Ron the Yarn Spinner

 

Bluetooth and Gorm the Old

 

The primary goal of Bluetooth technology was to create a standard for wireless communication that would allow devices to connect and exchange data over short distances without the need for cables. Innovation: Bluetooth was designed to facilitate seamless communication between a wide range of devices, including computers, phones, headsets, and other peripherals, creating a universal wireless communication standard

 

But why the name "Bluetooth"?

 

To answer that question, we have to go back, far back in history to the 10^th Century and meet Gorm the Old. Old maybe, but Gorm was a significant figure, known for his own Viking exploits. Gorm ruled over Denmark during this century and helped lay a foundation for the Danish kingdom. His reign is significant for setting the stage for the unification efforts conducted by his son, Harald who (what do you know) became the became King Harald Gormsson. No doubt the name Harald Gormsson was not painted on his mailbox, however. Gormsson most likely being derived from Gorm’s son.

 Harald was known for his efforts to unify Denmark and parts of Norway under his rule, which he achieved through a mix of both diplomacy and force. His ambitions and tactics were quite impressive for his time, showcasing his strong Viking leadership qualities. Harald is credited with being one of the early Scandinavian kings to convert to Christianity, which was a significant shift from the Norse pagan traditions. This move helped pave the way for the spread of Christianity in the region, though it wasn’t without its challenges. Harald commissioned the Jelling Stones, (not jelly stones) large granite rocks about 8 feet tall bearing inscriptions in Old Norse that are often considered Denmark's birth certificate. These stones bear runic carvings and characters proclaiming Harald’s conversion to Christianity and marking his efforts to unite Denmark. They’re also notable for being one of the earliest uses of the term “Danes” to describe the people of Denmark.

 

Bluetooth technology guru Jim Kardach, inspired by his Viking roots, coined the term "Bluetooth" as a nod to King Harald, symbolizing the technology’s goal of uniting various devices through wireless communication. Kardach, a key figure in the project,  was working at Intel in the mid-1990s when the idea for Bluetooth was conceived. The name reflects both a historical reference and the vision of creating a universal standard for device connectivity.  Initially, the technology was referred to by its (secret) code name, "Bluetooth," while in its development phase. Bluetooth was later also chosen as a working title, and it eventually became the official name.

So why Bluetooth?

 

The Bluetooth Connection: Harald earned this nickname "Bluetooth" because he had a dead tooth, which was quite noticeable. No. 7 or No. 10 would be my guess.

My wife, Juliana. a registered dental hygienist would  call this necrosis. The King had a necrotic tooth. She says “……trauma to a tooth can cause the pulp (inner tissue) to die, leading to discoloration. Necrotic teeth typically turn darker shades like gray or black  and sometimes have a bluish tint.”

In dentistry, Bluetooth technology enhances the functionality and efficiency of various dental devices and systems enabling wireless communication for digital impressions, handpieces, radiographic systems, (x-rays)  and patient monitoring tools. Some dental practices use Bluetooth-enabled wearable devices to monitor patients’  post-operative conditions remotely.

Most likely, you never paid close attention to the Bluetooth logo, but if King Harald wore cufflinks (which he didn’t) that’s where it would be. They are Harald’s initials.

The Bluetooth logo incorporates the initials of the King (H and B in Nordic runes), further connecting the technology to its historical namesake.

How many people know that beside you?