The discovery of runes inscribed on a nearly 2,000-year-old knife has shed light on the history of Denmark’s early written language and culture. This is the oldest rune ever discovered in this country. The knife was found under the remains of an urn grave in a small burial ground east of Odense.
The 8 cm (3 in) iron knife rune details include 5 letters and 3 grooves 0.5 cm (0.2 in) high. It is believed that the runes spell “.” HiriraMeans “small sword” in primitive Norse. They are 800 years older than the famous Jellingstone runes of Jutland.
The runes are depicted in the graphic shown here from the Montergarten Museum in Odense. (Monter Garden Museum)
Oldest Rune Ever Discovered: Notes from Beyond
The discovery of the iron knife runes, along with a carved bone comb discovered nearby in 1865, represent the oldest runes ever discovered in Denmark. The explanation was provided by the city’s museum curator and archaeologist Jacob Bonde, who said the runes were not visible until the artifacts were cleaned by conservators. viking herald.
“It’s like receiving a note from beyond, from the past. This is a special discovery for us and tells us something about the development of early Scandinavian languages. And for me personally, this discovery is a special discovery for us. It’s amazing what happened… With discoveries like this, humans have the experience of confronting their past. The runes are like finding messages from the ancients. Their voices… You can almost hear it…It’s a great opportunity to connect the past with the present.” commented Mr. Bonde.
The inscription is on an 8 cm section of the knife blade, and the one on display here belonged to museum inspector Jacob Bonde. (© Odense Museum)
Runes were a script used by Germanic peoples, including Scandinavians, before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. These contribute to an understanding of the linguistic and cultural practices of the region at the time. The use of runes in this context may have served a practical purpose, such as indicating the function or importance of an item.
Lisbeth Immer from the National Museum added: “Finding runes as old as the ones on this blade is very rare and this is a unique opportunity to learn more about Denmark’s oldest written language, which was actually spoken during the Iron Age.” Ta. ”
The other side of the knife has a decoration that looks like a face and a chevron pattern. (© Odense Museum)
The high-status elite: A glimpse into Denmark’s history
Information about the owners of the graves remains largely unknown. This discovery provides valuable clues about the material culture and language of the time. The chronological significance of this knife, thought to be 800 years older than the Jelling Stone, is noteworthy.
The Jelling Stone is well known for its historical importance, as it commemorates the exploits of King Harald Bluetooth and contains the oldest statue of Christ in Scandinavia, and is often referred to as the ‘Danish Birth Certificate’. Masu. The newly discovered runic inscriptions are reported to be older than these stones, offering a rare glimpse into an even earlier period of Danish history. Heritage Daily.
The display of the knife along with other artifacts at the Montgarden Museum in Odense provides an opportunity for the public and researchers to further explore and appreciate Denmark’s rich archaeological heritage.
Widespread literacy was unusual in this era, and having reading and writing skills conferred special status and influence. The early use of runes indicates that a select group who served as scribes and formed a small intellectual elite were among the earliest to exercise such abilities in Denmark. I am.The earliest traces of individuals with these skills are reported to have been identified on the island of Funen. Archeo News.
Only one further runic inscription from this period has been discovered in Denmark, and it dates from approximately AD 150. The find was in the form of a small bone comb that was discovered in Vimocen, located west of Odense. Harja. ”
Interestingly, this period in Denmark’s history also had deep connections with the Romans, which influenced the dress and appearance of the elite. “We are in Denmark at a time when we had a lot of connections with the Romans and high-ranking people.[ly] People in society tried to look Roman, so to speak, by importing things and making themselves look Roman. I really liked everything about Roman,” Bonde concluded.
Top image: A 2,000-year-old iron knife discovered near Odense on the Danish island of Fyn is inscribed with the oldest known runic inscriptions. Source: Rogvi N. Johansen/© Odense Museum
Written by Sahil Pandey