Visited Sigurd Runestone - Vikings and Norse Mythology

At grandma's (mormor) kitchen table this morning, I felt that we needed some culture and history. I am big on visiting important sites and learning new things - I love it myself, but especially for my boys. The boys studied Norse mythology in 5th grade, so what is better than visiting a local site that provides just that?! Truly amazing. 

Sometimes I am slightly jealous of those who home-school their kiddos and are able to do cool excursions like this for a lecture. We still have a few more days in Sweden - I will try to come up with a few more things for us to visit and learn about.

Mormor's partner is a walking wikipedia, and he suggested Sigurdsristningen, also known as the Sigurd Runestone. This is an ancient runestone in Eskilstuna, Sweden. It dates back to the Viking Age, specifically to the 11th century. We headed out there - it took about 25 minutes by car.

 
 
How blessed to be able to visit such a historical and cultural artifact. My son asked: "how come this isn't behind glass in a museum?!"


The Sigurd Runestone is named after Sigurd, a legendary hero from Norse mythology, who is depicted on the stone.

The stone is intricately carved with various scenes and inscriptions, showcasing Sigurd's adventures and battles. The carvings depict Sigurd slaying a dragon, drinking the dragon's blood, and gaining the ability to understand the language of birds. These scenes are based on the ancient Norse epic poem "The Saga of the Volsungs" (Völsunga saga).

The Sigurdsristningen is considered one of the finest examples of Viking Age runestone art. It provides valuable insights into the mythology, legends, and heroic tales that were an integral part of Norse culture. The stone is a significant historical artifact and attracts visitors from around the world who are interested in Norse history and mythology.

 

After the visit, we headed to Sundbyholm beach for a refreshing swim. The beauty in Sweden is astounding, truly - my pics don't do it justice.



 

Location: Sundbyholm Ramsund 1, 635 08 Eskilstuna, Sweden

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