The Vapnösten in the park at Vapnö castle in Halmstad municipality and district in Halland stands 73 cm high, 36 cm wide, and 37 cm thick. Its unique feature is two straight runic bands that run along the outer edges of the stone, boasting large runes (7-13 cm).
The stone, which is made of granite, has received extensive damage; the top is straight-broken and in the middle of the stone sits a large iron clamp, 25 cm from the top. Repainted and freshened up in 2017, the runestone was previously considered a medieval work. However, according to a reinterpretation by the Swedish National Antiquary's runologist in connection with the painting of the runes, it should instead be perceived as a Viking Age artifact.
The inscription on the Vapnösten contains a Christian prayer. The translated text translates to.set stone after. Christ help his soul. At least two names preceded the verb ræistu because it is in the plural form.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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