Fact Check: Viking Connection to Ontario Runestone Quickly Debunked by Researchers
What We Know
A recently discovered runestone in Ontario, Canada, has sparked interest due to its carvings, which include 255 runes and an image of a boat. Initially, this discovery raised questions about a possible Viking connection, as there is only one confirmed Viking settlement in North America, located in Newfoundland. However, researchers have since debunked this idea, concluding that the stone is not of Viking origin. Instead, the carvings are believed to be linked to Swedish Protestant culture and likely date back to after 1611, aligning with a version of the Lord’s Prayer (source-1, source-4).
The runestone was found on private property in 2015, and the research team, including experts like Henrik Williams from Uppsala University, determined that a Swede likely carved the stone. The investigation revealed that the stone is not a forgery, unlike the Kensington Runestone, which has been established as a 19th-century hoax (source-1, source-6).
Analysis
The claim that the Viking connection to the Ontario runestone has been debunked is supported by credible research conducted by historians and archaeologists. The team involved in the study included reputable figures such as Kristel Zilmer, a runologist at the University of Oslo, and Henrik Williams, who provided insight into the runes' origins (source-1). Their findings indicate that the carvings are not Viking but rather reflect Swedish cultural elements from a later period.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they come from established news organizations and academic institutions. The New York Times article provides a comprehensive overview of the discovery and the subsequent research, while the CBC and ExplorersWeb articles corroborate the findings and offer additional context about the stone's significance (source-1, source-6, source-4).
Critics of the Viking connection may argue that the initial excitement surrounding the find was fueled by sensationalism, but the thorough investigations conducted by experts have provided a clear and evidence-based conclusion.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that the Viking connection to the Ontario runestone has been quickly debunked by researchers is True. The evidence presented by credible experts indicates that the stone's carvings are of Swedish origin, likely created in the 19th century, and not linked to Viking activity. This conclusion is supported by multiple reliable sources and expert analysis, effectively dispelling the initial Viking narrative.
