THE WOLF'S GRAVE

It looks macabre, as if she is lying there at the bottom of the grave. They have separated the head from the dead body, and it is now standing upright on the neck. They are not going to risk anything. The völva is dead. Now it is a matter of giving her a proper burial so that she does not return. She has been given a bucket and a casket. And of course the völva staff, which lies by her side.

The wolf is not alone. Among other things, a sheep fetus and a dog are placed in her grave. The dog is split in two, twisted half a turn and placed around a stone pillar at the wolf's feet. The old stallion is dragged to the grave. They provoke it with blows and shouts, until it glistens with sweat and foams at the mouth. Then they stab and slash the animal until the blood spurts in all directions. When the stallion dies, it is dragged into the grave. It is placed on its stomach with one leg over the wolf's body.

On the edge of the grave, the congregation stands and sings, rhythmically and chanting. They both fear and respect the völv. Now they say goodbye to her, and it should be forever. In a moment, the men roll enormous boulders to the edge and tip them over the horse and the woman. Just to be safe.

The Wolf's Tomb is a reconstruction of the spectacular Trekroner-Grydehøj grave, which was found just outside Roskilde in 2007. Archaeologist Jens Ulriksen helped excavate the vault, the horse, the dog and all the others.