Study › Runes & Norse › The Gallehus Horns
The Golden Horns of Gallehus were two gold drinking horns found in Denmark. One bore a famous runic line of about 400 CE: "I, Hlewagastiz Holtijaz, made the horn".
What were the Gallehus horns?
The Golden Horns of Gallehus were two magnificent decorated gold drinking horns discovered near Gallehus, Denmark, in the 17th and 18th centuries. One horn contained an Elder Futhark inscription dating to around 400 CE, making it one of the most famous early runic texts. Although the original horns were stolen and melted down in 1802, detailed drawings and replicas preserve their memory. The inscription, which includes the words ek Hlewagastiz Holtijaz horna tawido ("I, Hlewagastiz Holtijaz, made the horn"), is one of the earliest examples of a personal statement written in runes.
Read the Elder Futhark.
Questions
What happened to the Gallehus horns?
They were stolen and melted down in 1802; replicas survive.
What does the inscription say?
"I, Hlewagastiz Holtijaz, made the horn".