Archaeologists Discover Rare Medieval Runes in Oslo
Discovery of a Lifetime
Archaeologists in Oslo, Norway, have made two remarkable discoveries: a rare rune bone and a wooden slat inscribed with both Latin and Norse runes. These finds provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of medieval Oslo residents.
The Rune Bone
The rune bone, the first of its kind found in Oslo in over 30 years, was discovered by Solveig Thorkildsen of the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU). Carved onto a rib bone of a large horse or cow, the bone bears 14 runes that have been tentatively dated to between 1100 and 1350 C.E.
Runology expert Kristel Zilmer suggests that the runes may represent a name or nickname, or possibly a phrase describing the bone itself. The meaning of the runes will be further explored through laboratory analysis.
The Wooden Slat
Days after the discovery of the rune bone, Ingeborg Hornkjøl of NIKU found a wooden slat inscribed with runes. The slat, which was found in a water-filled trench, features runes on three of its four sides.
Zilmer’s preliminary analysis reveals the presence of the Latin phrase “manus Domine” or “Domini,” which may be part of the prayer “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, O God of truth.” The slat also bears the Norse name Bryngjerd, which may indicate that the runes were used by a woman of that name to express her dedication to God.
Insights into Medieval Life
These rune discoveries provide a glimpse into the diversity of knowledge and interests of medieval Oslo residents. Runes were not only used for writing, but also for expressing prayers, marking ownership, and recording important events.
The high context-dependency of runes meant that only the elite could read and write, but a broader segment of the population would have been familiar with common runes that referred to phrases, names, and well-known texts.
Contextualizing the Discoveries
The discovery of the runes is part of ongoing excavations at Oslo’s Medieval Park. In December, NIKU archaeologists unearthed a medieval carving of a person wearing a crown and holding a falcon. This carving, made from animal bone, may have served as the handle to a knife or tool and may be one of the oldest Scandinavian depictions of falconry.
These archaeological discoveries collectively shed light on the rich cultural heritage of medieval Oslo and provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of its inhabitants.