Epigraphic Literacy and Christian Identity: Modes of Written Discourse in the Newly Christian European North by Kristel Zilmer and Judith Jesch, eds (review)

A collection of essays examines the role of epigraphic writing, particularly runic inscriptions from Scandinavian rune stones and Bryggen's rune staves, as indicators of social, cultural, and religious practices during the Viking Age and early Christianization. The study reveals that runic prayers exhibit regional characteristics of nascent Christianity, suggesting an early cult of Christ in certain areas. Additionally, it explores the pragmatic use of runic writing for commercial correspondence, charms, and practical directions, highlighting its instrumentalist communication aspects. High-resolution scans and linguistic analyses were employed to differentiate carvers, assess their social status, and interpret the transition from pre-Christian to Christian milieus.

McDonald, R. (2013). Epigraphic Literacy and Christian Identity: Modes of Written Discourse in the Newly Christian European North by Kristel Zilmer and Judith Jesch, eds (review). Parergon, 30(1), 300–301. https://doi.org/10.1353/pgn.2013.0009