The Serpent Bound to the Gneiss Rockface by Runemaster Halfdan

Look closely at the gneiss rockface where a serpent lies bound. Its head and tail are shown bound as if to prevent it from leaving the surface of the stone.

Observe the intricate Urnes style as slim animals weave through tight patterns. A serpent coils around a Christian cross that supports a bird, possibly a cock. This bird represents rebirth and vigilance, much like the weathercocks currently atop churches. The runic text states that the inscription is a memorial by a father named either Farbjôrn or Freybjôrn for his son Háulfr.

We should examine the craftsmanship of the runemaster Halfdan, whose signature appears on this unique stone. Although scholars link fifteen other works to his style, he only explicitly claims this piece. Notice his distinct punctuation consisting of two dots between each word in the runic text.

This 1.65 meter tall monument stands in Tyresta National Park. It remains a lasting memorial for a son named Háulfr, by a father named either Farbjôrn or Freybjôrn.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons