Jelling
Location
About
A small Danish town containing the monumental complex of the Viking king Harald Bluetooth (Harald Blåtand), including two enormous burial mounds, a church, and the two Jelling Runestones — among the most important runic inscriptions in Scandinavia. The larger runestone, erected by Harald Bluetooth around 965 CE, is known as 'Denmark's birth certificate' and records Harald's unification of Denmark and his Christianization of the Danes.
Significance
The Jelling runestones are the most important Viking Age monuments in Scandinavia. The Large Jelling Stone records the first use of the name 'Denmark' and the first Christian affirmation by a Danish king: 'Harald who won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christians.' The stone also features one of the earliest known depictions of Christ in Scandinavian art — Christ entangled in serpentine ornamentation.
History & Historical Arc
The North Mound at Jelling was built by King Gorm the Old (d.958 CE) as a traditional pagan burial mound. His son Harald…
Archaeological Notes
Excavations beneath the Jelling church revealed the wooden palisade enclosure and the original stave church, as well as …
Key Features & Structures
- Large Jelling Runestone (Harald's Christ depiction)
- Small Jelling Runestone (Gorm for Thyra)
Visitor Information
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free entry to outdoor complex. Kongernes Jelling visitor center has outstanding exhibits.
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Large Jelling Runestone inscription (c.965 CE)
- Adam of Bremen, History 2.3