National Treasures: The Primstav and the Horns of Gallehus

A "national treasure" is an artifact with significant cultural history associated with a particular country.

The Norwegian primstav certainly qualifies. It's a kind of perpetual calendar or almanac stick originating around 1100 was used to track important agricultural and religious dates through symbols used in particular communities.

Then there's the Golden Horns of Gallehus, exquisite artifacts discovered in 1649 and 1734 in Southern Denmark. They show the first use of runic Germanic writing (Proto Norse) in the form of a full sentence. Their display in Danish museums was interrupted by a horrible event.

Join me as we learn about these two national treasures and hear a Nordic song from 1300 written in runes with notes. These are two famous cultural icons that you've probably never heard of.

We also play the oldest song written in Proto-Norse runes entitled, "Drømde mik en drøm i nat" by Ensemble Mare Balticum.

Visit our Extras page for pictures, links, and notes on Primstavs and The Horns.