The Mysterious Dual-Named Skånela Runestone

A 1000-year-old runestone at Skånela church bears two different names, leaving researchers to wonder about their connection. Unique among its kind, this intriguing runestone was once the threshold to the vestibule, causing some damage until 1941.

This fascinating stone can be found at Skånela church in Sigtuna, Sweden. The stone, carved in the late Viking Age, features a winged serpent similar to the one on U 305 and follows the Urnes style. The inscription reads: 'Vigar [or Vigær] had the stone raised [or cut] after [?], his son. Fastlög had the stone raised after his brother Fulluge.'

What sets this stone apart is the mystery surrounding its names. Vigar engraved his name on it, but Fastlög engraved a different one after it. However, there are no records or stories chronicling their connection, leaving the possibility of feuds or rivalries up to speculation.

The only information available are the dates of the inscriptions: 1006 A.D. for Vigar and 1007 A.D. for Fastlög, with no further details about each man.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

The Mysterious Dual-Named Skånela Runestone: A 1000-Year-Old Puzzle

Discuss this with the author and others

Stories nearby