Einang Stone

The Einang stone is a 4th-century runestone near Fagernes in Oppland, Norway, bearing an Elder Futhark inscription in Proto-Norse that reads 'ek godagastiz runo faihido' ('I, Godguest, painted/wrote the runes'). It is the oldest runestone still standing at its original location and may contain the earliest known use of the word 'runo' (rune). The stone sits on a grave mound within the extensive Gardberg burial site on a ridge overlooking the Valdres valley. The verb 'faihido' literally means 'painted,' suggesting the original inscription was highlighted with pigment. Today the runestone is protected by glass walls and a roof.