Glemminge stone
A Viking Age runestone in Sweden bearing a Younger Futhark inscription and a curse.
The Glemminge stone is a Viking Age runestone located in Scania, Sweden. It is engraved with Old Norse text using the Younger Futhark alphabet. The inscription includes a curse similar to those found on other Scandinavian runestones.
- It is a Viking Age runestone in Sweden.
- Engraved with Old Norse using Younger Futhark.
- Features a curse similar to other Scandinavian stones.
- Located in Glimminge church, Ystad Municipality.
- Style classified as runestone style RAK.
What it is
The Glemminge stone, also known as DR 338, is a Viking Age runestone. It is currently set into the wall of Glimminge church in Scania, Sweden. The stone features an inscription written in Old Norse. The text uses the Younger Futhark runic alphabet. This style of carving is identified as the runestone style RAK. The inscription concludes with a curse. This type of curse is comparable to those found on other runestones in Scandinavia. Scholars study it as a historical artifact of Norse writing and belief.
Where it comes from
The stone originates from the Viking Age. It is located in Ystad Municipality in Scania, Sweden. The style of the runestone is classified as RAK. This classification helps historians place it within the broader context of Viking Age art and epigraphy in Scandinavia.
How it is done
The stone was engraved with Old Norse text. The runes are carved using the Younger Futhark alphabet. The inscription ends with a curse. The meaning of the word ræti, which appears in the text, is contested among scholars. Some interpret it as referring to a warlock.
Tools and materials
The primary tool mentioned is the Younger Futhark runic alphabet. This system of runes was used for writing Old Norse during the Viking Age. The stone itself is made of material suitable for engraving.
Glemminge stone, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Norse runestone
What it is for
The inscription includes a curse. This suggests a purpose related to harm or protection through magical means. Similar curses appear on runestones in Västergötland, Sweden, and Denmark. These stones were likely intended to warn or threaten those who might disturb them or violate the terms associated with the stone.
Who does it
Scholars analyze the Glemminge stone. They study the runic inscription and its stylistic features. The interpretation of specific words, such as ræti, is debated. There is no evidence of living practitioners performing rituals on this specific historical stone today.
Peoples and places
The stone is associated with the Vikings and the Norse culture of Scandinavia. It is found in Sweden, specifically in Scania. Similar cursed runestones are found in Denmark and other parts of Sweden. This indicates a shared cultural practice of inscribing curses on stones across the region.
At a glance: who, where and when
Who does it
Peoples
What people believe
The presence of a curse implies a belief in the power of words and runes. The word ræti may refer to a warlock, suggesting beliefs about supernatural agents. Such curses were likely intended to invoke spiritual consequences for wrongdoing. This reflects the religious and magical worldview of the Viking Age Norse people.
When it is done
It is a static artifact now housed in a church wall. Its original placement and timing of erection are not detailed.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Researchers classify the stone's style as RAK. They compare its curse to those on the Saleby Runestone, Sønder Vinge runestone 2, Tryggevælde, and Glavendrup runestones. The meaning of the term ræti is a subject of scholarly debate. This analysis helps understand Viking Age language and magical practices.
Cautions and what is closed
The inscription contains a curse. This reflects historical beliefs about harm and retribution. It is preserved as a historical monument.
Compare and confuse
The Glemminge stone is similar to other Scandinavian runestones with curses. These include the Saleby Runestone in Västergötland, Sweden, and several Danish runestones like Sønder Vinge 2, Tryggevælde, and Glavendrup. All share the feature of ending with a warning or curse.
Law and persecution
The stone is located in a church in Sweden. It is protected as a historical artifact.
Today
The Glemminge stone is part of the wall of Glimminge church. It is accessible as a historical site. Scholars continue to study its inscription and style. It remains a tangible link to Viking Age Scandinavia.
Questions people ask about Glemminge stone
What is the Glemminge stone?
It is a Viking Age runestone located in Scania, Sweden. It bears an inscription in Old Norse using the Younger Futhark alphabet. The text includes a curse.
Where is the Glemminge stone found?
It is set in the wall of Glimminge church in Ystad Municipality, Scania, Sweden. It is part of the local historical heritage.
What is special about the inscription?
The inscription ends with a curse. This type of curse is found on other runestones in Sweden and Denmark. The meaning of the word ræti is debated by scholars.
What does the word ræti mean?
The meaning of ræti is contested. Some interpretations suggest it refers to a warlock. Scholars continue to discuss its exact significance in the context of the curse.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Glemminge stone", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.
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