Picture Stones on Gotland

Gotland's picture stones are some of the most intriguing and unique artworks preserved in Scandinavia, dating back to as early as the 5th century AD. These stones predate the Viking Age runestones by over 500 years, as most runestones were carved around the 11th century. Picture stones were often carved, painted, and erected as monuments, and they showcase a rich tradition that stretches back centuries.

Over 550 picture stones have been discovered on Gotland, and it is believed that many were erected as memorials in burial grounds. Interestingly, many picture stones have been found embedded in church walls, possibly due to a biblical prohibition from Leviticus 26: "You shall not make idols for yourselves or set up an image or a sacred stone, for I am the Lord your God."

Influence and Style

While it has been suggested that the tradition of erecting picture stones was inspired by the Romans—especially given that 80% of the Roman coins found in Sweden from the 3rd century AD were discovered on Gotland—this theory has been challenged. Maria Gregner, in her 2005 thesis De Gotländska Bildstenarna (The Gotland Picture Stones), argues that current dating methods are flawed. She suggests that these stones might be older than previously thought and that their inspiration may have come from the Aegean and Greek islands rather than the Roman Empire.

Early Picture Stones (400–700 AD)

The earliest picture stones, dating from 400 to 700 AD, typically resemble standing axes and can reach heights of over two meters. These stones are often decorated with symbols such as sun motifs, figures standing in opposition, and ships without sails. However, there is some debate over the interpretation of the swirling designs—while many see them as sun symbols, this view is far from universally accepted.

Later Developments

As time progressed, the stones evolved in shape, with some resembling doorways to eternity, while others have been interpreted as phallic symbols. These later picture stones, often filled with intricate imagery, are thought to tell stories, much like a comic strip. Some scholars have attempted to interpret these scenes in light of the Icelandic sagas, though there is no definitive evidence to support this.

These richly illustrated stones can be over three meters tall, such as the ones at Änge. The carvings, especially the ships, have provided valuable insights into early Scandinavian seafaring, as seen in Gutarnas kolonier - Vendeltiden.

Symbolism and Interpretation

While popular interpretations of the picture stones often link them to Norse mythology, this assumption remains unproven. Some see depictions of mythical creatures such as Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, while others argue that these scenes may relate to other legends, such as the Trojan War. For example, some suggest that one scene depicts the Trojan horse being brought into the city.

Christian Imagery

In later periods, Christian themes began to appear on picture stones. For instance, some carvings have been interpreted as representing the resurrection of Jesus. This has led to the theory that Christianity may have reached Gotland earlier than the time of Ansgar, possibly by a few centuries, though this remains uncertain.

Viking Ships on the Stones (700–800 AD)

One of the most detailed depictions of Viking ships is found on a picture stone from Stenkyrka, dating to 700–800 AD. This stone, standing about 2.5 meters tall, offers a detailed view of Viking sails and rigging. Without these Gotlandic picture stones, much of what we know about Viking ships would be lost. For example, the ships depicted show checkered sails, likely made from narrow, woven strips stitched together, and each man is shown holding a rope to control the sail.

These picture stones have also provided valuable clues about Viking trade and exploration, as their ships were used for travel as far as England, the Mediterranean, and Constantinople, crossing the Atlantic and navigating the Russian rivers. Viking ships found in places like Norway and the sunken fleet at Skuldelev in Denmark have been invaluable in this regard, with one ship matching the description of a Gotlandic knarr, a type of trading vessel mentioned in Gutalagen.

The Mystery of Gotland's Picture Stones

The Gotlandic picture stones are not only captivating for their artistry but also for the mysteries they hold. While many believe the carvings are connected to Norse mythology, this is far from confirmed. Scholars continue to debate the meaning behind these ancient symbols and scenes.