Jelling is in the middle of Jutland, it was a royal site at the time of the conversion of the Danes.

What is it about?

The large Jelling stone was placed somewhere very near to where it is now, outside the church and between the two mounds; the other stone has been brought here from elsewhere on the site. The large stone is taller than a man, three sided, with carving on two faces and lettering mainly on the third face. The carvings on one side are of a lion and a snake, and on the other side, a man with his arms spread, like Christ but without a cross. Around this pair of carved faces is an ornamental border; the faces are united by a 'hinge'. It is suggested the carvings mimic a diptych, and picture God the Father (lion) with God the Holy Spirit (snake) greeting Christ who is ascending to Heaven to rejoin them after his crucifixion and resurrection.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This carving dates from the late tenth century and it is the earliest scheme that I have examined that works like a Romanesque scheme. The teaching is well-displayed, learned and orthodox. It was probably designed by Ottonian clerics.