What practice was necessary in ancient Viking culture for the spirit's journey?

In ancient Viking culture, the practice that was necessary for the spirit's journey involved cremation followed by covering the ashes with earth. This method was seen as a way to facilitate the passage of the deceased into the afterlife, aligning with their beliefs about the journey of the soul. The ashes would often be buried in a mound or grave, symbolizing a connection to the earth and the continuation of the spirit's existence.

The Vikings believed that fire played a crucial role in transforming the body and releasing the spirit, thus cremation was a common practice. After the cremation process, the remains were typically gathered and buried, creating a physical memorial that honored the individual's life. This ritual action was integral to ensuring that the spirit could safely journey to the afterlife, reflecting the cultural values and beliefs about death and the afterlife in Norse mythology.

Other options represent practices or beliefs that do not align as closely with the Viking understanding of the spirit's journey. For example, burial under stones or preservation of the body does not match the widespread evidence of cremation in Viking traditions. Similarly, burning offerings at sea, while part of some maritime customs, is less representative of the core funerary practices directly tied to the journey of the spirit in this culture.