What is a ship of the dead?

A "ship of the dead" typically refers to a mythological or symbolic vessel associated with the afterlife or the journey of souls. In various cultures, it represents the concept of transporting the deceased to the afterlife, often embodying themes of death, transition, and the spiritual voyage. Notable examples include the Viking belief in a ship carrying the souls of the fallen to Valhalla and references in literature and folklore that explore mortality and the unknown.