The Jelling Stones are two large runestones located in the town of Jelling, Denmark. They were erected in the 10th century by King Gorm the Old and his son, King Harald Bluetooth, and are considered Denmark’s “birth certificate” due to their historical significance.

Jellingstenene er to store runesten beliggende i byen Jelling, Danmark. De blev rejst i det 10. århundrede af Kong Gorm den Gamle og hans søn, Kong Harald Blåtand, og anses for at være Danmarks “dåbsattest” på grund af deres historiske betydning.

What Do the Jelling Stones Represent? / Hvad repræsenterer Jellingstenene?

  • Gorm the Old’s Stone: The smaller stone was erected by King Gorm in memory of his wife, Thyra. It is the oldest known mention of “Denmark” in written form.
  • Harald Bluetooth’s Stone: The larger stone, raised by Harald Bluetooth, commemorates his parents and marks the introduction of Christianity in Denmark.
  • Gorm den Gamles sten: Den mindre sten blev rejst af Kong Gorm til minde om hans kone, Thyra. Det er den ældste kendte omtale af “Danmark” i skriftlig form.
  • Harald Blåtands sten: Den større sten, rejst af Harald Blåtand, ærer hans forældre og markerer kristendommens indførelse i Danmark.

Why Are the Jelling Stones Important? / Hvorfor er Jellingstenene vigtige?

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The stones, along with Jelling Church and burial mounds, are protected as a world heritage site.
  • Denmark’s Earliest History: They provide crucial insight into Denmark’s transition from paganism to Christianity.
  • Symbol of Danish Identity: The carvings, including the first recorded use of the word “Denmark,” make them a cornerstone of Danish national heritage.
  • UNESCO verdensarv: Stenene, sammen med Jelling Kirke og gravhøjene, er beskyttet som verdensarv.
  • Danmarks tidligste historie: De giver vigtig indsigt i Danmarks overgang fra hedenskab til kristendom.
  • Symbol på dansk identitet: Udskæringerne, inklusive den første kendte brug af ordet “Danmark,” gør dem til en hjørnesten i den danske kulturarv.

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