.png)
Rune Scripting
WELCOME
Runes, the ancient characters used by the Vikings, carried with them a magical and religious value. These mystical symbols were carved into stone, wood and other materials, and are the oldest known writing in Norway.
The runes had both practical and symbolic purposes. They protected and honored the gods, while at the same time commemorating the deceased – a proper time capsule of stories from a bygone era. Runes were also used to send messages, mark possessions, and tell stories.
The Rune Group is the newest addition to the Hardraade Viking Ship Association. Do you want to join?
MENHIRS
During the Viking Age, from the 800s to the 11th century, research has shown that there were at least seven different décor styles.
One of these is the so-called Ringerike style with ornamentation where plants and animal figures intertwine - something that has often been found on rune stones and menhirs from Ringerike.
We quarry the stones we use from the very same local island that the Vikings once did :) The island is called "Ulvøya" (Wolf Island).
RUNE SCRIPTING
The Vikings decorated large stone slabs with ornaments and runic signs, and often set them up where something important had happened.
The stones (menhirs) were often large monuments that were adorned with ornaments and runic signs.
WOLF ISLAND
Fortunately, our original concept of quarrying slabs of rock from the very same island (Wolf Island)that the Vikings did turned into reality.
With permission from the landowners, we retrieved five large stones using the traditional method—using a horse and sleigh over the ice.
Since we know stones were transported by horse and sleigh over the ice, we deliberately chose to follow in the Vikings footsteps.
THE OLDEST RUNE
Two thousand years ago, we used runes in Norway when we wanted to express ourselves in writing.
The world's oldest rune stone was found locally in Hole, more specifically at Svingerud. Fun! It's dated to around year 0.
Did you know:
There was no fixed spelling in the Viking Age?
Address
Åsaveien 40
Sundvollen
Norway
Opening Hours (all year)
Saturdays:
11 am - 3 pm
Thursdays:
4 pm - 8 pm
Other days:
Contact us
