Taking Leonardo da Vinci's advice, here is what I think is both "simplicity" and "the ultimate sophistication" in presenting Minnesota's Norse Code-stones, discovered in 2013 and 2022 near Appleton. The message is unmistakeable when the site is examined by a ferrous-only metal detector. Are there any playful "Norse" minds out there? If so, you may wonder what is buried where "X marks the spot." Hint: the Pomme de Terre River discharges into the beginnings of the Minnesota River (Marsh Lake) just a bit north of the Code-stones site. Unfortunately, there is no curiosity from the Minnesota Historical Society or from the State Archaeologist...there is only year-after-year neglect...and even worse, hinderance. Why? Make a guess....
The actor Peter Stormare (think "Fargo"), left, and myself visiting the Altar Rock in 2018 to film an episode for the new TV series "Secrets of the Viking Stone." It was shown in 2020 and this year, 2021. Photo taken by Elroy Balgaard. To begin what is known about the Sauk Lake Altar Rock, I would like to point out that this icon of medieval-era Minnesota history seems to be one of a trifecta of icons that all share at least two features; the Sauk Lake Altar Rock, the Kensington Runestone and the Newport Tower all appear to be connected in a medieval setting to Scandinavians and to the Catholic Church. In this sense, then, all three icons tend to lend support to one another's authenticity. Beyond this, I would like to point out that an earlier regional take on the Sauk Lake Altar Rock is now seen by most historians as ill advised...that being the notion that the Altar Rock was visited and it's four stoneholes made by the Sir Paul Knutson party of me
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