Funerals:

1. Preparing the Body

After death, the body is cleaned with seawater. This represents purification and returning the dead to the domain of the Drowned God.

Common preparations include:

• Removing armor or heavy clothing
• Wrapping the body in a simple cloth or sailcloth
• Sometimes placing a weapon beside the body if the deceased was a warrior

Saltwater is often poured over the corpse while prayers are spoken.

2. Gathering at the Shore

The funeral usually takes place on a rocky shore or near the sea.

Those who attend may include:

• Family members
• The ship crew if the dead was a sailor
• A priest of the Drowned God

A priest of the Drowned God would lead the ritual.

3. Invocation of the Drowned God

The priest calls upon the Drowned God and reminds those present of the Ironborn belief that death is not an end.

Typical themes of the prayer:

• The sea gives life
• The sea takes life
• The dead will feast in the Drowned God’s watery halls

The gathered Ironborn often repeat parts of the prayer.

4. The Litany of the Sea

The priest recites words similar to the Ironborn religious refrain:

“What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger.”

This phrase is central to the faith and symbolizes rebirth beyond death.

5. Committing the Body to the Sea

The body is carried into the water or placed on a small boat or plank.

Common methods include:

• Pushing the body into the surf
• Weighting the body with stones so it sinks
• Allowing the tide to carry it away

The goal is for the sea to claim the dead fully.

6. Final Blessing

As the body disappears beneath the waves, the priest gives a final blessing asking the Drowned God to receive the soul.

The priest may splash seawater over the mourners as a reminder of the sea’s power.

7. The Wake

After the burial, the Ironborn often hold a wake or drinking gathering.

This includes:

• Drinking ale or rum
• Sharing stories of the dead
• Boasting of the person’s deeds at sea or in battle

Ironborn funerals are not quiet mourning events—they often become celebrations of strength and life.