The Runestone Honoring a Good Captain

Stand before the red granite stone measuring 1.65 meters tall within the Uppsala Cathedral. This artifact was discovered in May 1975 during excavation work at the Hornska chapel. While many runestones were historically reused as materials for roads, bridges, and buildings, this stone remains at the cathedral as a memorial.

Observe the intricate Ringerike style of the carvings. The runic text winds along an intertwined serpent positioned beneath a small Christian cross. This layout invites us to look closer at the narrative of three sons, Ríkr, Holti, and Fastgeirr, who raised this monument to honor their father, Vígmarr. They describe him as a styrimann goðan, a good captain.

We must consider the significance of the styrimann during the Viking Age. As the individual responsible for navigation and watchkeeping, his role was vital. The craftsmanship bears the signature of a runemaster named Líkbjǫrn. Though a portion of the text is damaged, scholars suggest a missing word from the middle of the text is likely the infinitive verb haggva, or "cut."

Visitors to the Uppsala Cathedral can explore this permanent record today. It invites us to continue our exploration of a father's service at sea, preserved in stone for all to see.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons