A Name in Runes   

This sword scabbard fitting bears runic inscriptions on both sides. On the side visible here, the inscription reads “owlthuthewar.” This is interpreted as the male name “Wulthuthewar.” The rune o precedes the name. This is a so-called concept rune: each rune represents not only a sound but also a concept. The rune o written here stands for the word “othala,” which can be translated as “inheritance.”   

Location: Thorsberg bog 

Material: Copper alloy 

Challenger   

This fragment of a shield boss bears a runic inscription that is read from right to left. It is usually read as “aisgrh.” However, its exact meaning is uncertain. “aisgr” can be translated as “challenger.” The last rune, h, can be interpreted as a concept rune for the word “haglar,” meaning “hail.” Perhaps this referred to a hailstorm of spears and arrows that was to be challenged with the shield.    

Location: Thorsberg bog 

Material: Copper alloy