Wonders - Vol 5 No 2 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Issue: Vol. 5 No. 2
Date: June 1998
Publisher: MARK A. HALL PUBLICATIONS
Country: USA
Theme: Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries

This issue of WONDERS magazine, published in June 1998, focuses on the historical debates surrounding Viking exploration in North America, with a particular emphasis on the location of Vinland and the controversial Kensington Runestone. The cover features an illustration of a stone monument and prominently displays the headlines "THE VIKINGS IN THE NEW WORLD" and "& THE KENSINGTON RUNESTONE."

Editorial: Day and Night

The editorial contrasts the experience of researching the "enigma of Vinland" with that of the Kensington Runestone. The Vinland pursuit is described as a "happy experience" fostering a sense of kinship among researchers, leading to a closer understanding of this "difficult and fascinating period of history" pieced together from sagas, maps, and archaeological finds. In contrast, the Kensington Runestone pursuit is likened to a "journey by night," marked by "bitterness" and "rancor," particularly in the post-World War II era. The editorial notes that critics question the competence of stone supporters, while supporters are willing to admit mistakes, citing Sivert N. Hagen's 1950 observation about Hjalmar Holand being the only one to admit errors. The Kensington Runestone is highlighted for its century-long standing as "rock-solid proof" of pre-Columbian Viking visits to North America.

The Vikings in the New World

This article, authored by Mark A. Hall, addresses the question of "Where was Vinland?" Instead of proposing a new solution, Hall recommends and supports a solution offered approximately 80 years prior by Andrew Fossum, a John Hopkins University professor. The article aims to discuss Norse views of American geography, artifacts associated with Viking presence, and the history of the Kensington Runestone.

The Locations of Vinland

Many proposals have placed Vinland in New England, a region described as having a "delightful part of North America with a beautiful landscape and a friendly climate." However, Hall questions whether the Vikings would have easily settled there if they had reached it, given the apparent lack of uninhabited areas. He finds it strange that Viking sagas, if interpreted literally, would suggest passing up lands like Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Maine to settle as far south as Massachusetts or Rhode Island. The current popular notion places Vikings at the tip of northern Newfoundland, a view Hall considers "too cautious."

Andrew Fossum's proposal, published in 1918, is presented as a more sensible interpretation. Fossum's work, "The Norse Discovery of America," interprets the sagas to suggest voyages to Vinland occurred around Newfoundland and the estuary of the St. Lawrence River, following visits to Baffin Island and Labrador.

The Norse View of the New World

This section explores the geographical perspective of Scandinavian peoples from a thousand years ago. The article posits that modern maps do not reflect this ancient view. Voyages from mainland Europe led to Iceland, then Greenland. The presence of Irish settlers in Iceland before the Norse colonization (AD 874) is noted. Erik the Red's explorations in 982-985 led him to Greenland and beyond, with some house foundations in Western Greenland possibly of Irish origin, as detailed by Farley Mowat in "Westviking."

Erik the Red's 983 westward voyage from Greenland led him to lands called "Vestri Obygd," translated as "Western Wilds" or "Western Uninhabited Lands." Fossum identifies Vestri Obygd as Baffin Land, suggesting Erik spent considerable time there and named places. The Greenlanders believed these northern lands were connected within the polar region, a belief sustained by arctic ice.

Fossum notes that Baffin Land has many names, including Vestur Graenlands obygder, Karlbuda, Furdustrandir, and Vestry Obygd. "Furdustrandir" is interpreted as "dangerous strands." The connection of Karlbuda to Baffin Island is supported by Fridtjof Nansen and Farley Mowat.

In 986, Erik sailed to Greenland with colonists, establishing settlements. The article mentions that in 983, Erik sailed west from Greenland and came to lands called Vestri Obygd. Fossum believes Vestri Obygd means Baffin Land. He suggests Erik spent a long time there and named places. The Greenlanders believed the northern lands were connected. The article also mentions that in 986 Erik sailed again to Greenland from Iceland with colonists.

Visiting Vinland

Fossum traces Leif Ericson's journey in AD 1001 along the coast of Labrador and past Anticosti Island. A landfall in Vinland was made on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, possibly on the Gaspe Peninsula or further west. Leif sailed up a river into a lake where "Booths" were built. His foster father, "The Turk," discovered grapes, indicating they had reached the northern edge of wild grape territory. The name "Vinland" was given due to the presence of grapes.

Thorfinn Karlsefni also found grapes during his journeys in 1011-1013. He initially believed he had landed in the same Vinland as Leif Ericson when visiting Newfoundland. His runners returned with wheat and grapes. Karlsefni sailed down the east coast of Newfoundland, naming Straumfjord and Hop, where the party hunted and lived. One member, Thorhal Veideman, sought Leif's Vinland by sailing north and west into the Strait of Belle Isle but was blown eastward to Ireland.

Karlsefni then sailed north around Newfoundland and down the western coast, observing familiar mountains. Initial contacts with Native Americans were positive, but relations soured, leading to a battle where many natives and two Norsemen died. The party returned to Greenland, recognizing the natives as a constant nuisance. Fossum concludes that the saga describes a real land, identified as Newfoundland, with specific geographical features matching the south banks of the St. Lawrence River.

The last voyage to Vinland mentioned in the sagas was led by Freydis, Erik the Red's daughter, around 1014-1015. This journey involved deception, disagreements, and murder but did not add to geographical knowledge. The sagas suggest Vinland was located south of Markland, encompassing the south shore of the St. Lawrence and Newfoundland.

What and Where is Ginnungagap?

This section addresses the identity of "Ginnungagap," a geographical term crucial for understanding Norse views of Vinland. Fossum's work implies that Ginnungagap should be equated with the St. Lawrence estuary, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Strait of Belle Isle, serving as the route from Vinland to Greenland. The Vikings conceived of an ocean surrounding all lands (Mare Oceanum), with Ginnungagap being a passage from the Atlantic to this ocean.

Other writers have equated Ginnungagap with Hudson Strait, located between Baffin Island and Labrador. However, the article argues against this, citing Farley Mowat that Hudson Strait had a Norse name, Skuggifjord. Fridtjof Nansen noted the ambiguity surrounding Ginnungagap's identity. The article points to a passage from the geography called Gripla, which places Ginnungagap between Vinland and Greenland, not between Furdustrandir (Baffin Island) and Helluland (Labrador), thus supporting its identification with the St. Lawrence estuary and related waterways.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical exploration and settlement of North America by Norse peoples, particularly the Vikings. There is a strong focus on interpreting ancient sagas and geographical evidence to pinpoint the locations of Vinland, Markland, and Helluland. The issue highlights the academic debates and controversies surrounding these interpretations, exemplified by the discussion of the Kensington Runestone, which is presented as a contentious piece of evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to historical inquiry, while acknowledging the passion and sometimes acrimony that such debates can generate. The magazine positions itself as a platform for "Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries."

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated June 1998, features articles exploring Viking exploration and presence in North America. The main cover story focuses on "THE RUNESTONE AT KENSINGTON, MINNESOTA" by Mark A. Hall, examining the discovery, controversy, and significance of this 14th-century artifact.

Vinland and Norse Exploration

The articles delve into the geography and historical accounts of Norse voyages to North America, particularly concerning Vinland, Markland, and Helluland. The text discusses how geographical clues from sagas and old maps, such as Gudbrander Thorlaksson's map, help identify these locations. Vinland is suggested to be Newfoundland and the south shore of the St. Lawrence, while Markland is identified as Labrador. The early visits to Vinland are described as being inhabited by "troublesome Indians" and unsuitable for Norse colonization, though Markland was visited for wood. The importance of Vinland is discussed in relation to its mention by Adam of Bremen around 1075, who described it as an island beyond which lies "endless ice and fog" and noted the presence of vines and unsown corn.

Bishop Eric Gnupsson's appointment as "Bishop of Greenland and Vinland in partibusus infidelium" in 1121 is mentioned, along with his subsequent disappearance. The Kensington Runestone, dated 1362, is presented as evidence of Viking exploration into the heart of North America. The article reviews the century of debate surrounding its authenticity, concluding that it is likely genuine.

Irish Presence in Vinland

One theory explored is the presence of an Irish colony in Vinland, referred to as "Hvritramannaland" or "Irland Mikkla." Archaeological finds at L'Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland are considered consistent with this theory. The sagas mention encounters with natives who described a land where people wore white clothes and carried banners, interpreted as a suggestion of Irish colonists south of Markland. Trade between Irish and Greenland colonies is also noted.

Further Viking Discoveries and Artifacts

The magazine discusses the Viking push beyond Vinland, exploring the western coast of Greenland and reaching areas like Baffin Island and Labrador. The discovery of "New-Land" and "Down Island(s)" in the late 13th century is detailed, with potential locations identified as Newfoundland and Miquelon Island, or possibly Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The article notes that reaching Newfoundland directly from Iceland became more feasible with the advent of the compass.

A Viking axe, described as an 11th-century "Northmen type," was found in Nova Scotia. The Kensington Runestone is presented as a marker for the farthest penetration by Vikings into the New World. An old Norse coin, minted between 1065 and 1080, was excavated in Maine.

The Newport Tower Enigma

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Newport Tower in Rhode Island. The article debunks common misconceptions, such as its definitive colonial origin or its construction in 1675 by Governor Benedict Arnold. It highlights that the idea of a Norse origin dates back to at least 1775, predating Charles C. Rafn's publication. Excavations have revealed traces of previous digging, and the chemical similarity of mortar is not conclusive evidence of colonial origin. The "Plowden Paper" from 1632, which mentions a "rownd stone towre," suggests the tower may have existed before the colonial settlement of Newport. The article concludes that the Newport Tower remains a mysterious artifact of unknown origin, possibly built by Norse, other pre-Columbian Europeans, or early colonists.

Summary of Findings

The issue concludes with a summary reiterating that Viking sagas describe early explorations and exploitation of the New World, starting from Greenland and moving through Baffin Island, Labrador, Newfoundland, and the St. Lawrence estuary. The importance of understanding the locations where events occurred is emphasized, referencing works like Andrew Fossum's "The Norse Discovery of America." The possibility of an Irish colony in Vinland is revisited, with L'Anse Aux Meadows being a key site. The reach of Vikings in the 14th century is suggested to have extended to Minnesota. The article notes the ongoing efforts to uncover more evidence of these early colonists and visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical interpretation, archaeological evidence, and the ongoing debate surrounding Viking and pre-Columbian European exploration of North America. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages critical examination of evidence, acknowledges the controversies, and presents various theories and findings, ultimately emphasizing the need for more research to definitively answer these historical questions. The editorial stance is one of scholarly inquiry and open-mindedness towards the possibility of extensive early transatlantic contact.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated June 1998, features a cover story on the Kensington Runestone, a controversial artifact discovered in Minnesota. The issue delves into the historical saga of the runestone, its discovery, the scholarly debates surrounding its authenticity, and its potential implications for understanding early European exploration in North America.

The Kensington Runestone Saga

The article begins by recounting the discovery of the Kensington Runestone on November 8, 1898, by Olof Ohman, a Scandinavian farmer in Minnesota. While clearing trees, Ohman unearthed a large, flat stone with carvings. His son was the first to notice the inscription.

Initially, Professor O. J. Breda of the University of Minnesota recognized runes but could only produce a partial translation. The mention of "Vinland" led him to believe it dated from the era of Leif Ericson. However, he concluded the language was not Old Norse and declared it a forgery, a sentiment shared by scholars in Oslo. This dismissal is characterized as "unfortunate presumptive and dismissive scholarship."

Nine years later, Hjalmar Holand provided a full translation. The inscription on one side reads: "[We are] 8 Goths and 22 Norwegians on [an] exploration journey from Vinland round about the west. We had camp by 2 skerries one day's journey north from this stone. We were (out) and fished one day. After we came home [we] found ten of our men red with blood and dead. AVM [Ave Virgo Maria] save (us) from evil."

An inscription on the edge states: "[We] have ten men by the sea to look after our ships 14 days-journeys from this island. [In the] year [of our Lord] 1362."

This inscription, dating from the 14th century, predates Leif Ericson's time by 350 years and has been the subject of continuous debate for a century. The stone, weighing 230 pounds, was likely placed upright and later toppled. It was covered by soil until its accidental unveiling. The area was surveyed and settled in the late 19th century, with Ohman purchasing his farm in 1891.

Hjalmar Rued Holand's Investigation

Hjalmar Holand, a student at the University of Wisconsin in 1898, initially did not hear about the runestone. In 1907, while writing a history of Norwegian settlements in America, he learned of the runestone in Kensington. He visited Ohman and was told the stone had been used as a step into a granary, with the inscription side down. Holand initially believed it might be a forgery due to the scholarly condemnation.

However, after taking possession of the stone and studying runes, Holand recognized the fallacy in the rejection. He published articles supporting its authenticity. The Minnesota Historical Society formed a committee, including Nicholas Winchell and Warren Upham, which accepted the stone as genuine, though no final report was issued. Holand spent half a century defending the inscription's validity and wrote several books on the subject.

The Paul Knutson Expedition

Holand also drew attention to the 1354 mission of Sir Paul Knutson, charged by King Magnus Erikson to go to Greenland to restore the Christian faith. This expedition is linked to the Viking presence in the New World in the 14th century. The article touches upon the fate of Greenland colonists, with the Western Settlement collapsing around 1345, and the Eastern Settlement ending nearly two centuries later due to various factors including distance, pirates, strife, and climate.

A historical fragment suggests that in 1342, Western colonists had "freely forsaken the true faith of the Christians and 'turned to the people of America.'" This is supported by Ivar Bardsson's record from around 1350, which found no living colonists. The formal Paul Knutson expedition in 1354 is presented as a significant event, and the article notes the extraordinary claim that some see no connection between it and the Kensington Runestone dated 1362.

Mooring Stones and Other Artifacts

The article discusses "mooring stones" found in Minnesota, which supporters of the Kensington Runestone cite as evidence of Viking activity. These are boulders with drilled holes, suggested to be temporary mooring sites for boats. However, an archaeologist notes that these drilled boulders have a simple origin: farmers drilling holes to break up large rocks. The article concludes that distinguishing them as genuine "mooring stones" requires a convincing method not yet presented.

Other artifacts, such as axe heads and swords from Minnesota and Wisconsin, have also been presented as supporting the runestone's validity. However, most are deemed unconvincing, with some being "tobacco axes" used for promotion. The article stresses that any artifact associated with the runestone needs careful study.

The La Verendrye Stone

The discussion shifts to another mysterious stone, the "La Verendrye Stone," which began with Peter Kalm's account in 1749. Kalm learned from Sieur de la Verendrye about a stone found on a journey west of Montreal, described as a pillar-like stone with unknown characters. This stone was brought back to Canada and eventually sent to France. Jesuit scholars compared its characters to Tartarian characters.

Sivert N. Hagen's Examination

Sivert N. Hagen's 1950 examination of the Kensington inscription in *Speculum: A Journal of Mediaeval Studies* is presented. Hagen provides a translation that closely matches Holand's and addresses the forgery argument. He notes that verb forms argued as "modern" were already in use around 1300 in some Scandinavian dialects. Hagen concludes that Holand was correct in asserting it as a genuine record of a Scandinavian expedition in 1362.

Hagen also addresses the challenges runologists faced in the past due to limited knowledge of 14th-century language and runes. He suggests that what were once considered fatal flaws have since been validated by further research, and the inscription has been upheld. The current difficulty for runologists is to overcome long-standing condemnations and admit past mistakes.

Richard A. Hall Jr.'s Defense

Retired linguist Richard A. Hall Jr. has continued to advocate for the Kensington Runestone's authenticity in two books, working with Richard Nielsen and Rolf M. Nilsestuen. They aim to answer critics point-by-point, with the expectation that their arguments will eventually be acknowledged as correct.

The Journey

This section speculates on the journey of the Vikings implied by the Kensington Runestone, suggesting they came from the north into Minnesota. The article considers the possibility of their route via Lake Superior, but notes the inscription implies they left their ships by the sea. The focus then shifts to Hudson Bay and a potential journey up the Nelson River, across Manitoba lakes, to the Red River and into Minnesota, a journey the inscription claims took 14 days.

S. N. Hagen's suggestion that the 14-day timeframe refers to the return trip is discussed, but the author proposes an alternative. The terrain of six centuries ago is believed to have been different, with Hudson Bay potentially extending further south into Manitoba, and remnants of Glacial Lake Aggasiz forming marshy channels. These conditions are supported by Ojibway and Cree Indian traditions.

The article references Farley Mowat's book *Lost in the Barrens* for Cree lore. The slow rising of the Hudson Bay region due to isostatic rebound is mentioned as a geological phenomenon.

Indigenous Traditions and Early Encounters

The Ojibway traditions are presented, including a story about three mounds in northwestern Minnesota near Roseau. This tale involves 14 fair-skinned, light-haired strangers who escaped a shipwreck and built three sod wigwams. Famine and illness reduced their numbers, and they were taken in by local Indians. The story suggests these strangers may have been descendants of Norse colonists who disappeared from Greenland.

Billy McGillis shares stories about mounds on a sand ridge, explaining that Indians sometimes played upon the credulity of white people. He states the mounds were winter homes for people living on the ridge when it was an island in a great lake.

Mickinock recounts a story about a large boat being broken by ice and wind, leading to the escape of fourteen whites (seven men, two women, and five children) to a sand ridge. After a harsh winter, only one man and five children survived. Local Indians took them in, and over time, the white survivors intermarried with the Indians.

Those Traditional White People

The article discusses the physical characteristics of these traditional white people, noting their fair complexions, blue eyes, and light hair, suggesting they might be descendants of Swedes or Norwegians. It is speculated that they could be part of the Norse colony that disappeared from Greenland. The text questions whether it is too far-fetched to suppose some of these colonists drifted into the Roseau Valley centuries before the Norwegians who later settled there.

It is noted that some pioneers dismissed Indian traditions about the mounds, but the article asserts that these traditions are crucial for understanding their origin, as the mounds existed before white explorers arrived.

Further Indigenous Accounts

Another story is presented, corroborated by several elders, about whites and two other mounds. This narrative describes a group of people who camped on a sand ridge and were surprised by a camp of "quite a number of people" on a nearby ridge. These "southern people" were using the ridge as a camping ground, leading the "northern people" to believe there were more people to the south and to plan ways to prevent invasion.

Nelson describes an artificial mound in the shape of a serpent created by the Indians as a warning to people to the south. The article suggests these "strange people" might have been Greenland colonists from the 14th century. The geographic conditions of high water described in these traditions align with the date of the Kensington Runestone (1362), suggesting Viking explorers might have sailed into a Manitoba Bay and reached shores identified as "the sea."

The journey of the Viking explorers southwards is theorized to have been via the Red River of the North, potentially turning east on the Otter Tail River towards the area of Detroit Lakes and Runestone Hill. The area is described as inundated, with hills projecting as islands. Inspiration Peak might have been used for observation.

The fatal encounter with Indians likely prompted the explorers to consider returning to their ships, with the marker serving to commemorate their dead and show for their journey.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the Kensington Runestone, its historical context, and the ongoing debate about its authenticity. The magazine explores the intersection of archaeological evidence, linguistic analysis, and indigenous oral traditions in piecing together the history of early European encounters with North America. The editorial stance appears to favor a more open-minded approach to the runestone's validity, highlighting the work of scholars like Hjalmar Holand and Richard A. Hall Jr. who have defended its authenticity against initial scholarly skepticism. The issue also emphasizes the importance of indigenous narratives in understanding the historical landscape and potential early human migrations. The magazine seems to advocate for a re-evaluation of past dismissals of evidence and a more thorough investigation of controversial historical claims.

Title: WONDERS
Issue: 63
Date: June 1998
Publisher: MAHP (Mark A. Hall Publications)
Country: USA

The La Verendrye Stone and the Kensington Runestone

This issue of WONDERS delves into the historical mystery surrounding the La Verendrye stone and its potential connection to the much-discussed Kensington Runestone. The article posits that Sieur de la Verendrye, a French explorer, may have discovered a stone with inscriptions during his journey across North Dakota in 1738. The route of this journey, particularly crossing the Sheyenne River east of Harvey, North Dakota, is explored, with the location being close to the geographical center of North America. This area is also considered a potential site for Viking explorers to have left a marker in the 14th century.

The author suggests that if the La Verendrye stone, or a copy of its inscriptions, were found, its translation could spark significant debate, similar to the controversy surrounding the Kensington Runestone. The fate of those who created the Kensington Runestone remains unknown, with speculation about whether they traveled westward, left other runestones, or returned to Scandinavia. Hjalmar Holand, a historian, believes some did return, while others await more evidence.

Searches for the physical La Verendrye stone have been unsuccessful. However, the article proposes that a modern search for an 18th-century copy of its inscriptions might be more fruitful, as it is likely that someone recorded its markings during its journey from North Dakota to Montreal, Quebec, and eventually to France. This could lead to a new century of arguments and research.

Historical Context and Research

The article references several historical and archaeological works, including those by G.J. Marcus, Hjalmar R. Holand, Carl O. Sauer, S.N. Hagen, Richard A. Hall Jr., and Russell Reid. Russell Reid's suggested route for La Verendrye's 1738 journey is specifically mentioned, placing the discovery of the stone toward the end of the trip, near the Sheyenne River.

The Kensington Runestone itself is described as a subject of much debate, with the article referring to its inscription and the ongoing arguments surrounding its authenticity and origins.

Other MAHP Publications

The second page of the scan displays promotional material for other publications by MAHP (Mark A. Hall Publications). These include:

• WONDERS Vol.1, Vol.2, Vol.3, Vol.4: Covering various topics related to mysteries and unexplained phenomena.
• Thunderbirds - The Living Legend! by Mark A. Hall (Second Edition).
• Natural Mysteries: Featuring monster lizards, English dragons, and other puzzling animals, by Mark & Hall.
• THE Yeti, Bigfoot & True Giants by Mark A. Hall, an introduction with appearances, names, and tracks.

The MAHP address is listed as MAHP BOX 3153 BUTLER STATION, MINNEAPOLIS MN 55403 USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the intersection of historical exploration, potential ancient artifacts (runestones), and the ongoing quest for historical truth. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging further research and debate, particularly regarding the La Verendrye stone and its relationship to the Kensington Runestone. It highlights the challenges and enduring controversies in historical research, suggesting that new avenues of investigation, such as searching for documented copies of inscriptions, could be more productive than searching for lost artifacts.