Kjell Aartun (born 6 July 1925 in Sjernarøy) is a Norwegian theologian and linguist. He is considered a leading expert on Semitic languages, particularly the Ugaritic language. He is also known for several controversial theories on runic interpretation and the origin of Minoan civilization. Aartun received a government scholarship (statsstipendiat) in 1983 and received HM The King's Medal of Merit in Gold for his scientific work in 2001. He has been a member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters since 1986, and is also a member of the Deutsche Morgenländische Gesellschaft.