Magic in the underwater realm has always been a captivating concept in folklore and mythology. The idea that an enchanting world exists beneath the surface, filled with mystical creatures and mysterious powers, has fascinated humankind for centuries. From ancient legends to modern literature, the theme of magic in the water continues to capture our imaginations. In various mythologies, water deities and merfolk are often associated with having magical abilities. These creatures possess the power to control the tides, shape-shift, and communicate with marine life. Their magical prowess creates a sense of wonder and awe, reflecting the belief that water holds a certain mystical energy.
In runes found at Byrggen in Bergen, Sweden, the base staves have become more than linear. The staves of the runic inscriptions take on shapes like the head of a man and the body of a fish. There is little difference in which shapes symbolize the character set and the characters from the Early Age to the Middle Ages.
To write in old futhark, to associate with each letter or sound of a message in English, his correspondence or what is nearest in old futhark according to the table A ᚨ B ᛒ C K Q ᚲ D ᛞ E ᛖ F ᚠ G ᚷ H ᚺ I ᛁ J Y ᛃ L ᛚ M ᛗ N ᚾ NG ᛝ O ᛟ P ᛈ R ᚱ S ᛋ T ᛏ TH ᚦ U ᚢ V W ᚹ Y ᛃ Z ᛉ. For example, in Tree runes, the sign or twigs on one side the left or right never have a number higher than 3 these signs or twigs represent the aettir.
Their magical prowess creates a sense of wonder and awe, reflecting the belief that water holds a certain mystical energy. Moreover, the concept of magical underwater realms can symbolize a connection to the subconscious mind. Water, with its constant movement and fluidity, represents the depths of the human psyche and emotions.
Stone Circles
For deciphering or writing secret runes, the basics are found in the “families” of runes.
The upper row in the Elder Futhark, Freyr’s aett is often counted as the 3rd aettir, the middle row, Hagall’s aett is counted as the 2nd aettir, and the lower row, Tyr’s aett, is counted as the 1st aett.
Some secret rune inscriptions place the aettirs in their normal ranking, i.e, count futharkgw as the 1st aett.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3. aett | |||||||
| 2. aett | |||||||
| 1. aett |
Images in table link to a short description of the rune.
Secret runes are often written 2/3 or 23, which would mean the 3rd rune in the 2nd aettir = Isa, the i-rune. In this number system “Raven” would read: 35 34 38 13 22
Interpreting inscriptions
To interpret inscriptions, the first rule is to find the styles of the runic form: In “Boustphedon” the first sentence proceeds from right to left and the second sentence, below the first, proceeds from left to right.
Venderuner are reversed pattern runes – mirror images.
Stupruner were written upside-down.
Tree runes
For example, in Tree runes, the sign or twigs on one side (the left or right) never have a number higher than 3 – these signs or twigs represent the aettir. The number of twigs on the left side of the staves below indicate the aett to which the rune belongs. The number of twigs on the right side of the stave indicates which rune it is in this aett.
The inscriptions from the Norum Church and the Rök stone, are methodologically similar. Carvings from the Rotbrunna and Vålsta stones seem also based on comparable structural rules.
Rotbrunna stone
The following inscription is from the Rotbrunna stone:
It was written with the younger runes and futhark is counted as the 3. aett. The long lines state the aettir. The thus coded runes say airikr, which is the name “Eirik”. The 4 following runes on the stone say hiuk, which mean “trace, scratch, chop, hew (in stone with chisel)”. The runic text can be translated “Eric wrote (these runes)”.
Be aware though! In some inscriptions the short lines are the aettir and the long lines represent the runes ranking in the aettir.
“Raven” would look like:
Vålsta stone
The Vålsta stone’s inscription has secret runes using a summation of both methods:
The inscription is written with younger runes and futhark is counted as the 3. aettir.
Signs to indicate the rune and aettir can also be used. The number of left-turned signs gives the aett and the following number of right-turned signs gives the ranking of the rune in the aett. Futharkgw is counted as the 3. aett, not the first.
Rök stone
An inscription found on the Rök stone reads thu on the upper line, and r in the lower line:
Norum baptismal font
The inscription from the Norum baptismal font in Norum Church in Sweden uses similar secret runes:
The order of aettir is reversed. The 3. aett is Tyr’s: B.
Bryggen
In runes found at Byrggen in Bergen, Sweden, the base staves have become more than linear. The staves of the runic inscriptions take on shapes like the head of a man and the body of a fish. There is little difference in which shapes symbolize the character set and the characters from the Early Age to the Middle Ages.
Found among several runic inscriptions from the Middle Age at Bryggen was a secret rune inscription using a man’s head as the stave:
The system of counting the aettir and the ranking of the runes is in this case equal to all other above described ways of writing secret runes. The fourth from the right is a “S-rune”, i.e. the 5. rune in the 2. aett.
Also found at Bryggen was a secret runic inscription using a fish as the stave. It is likely that staves in the shape of fish expresses the influence of Christianity. But the system is the same as in all other above described ways of writing secret runes.
This inscription reads 6. rune in 3. aett (k) + 2. rune in 3. aett (u) + 3. rune in 3. aett (th) + 6. rune in 3. aett (k) + 3. rune in 2 aett (i) + 1. rune in 3. aett (f) + 3. rune in 2. aett (i) -> kuthkifi, for whatever that means. Anybody know?
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The Vikings used these runes to write down messages and sometimes even to cast magic spells. Cool, right?
The underwater world becomes a metaphor for the hidden layers of our own thoughts, feelings, and desires. In this interpretation, magic in the water becomes a gateway to self-discovery and introspection. Magic in the water is also prevalent in modern literature and popular culture. From J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series to Disney's "The Little Mermaid," water-themed magical elements play a significant role in capturing the imaginations of readers and viewers. These stories often emphasize the transformative power of water magic, showcasing how it can change lives and bring about extraordinary experiences. Furthermore, the enchantment of water magic extends beyond fictional realms. In real-life, the beauty and power of water have inspired and influenced various forms of art, including paintings, poetry, and music. Artists have sought to capture the ethereal qualities of water and the magic it holds, whether through depicting serene seascapes or composing evocative melodies. In conclusion, magic in the water continues to be a captivating concept that resonates with individuals across cultures and generations. Whether through ancient legends or modern storytelling, the idea of an underwater realm filled with magical beings and powers ignites our imagination and offers a sense of wonder. As water holds a metaphorical power and connection to the subconscious, it becomes a symbol of self-discovery and introspection. With its endless possibilities and transformative qualities, magic in the water reminds us of the enchanting beauty that lies beneath the surface..
Reviews for "The Elemental Symphony: The Harmony of Water Magic in Xast"
1. Jack - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "Magic in the Water" after hearing such great reviews, but I was left feeling disappointed. The plot was incredibly predictable and lacked any real surprises. The acting was also subpar, with the characters feeling flat and uninteresting. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Magic in the Water" was an absolute bore. The story was slow-paced and dragged on for what felt like an eternity. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and found myself checking my watch constantly. The supposed magic in the film felt forced and contrived, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had chosen a different movie to watch.
3. Mike - 2 stars - I found "Magic in the Water" to be quite underwhelming. The special effects were mediocre at best and felt outdated. The dialogue was cheesy and the film lacked any depth or substance. I was hoping for a captivating and magical experience, but instead, I was left feeling bored and uninterested. I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for an engaging and well-executed fantasy movie.