Publications
A lady of leadership: 3D-scanning of runestones in search of Queen Thyra and the Jelling Dynasty
Research reveals that Queen Thyra, a figure traditionally linked to the Jelling Mounds and Harald Bluetooth's dynasty, was commemorated on more runestones than any other individual in Viking-Age Denmark. By employing 3D-scanning techniques to analyze rune carving styles, orthography, and language, the study identifies a consistent hand—Ravnunge-Tue—as the carver of both the Jelling 2 and Læborg stones. This finding suggests Thyra played a significant leadership role in the formation of the Danish state during the 10th century AD.
Spatial aspects of the interpretation of cultural heritage
Exhibitions on cultural heritage benefit from strategic spatial design that enhances educational quality through subconscious viewer engagement. Key factors include site context, authenticity, narrative-driven scenarios, and atmospheric 'warm-up' and 'cool-down' spaces. A comparative analysis of three exhibitions—Hardangervidda National Park (Norway), Kongernes Jelling visitor center (Denmark), and the Scottish National Museum’s Wester Kittochside site—revealed that powerful storytelling and spatial continuity improve interpretive outcomes. These findings guide professionals in crafting exhibition spaces that blend architectural form with informative content, aligning with broader trends toward immersive heritage presentation.
Sacred but not holy: Awe, spectacle, and the heritage gaze in Danish religious heritage contexts
This study reveals that the heritagisation of religious sites, such as Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church in Denmark, transforms them from places of religious awe into spectacles for a secular audience. It demonstrates how these sites, when designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shift from inspiring piety to evoking ontological pride or vicarious nostalgia among tourists and cultural experts. The research argues that this 'heritage gaze' inadvertently frames religion as cultural heritage through a secular lens, hybridizing religious experience with heritage values. The study employs an ideal-typical distinction between the 'holy' and the 'sacred' to analyze this phenomenon across three Danish World Heritage sites: Jelling, Roskilde, and Christiansfeld.
UNESCO and World Heritage Management in Jelling – Opportunities and Challenges
Recent excavations at Jelling Mounds, Runic Stones and Church—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994—revealed significant new structures that have transformed the understanding of this historic Danish site. Discoveries included a large palisade encircling the area, three Trelleborg-type houses, and the largest Viking Age ship setting in the Nordic region. These findings led to a boundary modification of the original inscription in 2018, highlighting their archaeological significance. The study also explores the challenges and opportunities of managing cultural heritage outside major urban centers, drawing on insights from a 2017 conference in Poland. Jelling's status as one of Denmark's most visited historical sites underscores its importance in both research and heritage preservation.
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