Fyrby Runestone

The Fyrby Runestone is a granite monument standing about 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall with carved runic inscriptions, located south of Flen in Södermanland County. The text is deeply carved into the stone surface and was created by two skilled craftsmen from the Viking era.

Created between 990 and 1010, the stone was commissioned by two brothers, Hásteinn and Holmsteinn, to honor their father Freysteinn. This type of memorial shows how families in the Viking era preserved memories by carving them permanently into stone.

The inscription speaks of Midgard, the human realm in Norse mythology, and highlights the brothers' exceptional skill as rune carvers. Visitors can see this craftsmanship reflected in the intricate work preserved on the stone surface.

The runestone remains in its original location near Blacksta and is relatively accessible to visitors. Expect rural surroundings and wear sturdy footwear, as the site is reached on foot through open countryside.

The stone features an alliterative verse structure, a sophisticated poetic technique that is rarely preserved in runic inscriptions. The phrase referencing multiple carved staffs highlights the technical complexity of the work and the carvers' literary skill.