DESCRIPTION. 323 



at Lissleberg, in the parish of Tanum, and is considered 

 one of the most interesting in Bohus-Lan, both in regard 

 to the subject-matter and the execution. " It is cut in 

 the northern face of a rather precipitous rock," says 

 the late M. Holmberg, " but owing to the moss covering 

 it was difficult to decipher. Several of the figures are 

 obliterated, but they do not appear to have been of 

 material consequence. Here are delineated agricultural 

 implements, duels, interesting forms of warlike weapons, 

 as for example, the bow and the battle-axe. But in this, 

 as in other " Hallristningar," it cannot be determined 

 with any degree of certainty whether the several occur- 

 rences stand in connection with each other or refer to 

 different times and places. It seems, therefore, as if one 

 ought to divide the picture into three several groups. 



The upper one represents a hostile descent of the 

 "Vikingar" attacking and killing the inhabitants who 

 are occupied in peaceful pursuits and carrying away their 

 property. One sees here how a bowman shoots a man 

 who guides a plough drawn by two oxen or horses ; as 

 also how horned cattle are driven away to the armed 

 vessels, of which the largest, from its ornamented prow 

 and numerous crew, is evidently a so-called " Drak-skepp" 

 or Dragon-ship. On the back of one of the oxen is further 

 to be noted an unarmed man standing upright, and with 

 only one leg ; probably signifying a prisoner bound hand 

 and foot. The smallest of the animals has on its head a 

 comb-like ornament, the meaning of which it is hard to 

 comprehend. If the wavy line in the midst of the group 

 is symbolical of a serpent, it may imply the secrecy and 

 prudence shown by the Vikingar in the execution of their 

 achievement ; but if the sea be meant, it is to be looked 

 on as the course followed by the hero of the tale. In 

 the left corner is seen a man armed with a sword, who 

 has thrown down his shield, and is di'iving before him 



Y 2 



