Rune adventure videos have become increasingly popular in recent years. These videos showcase the experiences of individuals playing the popular video game RuneScape. In the game, players create and customize their own character to explore a virtual world filled with quests, monsters, and other players. Rune adventure videos offer a unique perspective into the gameplay of RuneScape. They often feature skilled players who provide commentary and insights as they navigate through the game. These videos can be both entertaining and informative, as they showcase different strategies, tactics, and tips for success in the game.
The inscription “He is Odin’s man” is seen in a round half circle over the head of a figure on a golden bracteate unearthed in Vindelev, Denmark in late 2020. It is the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin. Image Creator: Arnold Mikkelsen, The National Museum of Denmark | Credit: AP
In March, Scandinavian scientists in Denmark announced the discovery of the oldest known runic reference to Odin, on a golden coin from the 5 th century. He has published four books of translations and is working on an educational text for helping readers learn how to read Old Norse literature like the Eddas and sagas.
These videos can be both entertaining and informative, as they showcase different strategies, tactics, and tips for success in the game. Many Rune adventure videos also focus on specific quests or challenges within RuneScape. They provide a step-by-step walkthrough of these quests, highlighting the puzzles, obstacles, and rewards that players can expect.
Meet Norse Rune Expert, Jackson Crawford, PhD
2023 has been a big year for Norse runes. In January, the University of Oslo’s Museum of Cultural History announced the discovery of the oldest rune stone, up to 2,000 years old. In March, Scandinavian scientists in Denmark announced the discovery of the oldest known runic reference to Odin, on a golden coin from the 5 th century.
The inscription “He is Odin’s man” is seen in a round half circle over the head of a figure on a golden bracteate unearthed in Vindelev, Denmark in late 2020. It is the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin. Image Creator: Arnold Mikkelsen, The National Museum of Denmark | Credit: AP
Runes have fascinated scientists and the general public alike for centuries. Late medieval Scandinavians ascribed magical qualities to them, and a mystical aura surrounding runes survives to this day.
Yet runic is an alphabet, not a set of magical symbols. And one person at the forefront of runology in the English-speaking world, linguist Jackson Crawford, PhD, is helping to correct some long-standing misconceptions.
“A lot of what is preserved is storytelling,” Crawford states. “Icelanders in the 1200s were very interested in writing down their oral literature – stories of the bishops, of the kings of Norway, of the gods in poetry and prose, and stories of the pioneers in Iceland, which resemble our westerns.”
Crawford notes that plenty of workaday runes have been discovered. “Most of them are short,” he notes, “such as a name, a title, or a statement of ownership.”
Nevertheless, in recent years, Old Norse and runology have attracted thousands of enthusiasts, many of whom ascribe mystical value to the alphabet and go as far as seeing Norse as their personal religion. Crawford brings a career of academic study and teaching to the public, spreading the truth about runes.
Crawford describes a natural path in his life that led him to this field of study. “I was a big dinosaur kid, really,” he laughs. He grew up west of Denver, near a lot of fossil sites. “In middle school, when we got to choose a foreign language to study, I chose Latin because of the dinosaur names I knew.” He became interested in how languages change over time. The field of linguistics was a natural fit.
After his undergraduate years in Texas, Crawford received a Master’s degree in Georgia and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He studied many languages in school, but specialized in Old Norse, partly, he quips, “because there were a lot of cool stories to read.”
From there, he taught at several prestigious universities, including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has published four books of translations and is working on an educational text for helping readers learn how to read Old Norse literature like the Eddas and sagas.
During these years, Crawford also started a Youtube channel and quickly found a large public audience hungry for information about runes. Crawford has been a prolific creator of educational videos, boasting over 730 videos on his channel. To say it has been well received is an understatement; as of July 2023, he has 265,000 subscribers.
Crawford describes his Youtube channel as “real expertise in Norse language and myth, free of both ivory tower elitism and the agendas of self-appointed gurus.” He is passionate about cutting through pseudo-science and untruths.
“I always look forward to answering questions about runes and Norse myths, as well as sharing new discoveries and their context,” he says.
Crawford has transitioned to a career outside of academia as a writer, translator, consultant and educator. He is very grateful to his Patreon supporters for enabling this shift in his career. His consulting work includes working for movies like Frozen (he wrote the runes you see in the movie), television, and video games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.
NHMU is proud to have welcomed Jackson Crawford, PhD, to speak on July 12, 2023. See a full list of all upcoming events at the Museum in Salt Lake City.
This can be especially helpful for new players looking to progress in the game or for those who may be stuck on a particular quest. In addition to providing gameplay footage, Rune adventure videos also often include humorous moments and interactions between players. These moments can add an extra layer of entertainment to the videos, making them enjoyable to watch even for individuals who may not play the game themselves. Furthermore, Rune adventure videos have helped create a sense of community among RuneScape players. Viewers often comment on the videos, sharing their own experiences, tips, and questions. This interaction fosters a sense of camaraderie among players, as they engage in discussions and help each other navigate the game. Overall, Rune adventure videos have become a popular genre on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. They not only provide entertainment but also serve as a valuable resource for RuneScape players. Whether one is looking for tips, entertainment, or a sense of community, these videos offer a glimpse into the exciting world of RuneScape..
Reviews for "The Role of Customization in Rune Adventure Videos"
1. Mary Johnson - 2 stars:
I'm sorry, but I just don't get the hype around "Rune adventure videos". I find them extremely boring and uninteresting. The gameplay is repetitive and the storylines are predictable. I much prefer more exciting and dynamic video games. The graphics also leave much to be desired. Overall, I don't understand why so many people enjoy these videos.
2. Michael Smith - 1 star:
I can't see why anyone would waste their time watching "Rune adventure videos". They lack any real substance or entertainment value. The characters are dull, the dialogue is cheesy, and the action is lackluster. I would much rather spend my time playing an actual video game or watching something with a more engaging plot. These videos just don't cut it for me.
3. Emily Thompson - 2.5 stars:
I appreciate the effort put into creating "Rune adventure videos", but personally, I find them quite dull. The pacing is slow, and the videos often drag on for longer than necessary. The lack of character development and poor writing make it difficult for me to become invested in the story. While I can understand why some people may enjoy these videos, they simply aren't for me.