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The word “Rune” derives from an old Norse term meaning “secret.” Despite evolving into an alphabet, these cryptic symbols maintained their mystical significance. Some served as warnings, while others acted as curses. They can be inscribed in any direction and remain central to Norse culture, tracing the paths of Viking expeditions.
10. The Vimose Comb
Dating back to approximately AD 160, the Vimose comb features the oldest known runic inscription globally. Inscribed in Elder Futhark script, the Proto-Norse message reads: Harja. Scholars suggest this antler comb, found on Denmark's Funen island, likely belonged to a soldier. Scandinavian warriors wore two belts. The sturdier outer belt carried essentials like a knife, fire-starting tools, and a pouch. The comb was probably stored in the pouch on the outer belt.
Elder Futhark derives its name from the initial six letters of its alphabet. This system was widely used across northwestern Europe from the second to the eighth centuries. Artifacts such as jewelry, weapons, and runestones bear inscriptions in this 24-rune system. By the sixth century, Younger Futhark began to supplant the older system. The ability to read Elder Futhark was lost until 1865, when Sophus Bugge successfully decoded the ancient script.
9. Rok Runestone
During the 1940s, the Rok runestone was unearthed in Ostergotland, Sweden. Adorned with 800 enigmatic runes, the stone's inscription has puzzled scholars for decades. Experts suggest this 2.5-meter monument, crafted from fine-grained granite, was raised in the late 9th century. Regarded as both an artistic and literary treasure, the stone was commissioned by Varin as a tribute to his late son.
For over 70 years, most scholars interpreted the Rok runestone as a complex web of heroic legends. However, recent studies propose that the inscription is a collection of riddles describing the stone itself. The front inscriptions discuss how to interpret the stone, while the back inscriptions detail the carving process and the runic alphabet.
8. Vadstena Bracteate
In 1774, a gold medallion was discovered by treasure hunters in Vadstena, Sweden. Dating back to 500 AD, the Vadstena bracteate features the earliest and most comprehensive record of the 24-letter Elder Futhark runic alphabet. While the initial part of the inscription remains undeciphered, many believe it to be a curse or magical incantation. The imagery, including a four-legged creature, a human head, and a bird, is often associated with Odin.
Bracteates were gold, disc-shaped pendants unique to early Norse society. Worn as protective amulets, their purpose has sparked much debate. Most scholars agree they held magical properties aimed at safeguarding the wearer. Reports indicate it was part of a larger treasure hoard, nearly melted down by a local goldsmith until a clergyman intervened. Stolen from the Swedish Museum of Antiquities in 1938, the Vadstena bracteate remains missing to this day.
7. Codex Runicus
The Codex Runicus is a Danish legal manuscript penned in runes. Created around 1300, this medieval text's use of traditional Scandinavian script highlights the cultural clash between Western influences and the region's native heritage. Christianity, introduced in the 11th century alongside Latin script, was perceived as foreign and potentially disruptive. To uphold Danish traditions, the legal text was inscribed in runes.
The Codex includes “Scanian Law,” which pertains to the eastern part of the Danish kingdom, now within Sweden. The manuscript features two lines of a ballad, marking it as the oldest recorded secular music in Scandinavia. Spanning 202 pages, it employs a 27-letter medieval runic alphabet, with each rune corresponding to a Latin letter.
6. Odense Rune Stick
During an excavation of an ancient Danish fish market, archaeologists discovered an 800-year-old rune stick. This 3.3-inch wooden artifact was once used as a protective amulet. Researchers decoded the 13th-century message, which reads: “Tomme, his servant.” This likely refers to the owner, Tomme, and “servant” signifies “servant of god.” The inscription also includes the phrase “Good health.” When found, the stick was in three pieces, had a texture similar to cold butter, and bore damage from a root that had gouged one of the runes.
The stick was unearthed at Sildebodoren, meaning “Herring Stalls,” near Odense. In the 11th century, the introduction of Christianity brought Latin script to Scandinavia, gradually replacing runes. Runes had a practical advantage as they could be easily carved into tough materials like wood and stone. In contrast, the Latin alphabet was difficult to carve and better suited for parchment, a material too expensive for most rural Scandinavians.
5. Amulet Of ‘The High One’
This year, Danish archaeologists unearthed a gold amulet featuring an image of Odin, the Norse god of war and ruler of Asgard, the realm of the gods. The amulet was identified by a runic inscription: “the high one,” one of Odin’s numerous epithets. Found on the island of Lolland, the talisman is estimated to be around 1,500 years old.
Since 1902, only two similar amulets have been found. This artifact is among the earliest known representations of Norse mythological figures. The amulet depicts Odin hovering above a horse, symbolizing his role as a healer of horses. It was discovered alongside gold and silver items, likely offerings made during the same period. Historical records suggest 536 BC was a harsh year, marked by reduced sunlight and a frigid climate. These sacrifices may have been intended to appease the gods amid fears of famine and poor harvests.
4. Fot’s Missing Masterpiece
During the installation of a lightning conductor at a church in Hagby, Sweden, workers stumbled upon an ancient runestone. Dating back to the mid-11th century, the stone measures 1.8 meters in length and 1.3 meters in width. Experts attribute the craftsmanship to Fot, a renowned rune carver. Although unsigned, the style aligns with other works linked to this 11th-century artisan. While runes were usually carved into wood, only a skilled stonemason could have executed such a project as this recently unearthed stone.
The runestone had been lost for nearly two centuries. It appears in 17th-century illustrations of the original church that once stood on the site. When the medieval church was demolished in the 19th century, records noted the runestone as “missing.”
3. Bjorketorp Cursed Runestone
The world's tallest runestone is also among the most ominous. Located in Blekinge, Sweden, the Bjorketorp Runestone stands at 13.8 feet and bears a foreboding message. Dating between the sixth and seventh centuries, its inscription in Elder Futhark warns: I foresee destruction. This is the shorter of two inscriptions. The longer one declares it a rune of power, threatening death and ruin to anyone who damages the stone.
The Bjorketorp curse stones were likely crafted by a master stonemason, who also created works in Stentoften, Gummarp, and Istaby. These stones share not only similar messages but also a consistent artistic style. Discovered in 1823, the Stentoften runestone also proclaims itself a rune of power and curses those who defile it. The Istaby stone serves as a memorial to Hariwulfar, son of Heruwulfa.
2. Narragansett Runestone
The Narragansett Runestone has sparked significant debate and controversy. This 6-ton, 7-foot boulder caught the attention of archaeologists in 1983. Its two lines of rune-like carvings were initially thought to prove early Viking exploration along the Rhode Island coast. The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission notes that several engraved rocks exist in the Narragansett Bay area.
In 2012, the runestone vanished under mysterious circumstances. After a yearlong investigation, the “misplaced” stone was recovered. The details of how it was moved and who assisted in its recovery remain unclear. The rediscovered stone is now securely stored under lock and key.
The mystery deepened when Everett Brown, 65, from Providence, admitted that he carved the rune-like symbols 50 years ago. Locals claim the stone existed as early as the late 1950s. While the stone itself is genuine, its alleged Viking origins are highly questionable.
1. Ybdy Stone
Brothers in northern Denmark recently discovered a runestone that had been lost for 250 years. Hidden among the remains of an ancient farm, the rune-covered monument was last documented in 1767. Named the “Ybdy” stone due to its inscription, the find was verified by comparing it to historical drawings of the missing artifact. The stone underscores the significance of Thy and the western Limfjord region during the Viking era.
Following the initial find, researchers identified two additional pieces of the Ybdy stone. One fragment included the upper section of the runes, while another bore a partial inscription reading “nsi.” It is thought that the stone was shattered into eight pieces.
