Such an elaborate funeral shows the concrete nature of the survivors' concern or duty to the deceased. Norse mythology relates several possibilities for afterlife. Two apparently contrasting ship burials indicate that concern was expressed for the future of the deceased. One grave ship had its anchor stowed for departure, yet another was weighted down with rocks. However, by performing such actions as provisioning the dead for travel, they indicated loyalty to the deceased and not a just wish to be rid of their spirits.
Loyalty also plays a large role in the accompaniment of the deceased to the other world.
Although, the funeral of Beowulf does not contain the accompaniment of the dead by a loyal person, both Ibn Fadlan and Snorri Sturluson both describe human sacrifices at the funeral. Balder's wife Nanna, was not killed necessarily for the funeral, unlike the slave-girl on the Volga, but having died of a broken heart, nonetheless accompanies her husband in death. Thor, however, ends with a spontaneous sacrifice, kicking the dwarf, Lit, into the flames. Although the slave girl was technically a volunteer, and Nanna had her funeral with Balder, both accompanied the dead to the other world out of loyalty to the deceased. This is contrasted by the dwarf, Lit, who was not fulfilling the obligations of a loyal member of society and was punished by Thor, who kicked him into the fire.