Necro-Vikingisms

Abstract

Why does Viking period mortuary practice matter in contemporary society? Necro-Vikingisms in contemporary society are inspired by mythology and historical sources, and informed by ever-increasing archaeological evidence. In this way, Viking period Scandinavian attitudes and practices towards dying, death and the dead pervade our popular culture far beyond academia, museums and heritage sites. As a case study in contemporary Necro-Vikingisms, this paper critically evaluates the prominent multiple funerals of the long-running and popular television show Vikings (2013–2020) as a means of exploring modern-day uses of Viking death ways and their relationship with mortalities past and present. The chapter focuseson the varied, complex and extravagant funerals in the twenty episodes of season 5 which first aired from 29 November 2017 to 30 January 2019.