Archaeologists from Denmark and Sweden recently used 3D scans to probe the inscriptions on ancient Danish stones that have revealed an unexpected connection to a powerful Viking queen known as Thyra.
The inquiry primarily focused on two sets of runestones, both dating back to the 10th century. The initial collection, known as the Jelling Stones, was closely associated with Harald Bluetooth, a renowned 10th-century Danish king recognized as the nation's creator.
Yet, historical accounts had been frustratingly silent about Harald's parents, King Gorm and Queen Thyra.
Jelling 2 with runes chosen for analysis.
The second set of runestones, named the Ravnunge-Tue Stones after their rune-carver, offered a glimmer of insight into the royal family. Scholars have posited these stones were carved in homage to Queen Thyra, commissioned by Harald Bluetooth.
"We aimed to uncover if we could identify the same rune carver on some of these stones, linking the Ravnunge-Tue Stones with the Jelling stones. A connection would strongly suggest that all the stones pay tribute to the same influential figure: Thyra, mother of Harald Bluetooth," explained lead researcher Lisbeth M. Imer.
Remarkably, the runes on the stones unequivocally designate Thyra as a "queen," signifying her authority in relation to Ravnunge-Tue, the rune-carver. Three-dimensional scans unveiled distinct patterns that function as the carver's personal signature within the runic engravings.
Queen Thyra's name stands alone in the annals of Viking history, as "no other Viking man or woman in Denmark has been mentioned on that many runestones," emphasized Imer. The stunning revelation underscores her pivotal role in the unification of the realm under her son, Harald Bluetooth's rule.
The findings were published on Wednesday in the journal Antiquity.