Ancient Swedish Runes Uncovered in Canadian Wilderness
A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made in Canada’s wilderness, where researchers have deciphered an ancient inscription of the Lord’s Prayer in Swedish runes. The 255 symbols, carved into a three-by-four-foot stone slab, were found near Wawa, Ontario, in 2018. Archaeologist Ryan Primrose, working with experts in Nordic languages, confirmed the inscription’s meaning, describing it as “certainly among the least expected finds” in his career.
The site, likely an open-air place of worship, dates back around 200 years to the time when Swedish laborers were employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company at remote trading posts. The Lord’s Prayer inscription, along with nearby etchings of a boat and 16 figures, suggests that a Scandinavian group carved the message as a sign of both faith and identity. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the lives of Swedish laborers in 19th-century Canada.
Henrik Williams, a runes expert from Uppsala University in Sweden, noted the rarity of runic inscriptions and wondered why someone would put so much effort into this particular text. The find has significant implications for understanding the history of Scandinavian presence in Canada and the cultural practices of Swedish laborers during that time. The discovery of the Lord’s Prayer in Swedish runes is a fascinating piece of history that sheds light on the lives of early Swedish settlers in Canada.
