Cattle die, kindred die,
we ourselves also die;
but I know one thing that never dies, –
judgment on each one dead.
Havamal 77
A viking chieftain
in a praise of self
let carve his name on stones,
to mark his new devotion
a faith just taught,
to claim his ownership of land
and people (free and serfs)
his name still known
(but not his deeds)
Is that a human strait?
to leave a legacy
to boast of wealth
inflate himself
so still
the name of Jarlabanke is known
in streets and bridges.
Is wealth and willingness
to boast what makes
a person great?
Or is it just a name
that lost its meaning
except as letters carved in stone?
Or is it greater still
if embossed in gold?
Today Dora prompts us to write poetry about stones at dVerse. The area I live in has a lot of runestones, and a lot of them was raised by one man to celebrate his greatness. The stone in the picture was raised close to a bridge that he had built. He was also an early Viking adopting Christianity which shows in the runes themselves (he lived in the 11th century). Here is an article from CNN that tell you a little bit more about Jarlabanke and his time.
Vikings in my area travelled eastward through the rivers or what is now Ukraine and Belarus all the way down to Istianbul. The area north of where I live is called Roslagen, and it is actually believed that since the people living here were called Rus, it is what later formed the name of a country called Russia.
September 1, 2027
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Loved your poem and the story about the rune stones.
Thank you… I am sure you have your own Viking stories from Norway.
Fascinating. Am guessing most of the “charge” from the stones has faded.
They can still be found around the area I live…
They feel like headstones to me, but I’m guessing they can be anywhere, not just cemeteries?
Rune stones are rarely head-stones… they are not connected to burials normally, but they can also be set up as a memory of someone who was lost abroad…
This reminds me of Shelley’s Ozymandias, Björn, including the theme of judgment, history’s as well as eternal one that the Havernal epigraph suggests. Each question leads one deeper, and the last line made me think of the current U.S. President unfortunately, of his crass gold-gilded refurbishings in DC.
I think there are a lot of parallels between megalomaniac persons in history.
Interesting stone and history, and you’re privileged to live in a place with a lot of runestones, Björn. I’ve learnt a lot from your poem today. I also see a connection between your Viking chieftain, Ozymandias, and a current so-called leader who boasts of wealth, inflates himself and embosses everything in gold.
Indeed… there is a commong thread through history.
I loved the tale and history! I am a sucker for viking lore! Steadfast and strong poem here Bjorn, loved it! 💜
He sounds like an interesting character… he treated the stones like we would use face-book today.
very intetesting
much love
Thank you 🙂
A great poem Bjorn, full of history. Two years ago, we visited the Jelling Stones on our way back from Norway – again a Viking noting a local conversion to Christianity. Must visit your stone someday!
There are so many stones here… so there is a whole expedition.
Yay!
I love this Björn and your story fascinating – wealth can purchase persistence, but it’s character that fills it with meaning🙌
A name is just a name after all.
Money can buy monuments to self… but afterwards it is just a name that is repeated
🙌
This is exquisitely drawn, Bjorn! It’s interesting to learn that the Vikings traveled eastward all the way down to Istianbul!
I especially resonate with; “Or is it just a name that lost its meaning except as letters carved in stone?” ❤️❤️
Actually they went even further east… all the way to the Kaspian Sea
Love the notes explaining the history of the area. I guess he wanted to claim greatness while alive to boost his ego. Title worked well, my friend.
Some people just want to see their name already when alive.
A most interesting post, Bjorn. An amazing stone. Where does one put his name when he is cremated?
Vikings were often buried with a lot of belongings (including slaves)…. but no headstones.
how interesting!
WordPress, Dwight 👍
Such a compelling and thought-provoking piece, Björn! ᚱ I love how you rooted this prompt in the tangible history right outside your door—it’s so fascinating how the urge to carve one’s name into history hasn’t changed much over a thousand years. Beautifully written! ✨
I love your reflections and the historical context – a real snapshot of your cultural and physical landscape – Jae
It is interesting to learn about one person from that time…
Or is it greater still
if embossed in gold?
A grand close, Bjorn! Yes, why not! there is no way an achiever will put limits but enhance himself!
Hank
Your name in gold… can it be greater?
That’s the ultimate. certainly Bjorn!
Thank you for sharing a bit of history with and via your poem. I can’t imagine having such a strong belief in yourself that you decide to erect rune stones in your own honour! Perhaps that is why he was so apparently important.
What a fascinating poem, Björn. I love learning new things.
I think we see it every now and then with people erecting monuments for themselves.
Agreed – I think certain politicians see wars as monuments to themselves.
Very interesting.
Thanks
Thanks for the little history lesson Björn and a nice write to go along with it. 👏
Thank you
This was a fun read. I’m really glad you included the Viking’s name and the questions you ask are entertaining to ponder.
Absolutely fascinating, and what a self important bloke he was! I do smile at current nationalisms given that millennia of human movement has changed racial mix several times.