A PRAYER FOR THE DYING
In Icelandic Ásatrú, there is no singular dogmatic belief about the afterlife.[33] Practitioners may hold different views. In strict reconstructionism, an individual has multiple souls. These beliefs make sense according to surviving literary accounts of the myths. Humanity was advanced by the gifts of three gods, Odin, Hœnir and Lóðurr[34]
One aspect of the soul is called the fylgia in Old Norse, from the verb "to follow, accompany." A kind of double, when a person sees it while awake it means imminent death, as inNjáls saga.
History
The most famous post-death destination[36] is Valhalla. The devotees of Odin who die heroic deaths will be his guests in Valhalla. The death-song of Ragnar Lodbrok describes this belief, as does the poet of Eiríksmál. In Ynglinga saga it is said that warriors who mark themselves with a spear and devote themselves to Odin will go to Valhalla.[37]However, the surviving literature says that half of the heroic slain will become the guests of Freya.
A belief in reincarnation is also attested to in several Old Norse accounts
The Prayer
BIND the sick man to Heaven, for from Earth he is being torn away!
Of the brave man who was so strong, his strength has departed.
Of the righteous servant, the force does not return,
In his bodily frame he lies dangerously ill.
But Ishtar, who in her dwelling, is grieved concerning him, descends from her mountain unvisited of men.
To the door of the sick man she comes.
The sick man listens!
Who is there? Who comes?
It is Ishtar, daughter of the Moon God!
Like pure silver may his garment be shining white!
Like brass may he be radiant!
To the Sun, greatest of the gods, may he ascend!
And may the Sun, greatest of the gods, receive his soul into his holy hands!
print
documentPeople who read this prayer also read
| Popularity | Prayers name | Prayers name |
|---|---|---|
| A PRAYER FOR THE DYING | Neo-Paganism | |
| Death Prayer | Shinto | |
| Jewish prayer for Death | Judaism | |
| KITO (Special Prayers offered by the Shinto Priest) | Shinto | |
| Duaas for the Graves and Funerals | Islam |