In-Depth Summary of "SYMHC Classics: Jelling Stones" from "Stuff You Missed in History Class"
Released on February 1, 2025, the episode "SYMHC Classics: Jelling Stones" of the podcast "Stuff You Missed in History Class," hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson, provides a compelling exploration of Denmark's early monarchy through the lens of the enigmatic Jelling Stones. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.
1. Introduction to the Jelling Stones and Historical Context
Timestamp: [02:43] – [04:41]
Holly and Tracy kick off the episode by inviting listeners to journey back approximately a millennium to Viking-era Denmark. They clarify that while the term "Viking" often encompasses a broad range of activities and cultures, their focus is specifically on the political and royal developments that laid the foundation for Denmark's monarchy.
Notable Quote:
Holly Fry at [02:56]: "Hey, Tracy, do you want to time travel quite a ways today?"
2. Gorm the Old and Queen Tira: Foundational Figures
Timestamp: [04:41] – [10:35]
The hosts delve into the lives of Gorm the Old (Gorm Gormsen), widely regarded as Denmark's first king, and his wife, Tira (also spelled Tire). They discuss the uncertainties surrounding Gorm's birthdate—ranging from the late 800s to early 900s—and his lineage, noting that his mother's identity remains a mystery.
Gorm inherited substantial land from his father, Hardiknud, and expanded his holdings during a fragmented period when Denmark was an assortment of provinces governed by local chiefs. His marriage to Tira is portrayed as a strategic alliance, potentially linking him to powerful or wealthy families, although the exact origins of Tira are debated among historians.
Notable Quotes:
Tracy V. Wilson at [05:24]: "Around the year 1200, two different historians wrote the first known written accounts of Denmark's early royalty."
Holly Fry at [06:11]: "Estimates for Gorm's birth date are all over the place from the late 800s through the early 900s..."
3. The Jelling Stones: King Gorm Stone and Harald Stone
Timestamp: [17:08] – [22:14]
Holly and Tracy focus on the two main runestones at Yelling, central to understanding Denmark's early monarchy:
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King Gorm Stone: This smaller stone was originally erected by Gorm in memory of his wife Tira, referring to her as "Denmark's adornment." Notably, it marks the first known reference to Denmark by that name.
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Harald Stone: Larger and more intricate, this stone was commissioned by Harald Bluetooth, Gorm's son. It commemorates both Gorm and Tira, lauding Harald's role in unifying Denmark and converting it to Christianity.
The hosts highlight the rarity of runestones dedicated to women in Viking-era Denmark, noting that only 12 out of 277 known runestones honor women, with two specifically mentioning Tira. This rarity underscores Tira's significance in the royal narrative.
Notable Quotes:
Tracy V. Wilson at [17:54]: "The larger stone reads, 'Harald the King bade do these sepulchral monuments after Gorm, his father, and after Tira his mother...'"
Holly Fry at [19:18]: "A larger herald stone has three sides, and on one of those, there's what's believed to be the first image of Christ in Scandinavia."
4. Scholarly Debates and Interpretations
Timestamp: [22:14] – [28:07]
The episode delves into the academic debates surrounding the Jelling Stones. Holly and Tracy discuss whether the runestones were genuinely commissioned by Gorm and Harald or if they represent a later attempt by Harald to legitimize his rule and consolidate power.
Key points of contention include:
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Multiple Mentions of Tira: The presence of multiple runestones mentioning Tira raises questions about whether these stones reference the same woman or if "Tira" was a common name in that era. Historian Brigitte Sawyer challenges the notion that Tira was a commonplace name, arguing that the limited data (seven or eight instances) is insufficient to confirm multiple individuals.
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Linguistic Features: The Gorm Stone exhibits dividing marks between words, a newer linguistic practice, suggesting it may have been inscribed after the Harald Stone, contrary to traditional attribution.
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Inheritance and Power Dynamics: Sawyer posits that Harald might have erected the Gorm Stone to assert his rightful inheritance and obscure other potential claims to the throne, especially if Tira remarried or if there were rival factions.
Notable Quotes:
Tracy V. Wilson at [21:54]: "Historian Brigitte Sawyer makes the case, though, that the assumption of the name's commonplace nature is based on only seven or eight possible instances of its having been used."
Holly Fry at [22:14]: "It's just weird in a variety of ways... one explanation is that the name was common, but Sawyer disputes that."
5. Harald Bluetooth’s Legacy and Modern Connections
Timestamp: [30:08] – [32:08]
One of the most fascinating segments connects historical figures to modern technology. The hosts explain how Harald Bluetooth's legacy extends into the 20th century through the Bluetooth wireless technology. Named after Harald for his role in unifying Denmark, the Bluetooth logo incorporates the runes for Harald's initials, symbolizing the unification of different devices.
Key points include:
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Naming Origins: The project initially considered names like "Pan" and "Radio Wire" but settled on "Bluetooth" due to legal trademark issues.
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Cultural Impact: This naming choice serves as a bridge between Viking history and contemporary technology, embedding a piece of Denmark's heritage into everyday life.
Notable Quotes:
Holly Fry at [31:13]: "When your mobile device has Bluetooth activated, you can see a small rune on your screen. And you can thank Harald Bluetooth for that, too."
Tracy V. Wilson at [31:39]: "Now that you mention it, that does look like a rune."
6. Archaeological Discoveries and Ongoing Research
Timestamp: [28:07] – [33:19]
Holly and Tracy discuss the archaeological excavations at Yelling, highlighting significant discoveries such as Gorm’s remains found in a wooden church built by Harald. The hosts mention ongoing research and excavations that continue to shed light on the early Danish monarchy, including the uncovering of a stone ship and potential fortress structures.
They also note that the Jelling site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasizing its importance and the meticulous efforts to preserve it amid surrounding developments.
Notable Quotes:
Holly Fry at [29:44]: "Denmark's National Museum has kind of an ongoing site that updates with the archaeological stuff... the stones are now encased in glass to protect them."
Tracy V. Wilson at [30:08]: "New excavations at Yelling will reveal additional information about Gorm and his family."
7. Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of the Jelling Stones
Timestamp: [33:19] – [33:41]
In conclusion, Holly and Tracy reflect on the enduring significance of the Jelling Stones in Danish history. They acknowledge the complexities and ongoing debates among historians but affirm that these stones remain pivotal in understanding the formation of Denmark’s monarchy and its early adoption of Christianity.
The hosts encourage listeners to stay updated with ongoing archaeological research and to explore additional resources provided in their show notes.
Notable Quote:
Holly Fry at [32:08]: "We will link in our show notes to Denmark's National Museum which has an ongoing site that updates with the archaeological stuff."
Final Thoughts
This episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class" offers a nuanced and engaging examination of Denmark's early monarchy through the Jelling Stones. Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson adeptly balance historical facts with scholarly interpretations, making complex debates accessible to listeners. By connecting ancient history to modern technology, they highlight the lasting legacy of these Viking-era monuments, underscoring their relevance in today's world.
For those eager to delve deeper, the episode's show notes provide valuable links to Denmark's National Museum and ongoing archaeological projects, inviting continued exploration of this fascinating historical narrative.