Finding the right words for a funeral is never easy. It becomes even harder when the deceased didn't follow a traditional religious path. If they were a free spirit, a lover of history, or someone who lived with a "warrior's heart," a standard religious sermon might feel hollow.
You want words that honor their strength, their journey, and their connection to the earth—not just a generic prayer.
Whether you are writing a eulogy or looking for a reading to perform at a secular memorial, this guide provides authentic, Viking-inspired, and nature-focused words to help you say a worthy goodbye.
These readings are just one part of the ceremony. For a complete overview of how to structure the entire event, read our Viking memorial guide.
1. The Wisdom of the North: Quotes from the Hávamál
The Hávamál ("Sayings of the High One") is a collection of Old Norse wisdom attributed to Odin. It doesn't speak of pearly gates; it speaks of reputation, legacy, and the reality of death.
The most famous stanza (Stanza 76 & 77) is the perfect opening for a Viking memorial. It reminds us that while life is temporary, our legacy—the story we leave behind—is eternal.
The Reading:
"Cattle die, kinsmen die, You yourself will also die, but I know one thing that never dies: The reputation of each one dead."
How to use it: This is powerful when read right at the start of a eulogy. It sets the theme: we are here not to mourn a death, but to celebrate a name that will not be forgotten.
2. Secular Poems for the Journey
If the Hávamál feels too stark, these secular poems capture the "Viking spirit"—a love of the sea, the mountains, and the journey home—without being religious.
Option A: For the Sea Lover Requiem by Robert Louis Stevenson
This short, famous poem was written by the author for his own grave. It is perfect for a scattering ceremony or a sea burial.
"Under the wide and starry sky, Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you 'grave for me: Here he lies where he longed to be; Home is the sailor, home from sea, And the hunter home from the hill."
Option B: For the Nature Lover Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep (Secular/Nature Interpretation)
While popular, this poem aligns beautifully with the Norse/Pagan worldview of returning to nature.
"I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain..."
3. How to Write a "Warrior's Eulogy" (A Template)
A Viking eulogy shouldn't be a dry list of dates. It should be a Saga. It should tell the story of the battles they fought (personal or professional), the treasures they found (family and friends), and the legacy they leave.
The "Saga" Template:
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The Opening (The Name): Start strong. "We are gathered to honor the saga of [Name]."
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The Battles (The Struggle): Don't hide their struggles. Vikings respected resilience. "They faced many storms in their life—[mention a hardship, illness, or challenge]—but they stood fast like an oak in the wind."
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The Deeds (The Character): What did they do? Were they a protector? A creator? A wanderer? "They were a craftsman who built a life with their own hands..."
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The Legacy (The Hávamál): Quote Stanza 76 here. "Their wealth may be gone, but their good name remains in all of us."
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The Farewell (The Toast): End with a call to action. "So, I ask you to raise a horn. To [Name]. The journey continues."
4. Short Quotes for the Program or Headstone
Sometimes you just need a single line to put on a memorial program, a runestone, or a cremation urn plaque.
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"Better to fight and fall than to live without hope." – Volsunga Saga
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"Fear not death for the hour of your doom is set and none may escape it." – Volsunga Saga
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"Lo, there do I see my father. Lo, there do I see my mother... they bid me take my place among them." – (The 13th Warrior / Ibn Fadlan adaptation) – Note: While Hollywood-adapted, this is deeply beloved by the modern community.
Speak From the Heart
The most important part of a Viking funeral is authenticity. Whether you quote Odin or Robert Louis Stevenson, the goal is to speak truth.
Once the words are spoken, it is time for the final action.
After the eulogy comes the ritual. Learn how to perform a Viking memorial or candle vigil in our rituals guide.
Ensure the toast is worthy of the speech. Shop our authentic horns
