Hälsingland Rune Inscription 21, Norse runestone in Jättendals, Sweden.
Hälsingland Rune Inscription 21 is a granite monument rising approximately 2 meters with runic text arranged in a curved band across its face. The carving follows the RAK style, a distinctive technique of the Viking Age, and covers much of the stone's surface.
The stone was commissioned by two brothers as a memorial to their father during the Viking Age. Such commemorative stones served as lasting records of family leadership and social standing in their communities.
The name Thorketil connects the person commemorated with the god Thor, showing how religious beliefs shaped personal naming practices of the time. Such choices reveal what people valued and honored in their communities.
The runestone is located in Nordanstig Municipality in the Hälsingland region of Sweden. Wear sturdy footwear when visiting, as the site sits in a rural setting where paths can be uneven and terrain varies.
This stone was carved by Gunnborga, the only documented female runemaster from Viking Age Scandinavia. It stands as a rare record of women's craftsmanship and technical skill during this period.
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