Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(162,491 posts)
Sun Oct 15, 2023, 06:56 PM Oct 2023

Runestones reveal the power of a Viking queen

OCTOBER 13, 2023

by Antiquity



The Læborg Runestone, one of the Ravnunge-Tue Stones. Credit: Roberto Fortuna / CC BY-SA 4.0

Archaeologists have used 3D scanning to investigate inscriptions carved on two groups of Danish runestones, revealing that four stones were likely made in dedication to a powerful Viking Queen.

The first group, the Jelling Stones, were raised by Harald Bluetooth, the king who is credited with founding the Danish state, in commemoration of his parents Gorm and Thyra. The second group, the Ravnunge-Tue Stones, also mention a woman called Thyra.

The team theorized that these two groups of stones referred to the same person. If correct, then Thyra would be the most-mentioned person on Viking-Age Danish runestones.

"We wanted to see if we could find the same rune carver on some of these stones, so that we could connect the Ravnunge-Tue stones with the Jelling stones," says lead author of the research, Dr. Lisbeth M. Imer from the National Museum of Denmark. "If there was a connection, it would be highly likely that all the stones referred to the same woman, Thyra, mother of Harald Bluetooth."

More:
https://phys.org/news/2023-10-runestones-reveal-power-viking-queen.html

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Runestones reveal the power of a Viking queen (Original Post) Judi Lynn Oct 2023 OP
Fascinating post. You always have the best articles. Ty Deuxcents Oct 2023 #1
Ancient Viking rune suggests Bluetooth's mom was a big deal Judi Lynn Oct 2023 #2
The wireless runes all speak of Bluetooth. jaxexpat Oct 2023 #3

Judi Lynn

(162,491 posts)
2. Ancient Viking rune suggests Bluetooth's mom was a big deal
Sun Oct 15, 2023, 07:02 PM
Oct 2023

3D scans reveal Thyra, Harald Bluetooth's mother, as the most commemorated figure on Viking runestones, underscoring women's influence in that era.

Mihai Andrei by Mihai Andrei October 13, 2023



Painting of Thyra, the first queen of Denmark. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

In a striking discovery, 3D-scanning techniques have unlocked clues to the mysterious Thyra of Viking-era Denmark, hinting at her influential role in Viking history. Long overshadowed by the famed ruler Harald Bluetooth (yes, the one Bluetooth tech is named after), the elusive figure of Thyra is now coming to light. The new study suggests that Thyra, Bluetooth's mother, is celebrated on more runestones than any other individual from that age.

If confirmed, this not only reshapes our understanding of Viking-age Denmark but also underscores the often-overlooked power and influence of women in Viking society.

Thyra the Ruler

Vikings were seafaring Norse people who originated in the Scandinavian area (today's Norway, Denmark, and Sweden). The Vikings are known for raiding and trading, but their history is rich and elaborate as well. In particular, Viking state formation (around the years 800–1050 AD) was an important moment in European history.

Harald Bluetooth (911-985), son of King Gorm and Queen Thyra is a key figure in this process. Bluetooth is more famous nowadays because of the Bluetooth wireless technology. This name for the technology was based on a metaphor: that it would unite computers and other devices just like Harald Bluetooth united the tribes of Denmark into a single kingdom.

But Thyra herself may have been even more impactful.

More:
https://www.zmescience.com/science/archaeology/thyra-viking-queen-bluetooth/
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Anthropology»Runestones reveal the pow...