We all know the bluetooth method to connect digital devices wireless to each other. Or at least you’ve seen the logo. But did you know that the name Bluetooth ánd it’s logo have a very historical background? In this article I want to tell you more about this historical fun fact and the history of the Bluetooth name to tell your friends and family!
The name Bluetooth
Let us start with the name: Bluetooth. Clearly not an ordinary name actually. Because it has nothing to do with connecting devices or wireless transferring data. I mean: blue? Tooth?
Bluetooth is called after a Danish king called Harald Gormsson. In Danish his name is Harald Blatand Gormsson (translated as Harald ‘Bluetooth’ Gormsson), who lived in the 10th century A.D. So the Bluetooth history is a Scandinavian one.
Who was Harald ‘Blatand’ Bluetooth?
This Danish king is still known for some important historical facts. First of all, he was responsible for the unification of Denmark. He was also the king that introduced Christianity to the Danish people. You can even visit a bridge he constructed: the Ravning Bridge, which is still the oldest bridge in southern Scandinavia (he also commanded the erection of many forts).
It is also believed he raided the British Isles, amongst other vikings. But after being king for over 30 years, he couldn’t survive a rebellion started by his own son.
It’s unclear why he got the name Bluetooth. Some myths say it’s because he liked to eat blueberries or licorice. But I prefer to think he just had very bad teeth. Not that uncommon in the middle ages.
The Jelling Stone
King Harald Bluetooth was probably born in the small town of Jelling, in Denmark. It is here that Harald Gormsson ordered the creation of the Jelling Stone: a large stone with rune inscriptions on it. It was his symbol for the unification of the Danish people.
Connecting with Bluetooth
It’s with the Jelling stone and Harald’s history in mind that the Swedish communication company Ericsson chose this historical figure to name their wireless technology. Because just like king Harald Bluetooth, the Ericsson company wanted to connect (in this case devices).
And what about the Bluetooth logo?
There is even a second fun fact, beside the name. You all know the Bluetooth logo, and yes, it’s also connected to king Harald.
Like I said, the Danish name for king Harald Bluetooth was Harald Blatand. And his initials HB in Scandinavian runes form the Bluetooth logo.
How communication technology has a historical background: the history of Bluetooth Harald
As you can see, even modern technology can have a strong connection with history. Do you know other modern technology with a link to history? Let me know, and maybe I’ll write a new article about it!
Source:
Ancient Origins
Wikipedia
Norse Mythology
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