Altrud and Sigrev erected this stone for their parents

The serpent-carved stone that stands in Berga is a rune stone of Medelpad. It is believed to have been placed near a grave field east-north east of Bergatjärnen, which was once its original location. The stone, made of light coarse-grained granite, measures approximately 170 x 85 cm above ground. It was first described by Johan Peringskiöld in 1687 and was also sketched by him. The runes on Bergastenen are shallowly carved, with the 'r' and 'u' hellingsrunes being prominent.

The inscription on the stone reads: 'Altrud and Sigrev erected this stone in memory of Mäskägg, father, and in memory of Disvi, mother.' The names MäskäggR, Disvi, and Altrud are unique to this stone, with the exception of Altrud, who also appears on the larger Attmarstenen (M 5).

Historically, the stone has been a subject of interest since the 17th century. While some runes on the lower part and the serpent's tail are difficult to read today, even Johan Peringskiöld found them challenging to decipher in 1687. The stone serves as a record of the individuals who commissioned it and those they sought to honor.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons