Halvdan was here.
Most Viking history texts tend to reference this wonderful bit of runic graffiti, but hardly ever show it, so NorsePlay has decided to feature this detailed photo of Halvdan's inscription. Probably carved by a bored Viking turned Varangian Guardsman while having to endure a tedious mass while standing in the upper gallery of the Church of Hagia Sophia, his action was definitely counter to the preached values of humility he was hearing and more from his Arch-Heathen worldview of establishing reputation and leaving your mark of achievement forever on the world. In this simple way, Halvdan has succeeded. Note Halvdan wasn't the only sermon-bored Varangian either as there are two more runic inscriptions, and possibly five on top of that awaiting valid confirmation, along with carvings of four drakkar Viking ships! Arinbárðr was another identifiable name, but his carving is much less readable than Halvdan's. In Byzantium, an environment where literal cutthroat politics always...