The Jelling runestones are some of the oldest examples of Danish writing. They date back to the 10th century and are boulders of varying sizes with inscriptions and drawings. Often the inscriptions state that a particular stone was erected in memory of a close relative or comrade. One of them, dating back to 955, has an inscription stating that the stone was erected by King Gorm in memory of his wife Tyr, the ruler of Denmark.