In the serene landscapes of Nordfjordeid, Norway, a Viking burial mound has revealed an unexpected connection between the past and the present. Archaeologists, reexcavating the legendary Myklebust Ship mound, stumbled upon a unique find: a 140-year-old message in a bottle. Left by Anders Lorange, the archaeologist who first explored the site in 1874, this discovery intertwines the story of a Viking king’s burial with a personal declaration of love, offering a fascinating glimpse into both Viking and 19th-century history.
Historical Context of the Myklebust Ship Mound
The Myklebust Ship is an awe-inspiring relic of Viking history. Measuring about 100 feet long in its original form, it is one of the largest Viking ships ever unearthed in Norway. Discovered in 1874 by Anders Lorange, the ship was part of a burial mound believed to house the remains of a Viking king. The mound contained numerous treasures, including weapons, shields, and ornate decorations, reflecting the grandeur and power of the individual buried there.
Viking burial mounds, such as the Myklebust site, often served as ceremonial resting places for the elite. The ship, burned and buried with its owner, symbolized their journey to the afterlife, while the treasures were offerings to the gods. Despite Lorange’s initial excavation, the site was only partially explored before being refilled, leaving many secrets buried until now.
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The Message in a Bottle
In 2024, researchers from the University of Bergen resumed excavation at the Myklebust mound, uncovering a mysterious brown bottle. Clearly more modern than the Viking-era artifacts, the bottle contained a letter, a business card, and five coins. The business card belonged to Anders Lorange, identifying him as an archaeologist with the Bergen Museum.
The letter, dated 1874, provided Lorange’s account of the excavation. It read:
“This Mound was excavated in Anno Domino 1874. Of Anders Lorange, Antiqvarius Norvegiæ. The mound is built over fallen Men. They were burned in their ship with their weapons and decorations. Of Skjold (shield) bulges were 26 – of Swords 2 – an ax and many Arrows – in addition to many other Old Saws. The find is handed over to the Bergens Museum.”
The coins, also dated to the 19th century, further confirmed the message’s authenticity, making this a rare time capsule linking two periods of history.
Errors and Omissions in Lorange’s Notes
While Lorange’s letter provided valuable historical context, it also revealed notable inaccuracies. For instance, he reported finding 26 shield bulges, but the current excavation uncovered 44. These discrepancies suggest Lorange may not have conducted the excavation personally.
Instead, evidence points to farm workers performing much of the digging, with Lorange overseeing the work. His omissions and errors highlight the challenges of 19th-century archaeology, where documentation often relied on incomplete observations and external labor.
Romantic Connection: Emma Gade and the Runic Mystery
One of the most intriguing aspects of the bottle’s contents was a cryptic line at the bottom of the letter. Written in a runic alphabet, it initially puzzled archaeologists. Upon closer inspection, experts realized Lorange had attempted to write Norwegian words in runes, spelling out: “Emma Gade my girlfriend.”
Emma Gade, whose name also appeared on Lorange’s business card, was later revealed to be his romantic partner. The two eventually married, making this declaration of love a charming historical footnote. Interestingly, this is not Lorange’s only known time capsule. In the 1930s, another bottle containing a similar romantic note addressed to a different woman was discovered, further illustrating his unique way of blending archaeology with personal sentiment.
Archaeological Insights from the New Excavation
Beyond the 140-year-old message, the renewed excavation has unearthed new details about the Myklebust mound. Advanced techniques have confirmed the site’s richness, with treasures far exceeding Lorange’s initial documentation. The 44 shield bulges, alongside swords, arrows, and other artifacts, underscore the grandeur of the Viking king’s burial.
These findings not only validate the significance of the Myklebust Ship mound but also offer deeper insights into Viking burial practices. The mound’s treasures symbolize the warrior ethos of the Vikings, where personal wealth and weaponry reflected status and power.
Time Capsules of Anders Lorange
The message in a bottle is the second such find associated with Lorange. Known for leaving time capsules at archaeological sites, Lorange’s habit provides a unique connection between modern researchers and their predecessors.
His playful use of runes and declarations of love add a personal touch to his professional legacy, humanizing the field of archaeology. These time capsules also serve as reminders of how the past and present are often intertwined, with modern discoveries shedding light on both ancient and recent history.
Future of the Myklebust Ship Mound
The University of Bergen plans to continue excavations at the Myklebust Ship mound, aiming to uncover more artifacts and further explore Viking burial traditions. The 140-year-old message and other finds will be displayed in a dedicated exhibition, allowing the public to connect with this rich history.
Nordfjordeid, a small town near the excavation site, plays a vital role in preserving Viking heritage. The planned display of artifacts will not only enhance understanding of the Viking era but also celebrate the contributions of archaeologists like Lorange, whose work paved the way for modern discoveries.
Conclusion
The discovery of a 140-year-old message in a bottle at the Myklebust Ship mound is a testament to the layers of history waiting to be uncovered. From Viking treasures to a 19th-century archaeologist’s personal note, this find bridges centuries, blending tales of power, love, and exploration.
As excavations continue, the Myklebust mound remains a symbol of how archaeology connects us to our shared past. Whether through the story of a Viking king’s burial or Lorange’s heartfelt declaration to Emma Gade, the site reminds us of the enduring human desire to leave our mark on history.
