The rune stone Sö 108 in Gredby, Sweden was dedicated by a son to his father who died while on a voyage with Ingvarr the Far-Travelled. The existence of the stone speaks not only to the extensive exploration and travel that the Norse had accomplished by then, but that they were also international players with the capacity to carry out long term military expeditions.

Sö 108 is one of 26 stones commemorating the lives of those who voyaged with Ingvarr down the Volga River and into the Caspian Sea; they were all made by family members of the deceased. It is believed that Ingvarr’s expedition met its fate in the land of the Saracens in present day Georgia, and had supported the Georgian royal army in a lost battle to rebel forces.

The English translation of the rune reads “Gunnulfr raised this stone in memory of Ulfr, his father. He was on a voyage with Ingvarr.” A large cross in the middle of the runic inscription speaks to the spread of Christianity to Scandinavia by the 11th century, while the use of runes emphasizes the preservation of other cultural aspects at the same time.

The considerable craftsmanship that went into the making of this rune speaks to advancements in carving capabilities as well as a high level of respect for the fallen kinsmen. To take part in the battles of distant empire suggests the Norse were ambitious and respected as warriors who did far more than raid and pillage. Moreover, the indication that he fell on a voyage in a place as far away as the Caspian Sea positions the Norse as quite dynamic actors in 11th century Europe.1

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