A Viking-Age Memorial: The Vadstena Rune Stone

The runestone known as Östergötland Rune Inscription 179 or Ög 179, is located on the east side of the Vadstena Abbey in Vadstena, Sweden. The stone, tinted red, stands approximately 193 cm in height. The inscription is categorized as runestone style Fp, characterized by runic bands with attached serpent or beast heads, displayed from above. The runic text indicates that the stone was raised in memory of a father named Áskell. However, historical accounts do not agree on when the stone was erected or what it commemorates. Some suggest it dates back to the Viking age, while others argue it was created during the medieval period. Originally, the stone was located near Lake Vättern, but when it was moved to its current position, it was found that the lower part of the stone had been eroded by the lake, and much of the runic inscription has been lost.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons