure. To this was added a full range of everything you need in a kitchen: pots and pans, plates and bowls, axes and knives, grinding stones and troughs, pots and buckets, wheat and oats, apples and nuts and, of course, rich and abundant forage.
had also provided plenty of need for home occupations during the long absence. Four looms with the corresponding spindle lathes, scissors and punches, sharpening stones and plates we put to death as a lady who also across the river would take care in making fabrics and garments. Above all it should be a lover of expensive fabrics. His burial chamber was decorated with colored papers and fabrics. Both items such as blankets and pillows and feather pillows show that not only had been fond of comfort, but also had good taste and a vivid sense for beautiful things of life.
One of the causes of the global reach of the fame of the Oseberg grave is that in this case it was possible to identify its inhabitant with a great chance to hit ratio. The Oseberg ship may have been the last residence of Queen Asa, the daughter of Havald Barbarossa, the great founder of the Nordic kingdom.
Ynling The saga has sent us her story. Barbarossa refused to give his beautiful daughter, Asa, a wife, the king of Westfold Gudröd and so he attacked and killed the jilted suitor. Kidnapped, forcibly took her to the marriage bed, the subject seemed to handle smart. But in reality constantly thought of revenge. A year after the birth of his son Halvdan was presented with the opportunity to atone for the affront inflicted upon her and her family.
To borrow the words of the saga Ynling "Gudröd made a trip and stopped in Stiflusund. There was a great drunk on board and even the king was drunk a lot. At night when it was dark, deserted the ship and when the end of the ladder, a man attacked him with his lance and killed him. The man was executed immediately and in the morning, at dawn, recognized with surprise that it was the servant of Queen Asa ".
The energetic and downright proud queen accepted his action and the astonished men Gudröd knee bent with respect to she. Asa alone continued to rule with an iron fist and strong until his son Halvdan, called the Black, along with his brother Olav, became the country's government.
When Asa died at the age of fifty years or so, the buried as a man. The study of their remains found in the Oseberg ship was found that graceful woman, slender, delicate constitution.
