The Picture Stone from Austers at Hangvar

The Picture Stone from Hunninge at Klinte
The Picture Stone from Väskinde Cemetary The Picture Stone from Levide Parish Church
The Picture Stone from Havor in Hablingbo The Picture Stone from Bopparve in Alva
The Picture Stone from Martebo Parish Church The Picture Stone from Ire in Hellvi
The Picture Stone from Austers at Hangvar A Further Picture Stone from Ire in Hellvi
The Picture Stone from Sanda The Picture Stone from Broa in Halla
The Picture Stone from Smiss at När The Picture Stone from Smiss in Stenkyrka
The Picture Stones from Larsarve at Eskelhem The Picture Stone from Laxare in Boge
Picture stones from Smiss at Garda The Picture Stones from Sjonhem Parish Church
The Picture Stone from Ardre
 

The stone was found during the process of house-building in what was presumed to be a prehistoric grave, and dated to the period 400–600 A.D. On this stone, we meet a new type of whorl, where the spokes have been shaped into spirals. This motif is also known from the Mediterranean regions, where there are examples of symbols shaped like a cross or a swastika with its end hooks rolled up into spiral shapes or broken to a type of meander.

Beneath the circular central motif can be seen the stern of a boat, whilst above can be seen a male and a strangely shaped animal – a centipede or perhaps a serpent or dragon. This might well be an early account of the

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ancient Nordic Wayland Saga’s warrior Sigurd the Dragon Slayer and his struggle with the dragon – or serpent – Favner. When Sigurd slew the dangerous opponent, he ate the serpent’s heart, resulting in his being able to understand the birds’ language. Sigurd also laid claim to Favner’s golden treasure that he rode off with on the wide back of the horse Grane.