Sword from the Rosenlund grave
Sword, with the name Ulfberth engraved in the blade, 10th century, found in the grave 'Rosenlundgraven'. The sword is now at Møntergården in Odense. Photo: Jens Gregers Aagaard.
In the Church of Rønninge stands a rune stone bearing the text: “Sóti placed this stone in memory or Eileifr, his brother, Ásgautr Red-shield’s son”. Nearby lies the Rosenlund grave containing weapons and riding equipment, perhaps it was Ásgautr’s grave?
Power and revolt
Power has appeared in many guises on this large island at the heart of Denmark. With coins and monuments and by prohibitions and punishments, successive rulers have reminded the people of Funen who was in charge. However, in opposition to this power, rebellion lurked!
Power carved in stone
The rune stones of the Viking Age are the ultimate symbols of power. When descendants had a rune stone carved, they positioned it in a conspicuous place by a bridge or at a crossroads thereby maintaining the power which the deceased otherwise took with them to the kingdom of the dead. Nine rune stones have been found on Funen.
This location is part of the exhibition 'Funen – at the centre of the universe', at Møntergården in Odense. Read more about the exhibition on our website.