Archaeologists in Denmark have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the oldest known inscription referencing the Norse god Odin. The inscription was found on a gold bracteate, part of the Vindelev treasure, which was discovered in 2021. The discovery suggests that Nordic mythology can be traced back 150 years earlier than previously thought, to the early 5th century. The find is being hailed as an "absolutely amazing" breakthrough by the experts involved, and could help shed new light on other prehistoric runic inscriptions.
The oldest known inscription of the god Odin has been identified on a bracteate, an ornamental gold medal, from the Vindelev treasure, which predates the Viking era and was found in Denmark. This means that Nordic mythology can now be dated 150 years earlier than previously thought: to the beginning of the 5th century. The runes on this medal are the “most spectacular since the golden horns.” They can help researchers understand other prehistoric runic inscriptions, according to scientists at the National Museum of Denmark who presented the finding.
The Vindelev treasure
The Vindelev treasure was discovered in 2021 and consists of 22 pieces of gold. In one of the gold bracteates (thin and ornamental gold disks), writing experts discovered the oldest known inscription in the world with the name Odin, the main god of Nordic mythology. The depiction of an unknown king or lord, whose name or nickname could have been “Jaga” or “Jagaz,” on the bracteate leads to the partial phrase “He is Odin’s man.” This discovery suggests that the gods in Nordic mythology were already known in the early 5th century, 150 years earlier than previously assumed. The credit for this finding goes to the runologist and writing expert at the National Museum of Denmark, Lisbeth Imer, and linguist Krister Vasshus.
Nordic mythology can be traced back 150 years earlier than previously thought
Archaeologists in Denmark have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying the oldest known inscription referencing the Norse god Odin. The inscription was found on a gold bracteate, part of the Vindelev treasure, discovered in 2021. The discovery suggests that Nordic mythology can be traced back 150 years earlier than previously thought, to the early 5th century. The find is being hailed as an “absolutely amazing” breakthrough by the experts involved and could help shed new light on other prehistoric runic inscriptions.
Lisbeth Imer, a runologist and writing expert at the National Museum of Denmark, described the runic inscription as the most challenging she has ever interpreted in all her years. Despite the difficulty, the discovery is remarkable. The inscription marks the first recorded mention of Odin in world history, dating Nordic mythology back to the early 5th century – 150 years earlier than previously thought. The treasure of Vindelev is now even more impressive as the runes on the bracteate are the most well-executed and lengthy found in a Danish artifact from this period. This discovery may aid in deciphering other prehistoric runic inscriptions that remain a mystery.
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