Strängnäs stone, Runic inscription at Klostergatan 4, Strängnäs, Sweden
The Strängnäs stone is a runic inscription carved from Jotnian sandstone and kept at Strängnäs Cathedral. The artifact displays text in the Elder Futhark alphabet, the writing system used in early Germanic languages.
Workers uncovered this stone unexpectedly in 1962 while demolishing an old stove, revealing its Proto-Norse text. The discovery provided rare insight into early writing practices in the region during ancient times.
The stone bears the name Erilaʀ, possibly linked to an ancient people, and Wodinʀ, referring to the Germanic god Odin. These words reveal how people once carved their spiritual beliefs and identity into stone.
The stone is displayed at Strängnäs Cathedral, where it sits among other regional archaeological finds. Visitors can view it up close to observe the carved runic details and understand this piece of local history.
Scholars initially questioned whether this inscription was genuine, as such finds were uncommon in this area. Material and technical analysis later confirmed it was authentic, settling the debate about its true origins.
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