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13th-century Rune Stick discovered in Denmark

Archaeologists working in the Danish city of Odense have discovered a rune stick with Latin writing dating to the early 13th century.

13th century runestick - photo courtesy Odense City Museums

Odense City Museums announced the discovery of the 8.5 centimetre stick, which had been broken into three pieces. The stick was examined by Lisbeth Imer of the National Museum of Denmark, who found that it had “approximately the same consistency as cold butter, and a devil of small root had become imbedded in the wood along the length of the inscription on one side, which interferes with it a bit.”

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She was still able to make out the Latin words for “good health” and “Tomme his servant” on the stick. Imer adds that the stick was most likely “used as an amulet to protect the owner, Tomme, against illness, evil spirits and death, or to ensure his good health.”

You can learn more about the stick from Lisbeth Imer’s post on the Runes and Coins blog from the National Museum of Denmark

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