Runestone

A runestone is a big rock with words on it that Vikings made a long time ago. The words are written in a special alphabet that was used by Vikings called the runic alphabet. The runic alphabet was made up of little lines and curves that were carved into the rock. Every line and curve in the runic alphabet had a special meaning, just like how letters in the alphabet we use today have a meaning.

Some runestones were put up to remember important people who died, like a sort of monument. Vikings would carve the name of the person who died and maybe a message about how brave they were in battle or how kind they were to their family. Other runestones were made to tell a story, like a big picture book made of stone. The stories might be about a great battle or a long journey across the sea. Everyone who could read the runic alphabet could understand the pictures and words on the runestone.

Today, runestones can still be found in different parts of the world, like Sweden and Norway. They are important because they tell us what Viking life was like a long time ago, and they are a reminder of the people and events that shaped the Viking age.