Two days ago, Tracy Morris published the article Vikings! In Oklahoma? in Firefox News. This was the first I’d heard of the continuing debate surrounding the origin of the Heavener Runestone, a rune-scribed rectangular megalith near Heavener, Oklahoma.
Locals contend and some historians speculate that between 400 and 1100 A.D., Norsemen traveled south along the Eastern seaboard, through the Gulf of Mexico, up the Mississippi and two of its tributaries to the site where the 12 foot high by 10 foot wide stone stands. Though there’s some disagreement among those in this camp as to exactly what the inscription means – some say it’s a date, others a location marker - the theory that it’s in fact a grave marker seems to be getting some traction.
On the other side, Scandinavian experts insist that although 6 of the 8 runes on the stone are actual Elder Futhark runes (characters of the ancient Viking alphabet – see photo above), it’s historically implausible that they were scribed by Vikings as this alphabet became obsolete in the 700’s A.D. – several hundred years before Leif Erikson first set foot on the North American continent.
Stuntman, actor, historian, and Oklahoma native Jackson Burns apparently filmed a documentary called Hidden Histories: Heavener Runestone last September. I searched that big online book store as well as that big online movie rental place, but couldn’t find it (I’m guessing it’s still in post-production). I’ll be keeping my eyes open for it…
Another article that gives more on the runestone’s background and history can be found here.
I can send you a copy of the finished version if you would like.
I am making more discoveries of other runestones and possible habitation.
I also have translated the Heavener stone into a new meaning but still much the same.
Contact me if you wish
Jackson,
I’m honored that you’ve visited and posted…and I would absolutely love to see your film and talk with you about your new translation! I’ll be contacting you.
Thanks again,
Jerome
I’ve seen the stone twice, first time in 1977 with no protection around it and then again in 1986. I don’t know why so many people have such a hard time believing the Norsemen came here. They were raiders that were not afraid of much of anything since they all believed in fate. When I was around 8 years old, I found a stone in Northern Alabama, under a small waterfall, that had runic inscriptions on it. I lost it a few years later, leaving it where too many hands could get to it.