Henrik Williams is the renowned authority of Old Norse languages, returning to the ASI as an in-demand speaker on topics encompassing the Vikings, runes, Old Swedish and Old Icelandic.

Awarded a 2015 Rudbeck Medal for groundbreaking research, Williams is a scholar and professor of Scandinavian Languages at Sweden's Uppsala University. As a philologist, he studies languages in written historical sources, essentially combining literary criticism, history, and linguistics. A 40-year Minnesota Vikings football fan since his years as an exchange student, Williams is currently debunking Nordic myths and advising the team on the authenticity and meaning of its symbols.

Three programs on Wednesday, November 2
» 9:30 a.m. Swedish Viking Age Rune Stones (class)
» 11 a.m. Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll in Runic Times (class)
» 6:30 p.m. Runic Women: Priestess and Pilgrim, Slave and Queen (lecture), 5:30 p.m. (reception)

1) Swedish Viking Age Rune Stones @ 9:30 a.m
What are runes, these most enigmatic of characters? What did the mighty Vikings have to say on their fascinating rune stones? Enter the world of runic inscriptions, with its lively Pagans and pious Christians. Learn about lawmakers, warriors, graffiti, death poems, cryptograms, and autocrats.
Registration requested by October 26.
$25 non-members / $20 ASI members
Includes museum admission

2) Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll in Runic Times @ 11 a.m.
There is little human activity not revealed in runic inscriptions. But people will be people, even long ago. Learn about some unexpected phenomena spelled out in runes.
Registration requested by October 26
$25 Non-members / $20 ASI members
Includes museum admission

3) Runic Women: Priestess and Pilgrim, Slave and Queen
» 5:30 p.m. reception, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar
» 6:30 p.m. Lecture
Women in the Viking age and medieval times played vital, multifaceted roles in daily life. Yet they seldom appear in historical documents or archeological records. Recent runic research has revealed a different story about women from all walks of life. Women were queens, pilgrims, and priestesses. They were also important in the conversion to Christianity.
$10 per person. Registration Recommended.

Thank You
These programs are made possible through the collaborative efforts of the American Swedish Institute, Uppsala University, American Friends of Uppsala University, Uppsala University Alumni Association - Minnesota Chapter, American Association for Runic Studies and The Minnesota Vikings.