DNA Confirms 'Well-man' from 800-Year-Old Sverris Saga Linked to Sverresborg Castle in AD 1197

Oct 25, 2024, 04:33 PM

Recent studies have confirmed the historical account of a character known as the 'Well-man' from the 800-year-old Norse saga, Sverris Saga, through DNA analysis. The remains of the 'Well-man' were discovered at Sverresborg Castle in Norway, where it is believed he was thrown into a well during a military raid in AD 1197, possibly to poison the water supply. This marks the first genome sequence linked to a character from an Old Norse saga, providing a scientific basis for the narrative that suggests the sagas may hold historical truths. The findings have been published in a study highlighting the intersection of ancient DNA and written history.