One of the earliest findings from the introduction of Christianity in Norway was recently unveiled in Inderøy, Nord-Trøndelag County (click to enlarge). (Photo: Lars Lilleby Macedo/Trønder-Avisa)

Recently, the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments in Inderøy unveiled the so-called Odin Stone. It was found buried outside the medieval church at Hustad in 1961, and since then, it has been stored behind the church sacristy unavailable to the public eye.

The Odin Stone shows a large cross above a man’s head.

– There are indications that it was made between 900 to 1100 AD. This means that it is one of the earliest symbols of the introduction of Christianity in Norway, says Øystein Ekroll, a researcher at the Nidaros Cathedral restoration works to Trønder-Avisa. He explains further:

– The stone is unique and probably part of a larger stone. Even more exciting is that it shows both a cross and an Odin figure that means it was made in a period of transition between Odin and Christ.

Hustad church is a medieval stone church built between 1130 and 1160 AD. When a new church was erected in 1887, the Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments in Inderøy took over the old church, and it has been left in original condition.

It is the best-preserved medieval church in Trøndelag, and will be open to the public every Sunday throughout the summer.

Text modified by: Anette Broteng Christiansen, ThorNews

Illustration by Carl Emil Doepler

Categories: Central Norway, Culture, History, Travel, Vikings