There are several runes that are commonly associated with protection in Norse mythology and runic practices. One of the most well-known and widely used runes for protection is the Algiz rune. The Algiz rune, also known as Elhaz or Eolh, is a powerful symbol of protection and defense. Its shape resembles that of the human form with raised arms, signifying a barrier of protection. The rune is associated with the divine realm and represents a connection to higher powers. In runic practices, the Algiz rune is often used for warding off negative energies, creating a shield of protection, and promoting overall spiritual and physical well-being.
The Tamarilyn Witches
The Tamarylin Coven
Location – Menevia, west of Whiteflower Garden and Lysandus' Tomb.
Description – A circle of seven dancing girls on a clearing, and in the center of the circle is the beldam
If you want to add some style, you could say they broke the Witches Rede, the Laws of the Witches but in Elder Scrolls version So hunting hagravens could be a plot for the witch faction. The Sisters of The Bluff The Coven on The Bluff Location Daggerfall, northwest from The Ashford Graveyard and south of Burning Martyr of Kynareth on the west coast of Daggerfall.
In runic practices, the Algiz rune is often used for warding off negative energies, creating a shield of protection, and promoting overall spiritual and physical well-being. It is believed to bring a sense of courage, strength, and stability to the user. In addition to the Algiz rune, other runes such as Thurisaz (representing defense and resistance), Tiwaz (symbolizing justice and courage), and Othila (representing ancestral protection and inheritance) are also used for protection in various contexts.
Witch covens in the vicinity
Post by Wollirollo » Tue Jan 20, 2015 10:08 pm
Witch Covens, the community hubs for witches. Each coven is lead by a Bedlam, a lead witch. Some covens are found near towns; these are the more "commercial" covens, offering servicesto the local villagers. The covens are of course responsible for many of the problems they are payed to fix.
Then there's the more solitary covens, the ones just for witches, or those that are truly seeking the aid of witches. The more important, powerful witches are in these much rare covens, and although their services are much greater, the covens themselves are much, much harder to find.
I'd suggest that every 2nd town has a nearby coven, excluding the Iliac bay, which I'd imagine is too public, and therefore hazardous.
Also, how do people feel about the witch faction only being join-able if you are a female? It would be a bit more lore correct, and add a nice uniqueness to the faction. Perhaps there can be another male only faction, such as a joinable branch of the Witchmen of the Reach?
Here's a list of old Covens from Daggerfall, some of them can probably be ignored seeing as some are located in places we won't be including due to the world-space size.
The Beldama
The Beldama Coven
Location – Daenia, North Central, south of Greenham Manor, north and slightly east of the Old Masterhouse Shack
Description – This coven is inside a mound, with two spear wielding female guards outside it. Inside is the beldam surrounded by a Circle of Dancers; same layout as the Coven of the Dust and the Glenmorial Coven.
The Daggerfall Witches
The Daggerfall Coven
Location – Shalgora, on the west border with Daggerfall, south and slightly west of Woodham Manor.
Description – Within a Ruined Tower, it consists of the beldam accompanied by a single Dancer.
Notes – This coven is not actually in Daggerfall, but the neighboring kingdom of Shalgora shortly beyond the border.
The Daughters of Wroth
The Wroth Coven
Location – Wrothgarian Mountains, southeast edge, due east of Deerville
Description – A circle of spear wielding women in a field of rubble. The beldam stands in the center of the circle.
The Glenmoril Witches
The Glenmorial Coven
Location – Ilessan Hills, East Central, north and slightly west of Old Chrystausa's Place.
Description – Same layout as the Beldama Coven and the Coven of the Dust.
Notes – Sometimes called Glenmoril Coven (no "a"), although the map says its name is Glenmorial Coven. All covens inside cities seem to be affiliated with it: they can summon Hircine and they offer the standard coven quests, upon completion of which you earn reputation with the Glenmorial Coven.
The Sisters of The Bluff
The Coven on The Bluff
Location – Daggerfall, northwest from The Ashford Graveyard and south of "Burning Martyr of Kynareth" on the west coast of Daggerfall.
Description – This coven consists simply of the beldam standing beside an altar - no followers.
The Skeffington Witches
The Skeffington Coven
Location – Phrygias, south central region near the border, due west of Old Barbyn's Farm.
Description – Inside a a circle of stones; the beldam stands next to four dancers.
The Tamarilyn Witches
The Tamarylin Coven
Location – Menevia, west of Whiteflower Garden and Lysandus' Tomb.
Description – A circle of seven dancing girls on a clearing, and in the center of the circle is the beldam
The Witches of Alcaire
The Alcaire Coven
Location – Alcaire, northwest near border, southeast of Ashsmith Plantation.
Description – The beldam stands alone within a circle of shrubs on a clearing.
Re: Witches, Covens and Bedlams
Post by Le Grimacier » Wed Jan 21, 2015 9:29 pm
During the events of Morrowind, three witches of the Glenmoril Coven (or Glenmoril Wyrd), Ettiene, Fallaise and Isobel, can be found on Solstheim.
Some witches are trading their humanity for access to powerful magic and transform in Hagravens. It's the case for the three witches above later in the events of Skyrim.
You could probably think, at this time, they have been banished from their coven because they sought too much power: normal witches are at the edge of humanity and can "travel" from one side to the other and link them (transform in animal, speak to them, cure lycanthropy/vampirism, summon daedras, etc. ) but this three have gone too far and became fully monsters. (If you want to add some style, you could say they broke the Witches Rede, the Laws of the Witches but in Elder Scrolls version ) So hunting hagravens could be a plot for the witch faction.
Found reference of the Skeffington Coven of Phrygias in 2920 books. There is some explanation about how witches' magic work. If you decide to make it different, you could still say it's because the author wasn't familiar with witchcraft or he had to invent because they're secretive, etc.
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You pointed the problem with genders. It would be unfair for male characters only to be limited. And creating new covens for males and the accompanying quests would be too more work. Instead you could make it a faction like Bethesda did with the Ashlanders tribes and the player can only progress to a certain rank (ex: familiar?). For example, you can say belonging to a witch coven is hereditary and only the daughter of a witch can be high-ranked.
Not all covens are in the outdoor. You could also put some of them in ruins, caves, dungeons or even cities. All depends of the "creepiness" you want to give each of them.
The covens could also be used for daedric quests instead of having statue/shrine in the wilderness. The quest could be given by the Daedric Prince himself (its voice or summoned by a witch) or by the Beldam so you can keep the "dark occult" feeling of the traditional witch.
You could also play with the relations between the different covens. The curses they're throwing to each others, the same goal they're fighting for, their difference in the doing of rituals, etc. You could make a quest to "elect" the Queen Witch of High Rock. Unable to break the balance of votes, they choose the poor player as some kind of elector and he has to side with one camp. Of course each coven is trying to influence him. And each choice the player make during the quest could provoke fights, curses, tensions, etc. A the end, the Queen Witch would free the player of any curse he could have and reward him. Think about it like a sort of Game of Crones
It's important to note that runes are not inherently magical or powerful on their own; their power lies in the intent and belief of the user. While using runes for protection can be meaningful and spiritually significant, it is crucial to approach runic practices with respect and caution. Overall, the Algiz rune is widely recognized as a symbol of protection in Norse mythology and runic practices. Its shape and association with higher powers make it a powerful tool for shielding oneself from negativity and promoting overall well-being..
Reviews for "From Ancient Norse Tradition to Modern Practice: Exploring Rune Protection"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Which rune is used for protection". The information provided was very basic and didn't offer any new insights or perspectives on the topic. I was expecting a more in-depth analysis of various runes and their specific protective properties, but instead, it felt like a generic overview that I could find with a quick internet search. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacking in engagement, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for comprehensive information on protective runes.
2. John - 1 star - "Which rune is used for protection" was a total waste of my time and money. The author seemed to have a limited understanding of the subject matter, and the book lacked proper research and credibility. I felt like I was reading a poorly written blog post rather than a well-researched book. The explanations and descriptions of the different runes were superficial and lacked depth. Furthermore, the lack of examples or practical applications made it hard for me to grasp the practicality of using these runes for protection. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about runes for protection.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Which rune is used for protection" to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was very basic and lacked the depth and detail that I was hoping for. The book failed to address the different interpretations and variations of runes used for protection, leaving me with an incomplete understanding of the topic. Moreover, the writing style was uninspiring and didn't hold my attention. I found myself skimming through the pages rather than fully engaging with the content. Overall, I would not recommend this book as a comprehensive resource on runes for protection.