Uploaded March 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Why is Bluetooth called Bluetooth, and what does modern wireless technology have to do with the Viking Age?

In this video, I explain where the name Bluetooth comes from, why it was chosen as a codename in the 1990s, and how it connects directly to the Danish Viking king Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson.

Bluetooth was originally developed as a short-range wireless standard meant to unify competing technologies created by different companies. During early development meetings, engineers used “Bluetooth” as a temporary working name. The inspiration came from Viking history, where Harald Bluetooth is known for uniting Denmark into a single kingdom—an idea that closely matched the goal of creating one shared wireless standard.

The video also explains who Harald Bluetooth was, what we actually know about his nickname from medieval sources, and why many popular explanations about his name are modern myths. Harald ruled in the 10th century and is closely associated with the Jelling stones in Denmark, which document the unification and Christianization of the Danes.

Finally, I break down the Bluetooth logo itself. The symbol is not random—it is a bind rune made from two runes in the Younger Futhark, representing Harald’s initials. Bind runes were rare but known in the Viking Age, making the logo one of the most unexpected Viking symbols still in daily use today.

This video focuses on historical sources, archaeology, and documented evidence rather than speculation.

Website:
skjalden.com

Social:
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#Bluetooth #Vikings #HaraldBluetooth #NorseHistory #VikingAge #TechnologyHistory #Skjalden

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