King Harold’s mishandled Jelling Stone

Abstract

King Harold's mishandled Jelling Stone

E. M. criticizes the view held by the two Norwegian scholars, runologist Aslak Liestøl and archaeologist Erling Johansen, that the two stonecutters who executed the great Jelling stone made mistakes in their hewing and were also aided by weather, wind, and fire in ruining the stone. E. M. further points out that the lack of planning and organization of the stonecutting which the two scholars claim to have prevailed is in fact inconceivable for this work. The Jelling Stone was commissioned by Harold Bluetooth, perhaps the greatest and most enterprising Danish ruler ever. It was during his reign that the Viking camps and Ravning Bridge, projects demanding great mathematical precision, were built. As with any monument, careful preparation and detailed planning must have preceded the composition of the inscription, the choice of the stone, and the determination of the religious motifs. The artisans must have been chosen from among the best German (ornamental) and Danish (runic) stonecutters. E.M. again criticizes the opinion that the naming of Harold's achievements is boasting. A parallel is drawn between Harold's mention of his deeds for the country and that of other rulers. Mention is also made of the innumerable Baroque epitaphs whose authors describe their own good deeds for Church and State. Finally, E. M. claims that both runes and ornaments were executed with a pick or pointed hammer, not with a chisel. The Jelling Stone is thought to have been painted in the same colours as the wooden figure found in the south barrow i 1820. In many respects, this sculpture resembles the Christ figure on the rune stone.

Erik Moltke