The Istaby Stone at Blekinge
This 7th Century memorial is the oldest surviving Danish rune stone - although Blekinge is now part of Sweden.

The inscription reads: "In memory of Hariwolfafr. Hathuwolafr, son of Haeruwulfafr, cut these runes."

Blekinge is an important Runic site with four stones that make reference to rune magic and the use of charms. Scientific runologists view the whole thing with some scepticism and state that the indications are confused and incomprehensible.

I personally find nothing confusing or incomprehensible about "He who breaks these stones will suffer by the hidden forces of rune magic."

Despite the scientists' disbelief, you will note that the stones still stand unmolested after 13 centuries - very wise, too!

An Early Futhark
This is the earliest known representation of the 24 rune Elder Futhark. It seems to have originated in the Etruria region of the Italian Alps and spread throughout Northern Europe as far as Norway. The runes were transported widely by the far-ranging Norsemen and reached England through settlements of Danes and Norsemen in Friesia - an island and coastal region of the present day Netherlands.

You will note the complete absence of curves or horizontals, except in the case of Ingwaz, represented here by a slightly skewed square. The usual Ingwaz of the Elder Futhark is a lozenge shape, like a playing card diamond.

The tree-like marking at the end of the Futhark is a common symbol in Scandinavian rock carvings. It represents the Yggdrasil or World Tree - the tree of life. A knowledgeable Swedish associate of mine tells me it is probably included to protect the rune-carver. You will also note that this earliest Futhark had Dagaz before Othila.

Hilddiguth's Stone
Pillow Stone from a nun's grave in Hartlepool, Co. Durham, England. Date, around 650AD. It measures about 8ins x 6ins and was discovered in 1833. It bears only the Nun's name a forerunner of the modern name "Hilda".

A Twaystaved Inscription
This 6th Century fragment of a cross or grave pillar from Falstone, Northumberland, England is inscribed in both Roman lettering and runes.

The inscription may be translated: "Eomar set this memorial after Hroetbert his uncle. Pray-ye for his soul." I like this one because Hroetbert is pretty close to Robert - my given name.

Hrossketill's Stone
Fragment of a cross from Braddan, Isle of Man, U.K.

The main story of this memorial is lost, and only the villain of the piece is identified. The inscription reads: ". . . and Hrossketill under trust betrayed a man sworn to him by oath."

The Isle of Man was the earliest Viking settlement in Britain, but given names on memorials show that even as early as 500AD, intermarriages between Celtic Britons and Norsemen were taking place.