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The "pictured engravings" in "Norse code" (12 April) are not runes, but the only figural ornaments accompanying the 33 12th-century Norse runic inscriptions in Maeshowe (which is a chambered cairn, not an "archaeological site"). The carving is often said to be of a dragon, but may rather be a heraldic lion.

The runes are in fact much more interesting than this beast. Anyone who would like to find out more is welcome to attend my presidential address to the Viking Society for Northern Research in Nottingham on 26 May.

Judith Jesch, Centre for the Study of the Viking Age, School of English Studies, University of Nottingham

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