There are many things that come into mind when thinking of Vikings – horned helmets, which are historically inaccurate, longships that brought terror to Europe, Norse gods that have been turned into Hollywood super heroes and, the subject of this article, their unique way of writing.
The runic alphabet developed among the early Germanic people of Northern Europe almost 2,000 years ago. How it was created it still not fully understood, though it is widely believed that contact with Mediterranean civilisations – Greeks, Etruscans and Romans – influenced the creation of this writing system.
Some of the best preserved examples of this script can be found on rune stones, including the lions-hare located in Sweden. They had many varied purposes ranging from marking territory to memorialising fallen kinsmen. Rune stones used to be highly colourful, though hundreds of years of being out in the open means very little is left for modern observers.
Here were look at some of the oldest rune stones found by archeologists.
The Svingerud Stone
The oldest entry on this list is also the most recent to have been discovered. Located in a grave near Oslo, Norway, this rune stone has been dated between 1 and 250 AD, making it unquestionably the first example of runic writing that we know of. The short inscription on the stone seems to refer to a woman and could mean For Idibera.
Detail from the Svingerud Stone
Image Credit: Alexis Pantos/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
Einang stone
Found east of the Einang Sound near Fagernes, Oppland, Norway, this rune stone was placed on top of a grave mound during the 4th century AD. To this day, Einang stone is the oldest rune stone to still be standing in its original location. The text found on it translates to (I, Go)dguest painted/wrote this runic inscription.
The inscription on the Einang stone
Image Credit: Lars Gustavsen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Tune stone
One side of the Tune rune stone, located in the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Norway
Image Credit: Skadinaujo, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons; History Hit
Hogganvik runestone
This well preserved rune stone was discovered face down by a local Hogganvik, Norway resident named Arnfinn Henriksen. The text, consisting of 62 characters, is believed to be from 300 to 500 AD.
The stone re-established at its original location, August 2010
Image Credit: Bjoertvedt, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Kylver Stone
This Swedish stone dates back to the 5th century AD. It was discovered in 1903 near a farm at Kylver, Stånga, Gotland. It is famous for being the earliest rune stone to list all characters of the the Elder Futhark (the oldest form of the runic alphabet).
The Kylver stone, Gotland, Sweden
Image Credit: Gunnar Creutz, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Möjbro Runestone
Created between 400 and 500AD, this well-preserved rune stone has been known to Swedish authorities since the 17th century. Besides the runic inscription it also depicts a rider on a horse with two dogs. Many believe that the image was inspired by depictions of victorious continental Germanic warriors, which itself may have derived from motifs popular on ancient Roman tombstones.
Möjbro Runestone in Uppsala, Sweden
Image Credit: Bengt A Lundberg / Riksantikvarieämbetet, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Stentoften Runestone
Discovered in 1823, this rune stone is believed to have originated between 500 to 700 AD. It contains a curse that translates to (To the) <niuha>dwellers (and) <niuha>guests Haþuwulfar gave ful year, Hariwulfar … … I, master of the runes(?) conceal here, nine bucks, nine stallions, Haþuwulfar gave fruitful year, Hariwulfar … … I, master of the runes(?) conceal here, runes of power. Incessantly (plagued by) maleficence, (doomed to) insidious death (is) he who this breaks.
Stentoften Runestone, exhibited in Sankt Nicolai church, Sölvesborg
Image Credit: Henrik Sendelbach, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Björketorp Runestone
This Swedish stone is notable for being one of the tallest rune stones in the world, measuring 4.2 metres in height. The runes were created between 500 and 700 AD and translate to I, master of the runes(?) conceal here runes of power. Incessantly (plagued by) maleficence, (doomed to) insidious death (is) he who breaks this (monument). I prophesy destruction / prophecy of destruction.
The Björketorp Runestone in Sweden
Image Credit: Joachim Bowin, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Rök runestone
This 9th century example is noteworthy for having the longest runic inscription out of any rune stones, marking the beginning of Swedish literature. It contains elements from lost Nordic mythology and mentions the Ostrogothic king and ruler of Rome Theodoric the Great. Nowadays it can be found beside the church in Rök, Ödeshög Municipality, Östergötland, Sweden.
The back of the Rök stone
Image Credit: Arkland, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
