Ledberg stone
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A composite image made from several sides of the stone
The Ledberg stone is a runestone in Östergötland, Sweden.
The Younger Futhark inscription is dated to the 11th century and reads
- bisi sati sti þisi ift þurkut ... faþur / sin uk þu kuna baþi þmk iii sss ttt iii lll,
- "Bisi placed this stone in memory of Þorgautr ... his father / and Gunna, both. þmk iii sss ttt iii lll"
The last part is to be read as
- þistil mistil kistil
- "thistle, mistletoe, casket"
and is also found on the Grølev stone in
Sjælland. It is interpreted as a spell or charm (
galdr). Some scholars believe that the images on the stone show scenes of
Ragnarök.
Some scholars, however, believe that the images depict the final story of either Þorgautr or Gunna. If the images are followed in the same order as the runes are written, they seem to create a chronological account. The first image is of a ship; this depicts a journey abroad. Next, there is a figure walking to the left, carrying what is most likely a shield, in preparation for departure. In the third image, the figure is carrying weapons and a shield to the right, probably marching to battle. At the top of the second side of the stone, the figure's foot is being bitten by a wolf and finally, we see the figure legless with arms sprawled, likely lying dead on the battlefield. Wolves were often used in Scandinavian art to signify combat, so it is unlikely that the figure fell in battle due to wounds caused by a wolf.
External links
- http://web.telia.com/~u31139493/runestones/og181_ledberg.htm
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