There have been grave finds which suggest human sacrifice as a possibility. Norwegian archaeologist Charlotte Blindheim discovered three graves at a Kaupang excavation in Vestfold, Norway in the early 1950's where the bodies were seemingly haphazardly thrown instead of properly buried, and there were no boats or grave goods at these sites. Their feet also seemed to have been bound with rope. There have also been discoveries in Fröjel, Gotland (Sweden) of decapitated bodies and bodies buried face down. Similiar graves have been reported in Lejre (Sjælland, Denmark) and Langeland (Skåne, Sweden). These graves might have been thralls or executed criminals, but human sacrifice is also a distinct possibility.

There are also semi-contemporary sources describing human sacrifice in scandinavia during the period, notably Adam of Bremen and Thietmar of Merseburg.