Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: The Mystery of the Kensington Runestone
Feb 12, 2026
A mysterious inscribed slab found in 1898 sparks a debate about Vikings possibly reaching the American interior. The hosts trace the discovery, runic translation claims, and the surprising geographic and logistical problems. They dig into linguistic red flags, dating tests, local pride, and why many scholars call it a likely hoax.
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Runestone's Radical Historical Claim
- The Kensington Runestone claims Vikings traveled from Vinland to interior Minnesota in 1362, leaving a grisly carved message.
- If genuine, it would rewrite pre-Columbian North American exploration history.
Ullman's Discovery And Sale
- Olaf Ullman, a Swedish immigrant, said he found the stone tangled in a poplar's roots in 1898 and his son noticed markings.
- Ullman sold the stone to the Minnesota Historical Society for $10 and never confessed to a hoax.
Translation Describes A 1362 Expedition
- The commonly accepted translation reads like a confession describing travel, massacre, and the year 1362.
- The inscription references Vinland and specific journeys, implying detailed knowledge of Norse exploration.