Creation, Death Rituals, and the Afterlife: Hindu, Greek, and Norse Mythology

Polytheism is the belief in many or multiple deities, rather than one single diety or god-like being. Hinduism, Greek Mythology, and Norse Mythology each fall under this belief system. While there are many similarities between these religions, there are also many subtle differences. With similar ideas regarding creation, a great flood, and a center of the world, their beliefs about the afterlife take some hard turns. This paper delves into their rituals surrounding death and what awaits them in the afterlife. Each of these religions has a similar belief that the world was created from nothingness, and in some, a sacrifice was required for creation. In Hindu mythology, only Vishnu existed, and from his navel came a lotus. From this flower came Brahma, who created the world as they knew it. In ancient Greece, there was a black-winged bird named Nyx that sat among the darkness. Nyx laid a golden egg that gave forth Eros, known as the god of Love. This eventually led to the creation of Zeus, whose sons created man and animal on Earth. In Norse mythology, there was Ginnungagap, the yawning void. Beyond that, was Niflheim, a cold and dark realm. Where these two met grew Ymir, a cosmic giant who was slain by Norse gods to create the world from his bones and flesh.

Each of these religions has death rituals that prepare the deceased for the afterlife. In Hinduism, the body remains at home until it is cremated, as Hindus "believe that the physical body serves no purpose" ("Hindu Funeral Rites and Death Rituals" 2020). This usually occurs within 24 hours, and during this time, the family prepares the body by doing the following: washing the body in a mixture of ghee, milk, yoghurt, and honey, placing turmeric or sandalwood essentials oils on the deceased's head, tying together the big toes and putting the palms together as in prayer, wrapping the deceased in a white sheet, surrounding the deceased in flowers, and sprinkling water over the deceased. This was followed by a grieving period of ten to thirty days. In Ancient Greece, the deceased would also be washed, and "a coin would be placed in their mouth, to pay the ferrymen who took the dead across the rivers in the different parts of the Underworld" ("Death in Ancient Greece", n.d.). After the conquering of Egypt, the Greek adopted mummification, using simple boxes for burials and pots to contain the ashes of the deceased that were cremated. Some deceased were placed in a tomb, encased with a carved marble door, decorated with Heads of Gorgons intended to ward off evil. These tombs were adorned with images of the deceased life, in remembrance of them after they were gone. The tombs were also filled with the deceased valuables, as the Greek believed they would be useful in the Underworld. Families would continue to visit the tomb each year to add decoration and make offerings. The Norse had many different rituals when it came to death, this was due to the fact they believed the soul had four parts. Therefore, final destination of one's soul could include: "continued existence in one's grave, haunting one's former home, one of the realms of the deities" and more (Mark 2018). Some Viking funerals involved surrounding the corpse with treasures aboard a ship or boat, then burying it or setting it on fire. This is meant to prepare the warrior for Valhalla, one version of afterlife.

Hinduism belief is that all "humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara", whereby their atman is later reborn ("Life After Death", n.d.). This reincarnation could happen immediately, or after some period of existence in another realm. When the atman is reborn is based on merit gained from karma, an intentional action, during the person's life. If lessons are failed to be learned, a human may be reborn into an animal form, rather than human. According to some scriptures, one may eventually reach moksha, and be absorbed by Brahman. Returning to the beginning. "The Maitri Upanishad states: Even as water becomes one with water, fire  with fire,  and air with air, so the atman becomes one with the Infinite Atman  (Brahman) and thus attains final  freedom"  ("Life After Death", n.d.). In Ancient Greece, the belief is that the soul journeyed to the Underworld, known as Hades. There were many steps to this journey, with the first step being that the God of Death, known as Thanatos, would remove a lock of hair from the individual. Next, Hermes would lead the individual to the River Styx, where Charon would ferry them across. On the riverbank, the individual would be confronted by a three-headed dog named Cerberus, the guardian of the Underworld. It was Cerberus' job to make sure no one returned to the living world. On the other side of the river is Asphodel Fields, here all life memories are erased. The last step is a fork in the road where there are three judges. These judges decide whether to send souls to Elysium, "a comfortable place where the sun always shone", or  Tartarus, where souls go to be punished ("Death in Ancient Greece", n.d.). The Norse had belief in many realms of the Afterlife, including Folkvangr (The Field of the People, overseen by Freyja), Hel (A grey land of Niflheim, ruled by Hel), The Realm of Ran (Coral Caves of Ran), The Burial Mound (Where the Deceased was Buried), and the most notable realm, Valhalla.

Valhalla is known as "the hall of the heroes", or Odin's hall, where a Viking warrior would prepare for Ragnarok, "the final battle of the gods" (Mark 2018).

These beliefs had a profound effect on the daily lives of these historic cultures. Achieving the desired Afterlife was a driving force for many individuals within these cultures. Hindu practices are centered on the belief in reincarnation. This life's actions, karma, will determine their reincarnation in the next life. The Greeks practiced Eusebia, "one's duty to oneself, others and the gods which kept society on track and made clear one's place in the community" (Mark 2012). A Norse Viking warrior was "goaded into dying in battle by his belief that his soul would be carried to Valhalla" ("Polytheism", n.d.). Whether building positive merit, following duty, or dying an honorable death in battle, each of these historic cultures lived their lives based on their beliefs in order to achieve their desired afterlife.