Ancient Runestone Unearthed in Ontario Forest Sparks Public Interest

Researchers recently disclosed the existence of a runestone featuring 255 runes and an image of a boat, discovered in 2015 after a tree collapse exposed it from below the ground.

In 2015, an unexpected discovery unfolded in the forests of Wawa, Ontario, as two trees toppled, unveiling a stone etched with 255 runes and the depiction of a boat. For years, this stone was cloaked in mystery, lying beneath layers of soil and vegetation, but recent collaboration among historians, archaeologists, and rune experts has started piecing together its significant narrative. While the initial excitement drew comparisons to Viking artifacts—given that the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America resides in Newfoundland—further investigation disproved any direct Viking link. Instead, researchers deemed the stone a valid artifact, unlike the discredited Kensington Runestone in Minnesota, which turned out to be a hoax. Kristel Zilmer, a runologist from the University of Oslo, hailed the find as extraordinary, implying the potential for ancient knowledge to traverse unexpected territories. Archaeologist Ryan Primrose expressed his astonishment at encountering such a remarkable artifact in his career, highlighting a newfound interest in uncovering the secrets of this ancient runestone. The team is now reaching out to the public for insights that may further illuminate the stone's origins and purpose.