Fornborg Rök Runestone
Östergötlands län
The Rök Runestone, known locally as Rökstenen, is one of Sweden's most famous runestones, bearing the world's longest runic inscription with approximately 760 characters. Situated near Rök Church in Ödeshög Municipality, Östergötland County, this light gray granite stone stands about 3.82 meters tall, with a significant portion buried underground. It was likely erected in the early 9th century, making it one of the oldest preserved literary works in Sweden. The inscription is composed in an archaic form of Old Norse, using a 16-character futhark, which made it complex even for contemporaries to interpret. The text is richly poetic and cryptic, referencing several kings and possibly lost Nordic mythology, showcasing the runemaster's deep literary skill. The stone's inscriptions cover all sides, including the top, and were carefully planned to maximize the available space. Over the centuries, the stone has been moved and preserved with protective measures, currently displayed near the churchyard with a shelter. The Rök Runestone is not only an archaeological treasure but also a cultural monument marking the start of Swedish literature.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during warmer months for comfortable weather and to check opening hours on the official website. The site is outdoors and protected by a shelter. Advance planning is recommended as the stone is a popular attraction. While there is no mention of entrance fees, visitors should inquire about possible discounts or guided tours through local tourist offices or the managing authority, Statens fastighetsverk.
Interesting facts
- •The Rök Runestone contains about 760 runic characters, making it the longest known runic inscription in the world.
- •It is considered the oldest preserved literary work in Swedish history, marking the beginning of Swedish literature.
- •The inscription references Theoderic the Great, a historical king, situating the stone's creation in the early 800s.
- •The runemaster used a futhark with only 16 characters, which was less common and contributed to the inscription's difficulty to interpret.
- •The stone was once part of a church storage building wall, discovered in the 1600s, before being moved to its current protected outdoor location.
History
The Rök Runestone was likely erected in the first half of the 9th century, as indicated by the archaic Old Norse language and historical references within the inscription.
It was rediscovered in the early 17th century when it was found embedded in a church storage building wall.
Over time, it was documented by antiquarians such as Johannes Bureus and Johan Hadorph.
In the 19th century, the stone was removed from the wall and relocated several times, eventually being placed near the churchyard with a protective roof in 1933.
The stone's name derives from the nearby locality Rök, which may in turn have been named after the stone itself.
Place Guide
The Main InscriptionEarly 9th century
The primary runic text covers all visible sides of the stone, including the top, featuring a complex and poetic narrative about kings and mythological themes. The inscription is carefully carved in short-twig runes and planned to maximize the stone’s surface.
Protective Shelter and Location1933 (relocation and shelter construction)
The stone is currently situated outside the churchyard of Rök Church under a protective roof to shield it from weathering. It has been moved several times since its discovery to preserve its condition.
