The Old English Rune Alphabet, also known as the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, was a writing system used by the Anglo-Saxons in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. It was derived from the earlier Germanic runic alphabet known as the Elder Futhark. The Old English Rune Alphabet consisted of 33 characters, known as runes, which represented both sounds and concepts. The runes of the Old English Rune Alphabet were used to write in Old English, which was the language spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. Each rune had a specific name and represented a different sound. For example, the rune ᚠ (pronounced "feoh") represented the "f" sound, while the rune ᚢ (pronounced "ur") represented the "u" sound.
Some other runes were sometimes used to supplement the list given above. In the manuscript known as Cotton Domitian A.ix we find the following four extra runes:
The use of runes on the Ruthwell Cross indicates this as it is seen as a conversion tool mixing the mediums of Christianity and symbols seen as possibly pagan together. An interesting aspect of runes, as seen in the table below, is that they are formed from vertical and diagonal strokes without any horizontal strokes.
For example, the rune ᚠ (pronounced "feoh") represented the "f" sound, while the rune ᚢ (pronounced "ur") represented the "u" sound. Some runes also had additional meanings or concepts associated with them. The Old English Rune Alphabet was used primarily for inscriptions and writing on objects such as stone monuments, jewelry, and weapons.
The Riddles in Old English Runes
For this blog Lorna has been looking at three different objects with Old English Runes and their interpretations.
It was not a widely used writing system for everyday purposes, as it was more complex and time-consuming than other writing systems of the time, such as the Latin alphabet. Over time, the use of the Old English Rune Alphabet declined, and it was eventually replaced by the Latin alphabet as Christianity spread throughout England. This shift was also influenced by the Norman Conquest in 1066, which brought with it the French language and the use of the Latin alphabet. Today, the knowledge and use of the Old English Rune Alphabet are primarily of interest to scholars, historians, and those interested in the Anglo-Saxon period. It is no longer used as a practical writing system, but its runes continue to be studied and appreciated for their historical and cultural significance. In conclusion, the Old English Rune Alphabet was a writing system used by the Anglo-Saxons in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. It consisted of 33 runes that represented sounds and concepts in the Old English language. While it is no longer used as a practical writing system, it continues to be studied and appreciated for its historical and cultural significance..
Reviews for "The Influence of the Old English Rune Alphabet on Modern Linguistics"
1. Sandra - 2/5
I was really disappointed with the Old English Rune Alphabet. While I was excited to learn more about ancient runes, this book fell short of my expectations. The explanations were unclear and lacked detailed information on how to properly use and interpret the runes. Additionally, the illustrations were fuzzy and difficult to decipher. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1/5
I found the Old English Rune Alphabet to be completely useless. The author claims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing these ancient runes, but it's nothing more than a collection of random symbols. The explanations are cryptic and don't offer any practical advice on how to actually incorporate the runes into daily life. Save your money and don't waste your time on this book.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for the Old English Rune Alphabet, but it left me feeling frustrated and confused. The author didn't provide clear instructions on how to properly write or pronounce the runes, making it difficult to fully grasp their meaning. Additionally, the book lacked historical context, leaving me unsure of the runes' origins and significance. While the illustrations were visually appealing, they weren't enough to make up for the overall lack of useful information in this book.