Discovering the mysterious Viking anti-apocalyptic cave

However, until now they still cannot explain why these things appeared in a cave in Iceland.

Previously, a group of international scientists from Iceland, Norway and the United States discovered a boat made of stone in Surtshellir cave in Iceland. Researchers believe that it may have been used by the Vikings to deal with Ragnarök – the end of the world in Norse mythology.

According to new research results published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, this cave is located near a volcano that erupted nearly 1,100 years ago.

“The impact of the eruption must have been disturbing, posing existential challenges for Iceland’s newly arrived settlers,” the researchers said.

Researchers suggest that after the lava cooled, the Vikings entered the cave and created a boat. That is also where they conduct rituals.

The bones of sheep, goats, horses and pigs were burned inside the boats as a way to ward off the end of the world.

Historical records show that the Vikings worshiped the cave as Surtr, a mythical giant who would bring an end to humanity.

“The world will end when Surtr kills the last god in the battle of Ragnarök and then engulfs the world in flames,” the study reads.

Another theory regarding why the Vikings performed sacrifices and placed artifacts inside boats is that they tried to strengthen Freyr, the god of peace and fertility who fight against Surtr.

Researchers claim that even after Iceland converted to Christianity, they continued to believe in the apocalyptic myth of Ragnarök. To corroborate their hypothesis, the scientists cite that the last objects placed in the boat were a set of weights, with one shaped like a Christian cross.

In addition, Surtshellir cave is also said to be associated with the end of the world. According to some local information, it is considered “the place where Satan will appear on the Day of Judgment”.