Often used as memorials to dead men, a runestone is a raised stone with runic carvings. Runic meaning a Germanic language alphabet. Today, most of these stones can be found in Scandinavia and Sweden. The majority of runestones date back to the late Viking age. This tradition of raised and inscripted stones have been around since the 4th and 5th century, appearing first in Norway and Sweden. 

The reason the Vikings had runestones were to claim their territory, brag about their achievements, communicate important news, and most of all honour their fallen brothers. 94% of all runestones have been raised to commemorate dead men. The inscriptions on the stones were all fairly similar. These were the general guidelines:

• Name in memory of who the stone is for – may include their social status, place of death, or prayer dedicated to them 
• Who raised the stone
• How the dead Viking and the one who raised the stone are related 

Many of these runestones have been damaged by the Viking enemies or harsh weather, but some runes can be found in good condition, although the bright colours many stones once bared have completely worn off. Dominating colours used by the Vikings were red and white, some even say the runes were reddened with blood. 

Although runestones were dedicated to mostly men, some were also raised for women. The Rimsø stone in the photo above was raised by a Viking named Thorir in memory of his mother. Not only is this runestone interesting because it was for a women, engraved was an expression of emotion. Thorir claimed that the death of a mother is the worst thing that could happen to a son.

Sources:

https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/power-and-aristocracy/rune-stones/
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=9a665fa8f62a416cba11287496a2ce74
https://www.uu.se/en/support/research-on-runes/