Mystery of the Elder Names: Götrad and Åstrad

Standing tall in a quaint village in Småland, Sweden, the Replösa Stone, or Småland Runic Inscription 35, measures approximately 185 centimetres. Carved with ancient runes of the eleventh century, it bears the mysterious names of Götrad and Åstrad. The latter, Åstrad, is hardly a common name, but it appears on a few people from the Middle Ages. Götrad, on the other hand, appears only on this rune stone in Småland.

Finnveden, a region later incorporated into Småland, is also mentioned on the stone. This name can be found on three other rune stones – Sm 52 and U 130 in Uppland, and Sm 35 in Småland itself. The word 'thane' (þegna) is also present on the stone. Opinions are divided about its meaning. The two main theories are 'free farmer' and 'warrior'. According to historical data, the ship setting just south of the runestone was initially made up of twelve stones, although only seven remain today, with the remainder having been used in subsequent buildings. The ship setting, now partially restored, measures 17 metres in length and 6 metres in width.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons