“Restless Dead” of Iceland

• Main Author: Sayenko, Aleksandr V.
• Format: Text
• Language: Russian
• Published: Southern Federal University 2018
• Subjects: alive dead; obsequies; Iceland; Paganizm; Christianity; dual-belief
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.23683/2500-3224-2018-2-118-129; https://hub.sfedu.ru/repository/material/800916114/?direct_link=true

The article is devoted to the complex phenomenon of “draugr” or “restless dead” in the early Iceland society, which is described widely in the Icelandic sagas. The characteristics and causes of the draugr appearance according to sagas are described, as well as alleged roots of the term and changes of some features over time. The phenomenon of “draugr” is considered in the context of Pagan and Christian obsequies. Protective features of the obsequies which are aimed keeping “restless dead” in the places of inhumation — cemeteries and graves or in places of human’s death are described. Primarily pagan security features of the early Icelandic funeral ritual converted then into a Christian funeral rite are highlighted. In addition, also emerging later similarities of Christian rites are highlighted, as well as those not directly related to religious rituals. Conclusions about interrelations of the phenomenon with similar continental legends are made. The article is based on sagas, archaeological researches and their interpretations by J. Bayok, E.P. Kartamysheva, A. Zugiar and others.