From: gknysh@...
Message: 64341
Date: 2009-07-05
--- On Sun, 7/5/09, tgpedersen <tgpedersen@...> wrote:
A Snorri qoute to make you happy:
http://omacl. org/Heimskringla /ynglinga. html
'8. ODIN'S LAWGIVING.
Odin established the same law in his land that had been in force
in Asaland. Thus he established by law that all dead men should
be burned, and their belongings laid with them upon the pile, and
the ashes be cast into the sea or buried in the earth. Thus,
said he, every one will come to Valhalla with the riches he had
with him upon the pile; and he would also enjoy whatever he
himself had buried in the earth. For men of consequence a mound
should be raised to their memory, and for all other warriors who
had been distinguished for manhood a standing stone; which custom
remained long after Odin's time.'
ie. inhumation for his own men (those of consequence) , cremation for
everyone else, like a dictator from the steppes would do, if he
intended to stay.
****GK: Your interpretation seems to be in conflict with the evidence at Old Uppsala:
Cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamla_Uppsala#Archaeology
*****