No matter if they're furry, scaly, feathered, or finned, we all love our pets.
But when we think of truly deep and meaningful relationships, it's often dogs and cats that first come to mind. However, there's one type of pet that's often overlooked as beloved companions: fish.
Though they're not as fluffy or animated as dogs or cats, fish can make fine pets as well — as this proud owner of a foot-long goldfish can attest.
But what one couple has just done in honor of their cherished fish might just take the cake…
Recently, Imgur user QuantumTom and his girlfriend sadly had to say goodbye to their pet fish of two years, Watson. But to honor the little fish's life, this couple decided to do something quite unusual.
Following the sacred burial customs of the viking Norsemen, they built something very touching and unique indeed to pay their respects to Watson…
Scroll further to see how this couple said goodbye to their beloved pet fish, and let us know what you thought in the comments below!
Imgur user QuantumTom and his girlfriend recently had to bury their beloved pet fish of two years, Watson.
When it came time to "send him off," they decided to do so in quite an unusual manner…
"We decided to give him a dignified send off," Tom wrote on Imgur.
"We decided on a viking funeral."
Now, this may seem perplexing to some. But the couple merely wanted nothing more than for their amazing little Betta fish to go on and lead an equally amazing afterlife.
So, using bits of styrofoam, cardboard, and all-weather duct tape, Tom fashioned a tiny burial boat.
According to Norse customs during the Viking Age, the deceased would be laid onto a boat, or a stone ship, and surrounded by grave offerings that symbolized his status while alive.
Wrapped in a makeshift blanket, Watson was placed on the tiny viking boat, and pushed into the waters.
After lighting the ship on fire — as viking burial custom dictates — Tom and his girlfriend watched from land.
Grieving fellow vikings would watch the ship slowly sail off. When it reached a certain distance, a comrade would send off a flaming arrow, setting the ship aflame.
According to mythology, it is only then that the wind would help carry the soul to Valhalla, the majestic hall of the afterlife that housed heroes and kings.
Many commenters expressed their condolences to the couple, with someone saying, "He's now in the arms of an angel."
Some others were even inspired by Tom's viking burial, and wanted to carry out their own.
"I was waiting to find a good place to burry [my fish]," said one commenter. "This looks like a good way to say goodbye to Buddy. What a regal fish."
There was even a pair of swans floating on the water that day to escort and guide Watson to Valhalla!
Though definitely a little strange, this couple's royal burial for their pet fish was incredibly touching. We hope that they will forever keep Watson in their memories!
Please SHARE if you think Watson's funeral was a beautiful tribute!
