The rune alphabet, also known as the futhark or the runic alphabet, is an ancient writing system that was used by various Germanic peoples during the early Middle Ages. The word "rune" comes from the Old Norse word "runa" which means "secret" or "whisper." The rune alphabet is composed of a series of symbols, known as runes, that represented both sounds and ideas. Each rune had a specific name and was associated with a particular meaning or concept. The runes were typically inscribed onto various objects such as stones, wood, or metal, and were used for writing, divination, and magic. There are several different versions of the rune alphabet, but the most commonly used one is known as the Elder Futhark.
Runes
Runes are letters in an ancient Germanic alphabet used from about 150 to 1100 CE, prior to the common usage of the Latin alphabet. The word ‘rune’ is thought to come from a Middle English word that means “secret writing”.
Runes are also known as futhark/fuþark or futhorc/fuþorc based on the first six letters of the runic alphabet. The three best-known runic alphabets are the Elder Futhark (Norse, Germanic tribes, c. 150–800), the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (c. 400–1100), and the Younger Futhark (Scandinavian modification c. 800–1100).
The runes are broken into three groups of eight, called aett (aettir), meaning ’family’. The First Aett is also known as Freyja’s Aett, the Second as Heimdall’s Aett, the Third as Tyr’s Aett.
In Norse mythology, it is thought that Odin hung upside down from a tree for nine days, after which he learned the secret of the runes and became their master (translated from the poem Havamal in the Poetic Edda).
Since each letter has a specific meaning, runes are also used in divination and magick. Cunningham says that “runes are symbols that, when drawn, painted, traced, carved or visualized, release specific energies”. Runes are commonly drawn or carved on wood, clay, stone or other natural objects.
Modern day rune sets are made out of 24 letters, 25 if you include the blank or Wyrd rune, which symbolizes fate or the unknown.
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Viking Runes: Understanding the History and Symbolism Behind the Runic Alphabet
While the Latin alphabet – the alphabet used in English – is the most commonly used set of letter symbols, it’s far from the only alphabet out there. The runic alphabet was used for thousands of years and was the basis for many Germanic languages, including Viking runes.
But beyond just being a system for writing letters, these runes are believed to hold an inherent power within them. Modern practitioners of magic and divination use Norse and Viking runes during spell casting. But even if you enjoy magic in a strictly fantasy storytelling setting, Viking runes can still help set the scene in a novel or movie.
First, we will explore the Viking runes from the Viking age, and then we’ll delve into their contemporary usage across the globe.
There are several different versions of the rune alphabet, but the most commonly used one is known as the Elder Futhark. This version is composed of 24 runic characters and was used by Germanic peoples from the 2nd to the 8th century CE. Each rune represented a specific sound in the Germanic languages, and some also had additional meanings or associations.
The History of Viking Runes
The Latin alphabet’s earliest known inscription dates back to the 7th century B.C. and was discovered on a cloak pin. In contrast, the runic alphabet is much younger, with its first inscriptions dating as far back as 150 A.D. It was widely adopted by various Germanic communities during the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D.
Today, many Germanic languages have switched to the Latin alphabet, leaving behind the runic symbols. As Christianity spread worldwide thanks to European conquest, languages shifted to the same alphabet as the Bible. Of course, the first iterations of the Bible were written in Hebrew, but the Latin translations were seen as the authority for centuries.
In fact, until the Reforms of the Second Vatican Council , Catholic Mass was to be held in Latin, not the common tongue of the congregation. That didn’t change until the 20th century.
So these previously runic languages shifted to the Latin alphabet, but in the period between 700AD and 1100AD, they still used the runic alphabet for special occasions and decorative use.
But the runic alphabet is not a monolith. There are three primary runic alphabets: Scandinavian Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark, and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.
The Anglo-Saxon spelling shifted to account for the different pronunciation in Old English.
Each alphabet has different uses. Younger Futhark was widely known and disseminated. We’ve seen its use across Scandinavia and various Viking settlements. Elder Futhark, on the other hand, was secretive and elite. For reference, over 3,000 inscriptions of Younger Futhark have been found. Only around 350 have been found of Elder Futhark.
However, artifacts containing a blend of both translations have also been found.
The Etymology of the Word “Runes”
So where did the word “rune” come from ? The root of the word is the Germain “run,” meaning “whisper” or “secret.” If you look at the Old Irish Gaelic translation of the “run” root, you get “secret,” “mystery,” or “intention.” Old English and Welsh have similar translations as well.
In various Baltic languages, “run” means “speech.” Even more interestingly, “runoti” means “to speak” or “to cut with a knife” in Lithuanian. This dual meaning certainly conjures to mind the image of someone with biting wit and a sharp tongue.
This root understanding of the world helps explain why people find the alphabet so alluring. It’s as if the word itself possesses power beyond its face value meaning. And the continuous reference to the word “secret” in its translation makes it even more intriguing and compelling.
Runes in Pop Culture
The fascination with runes goes beyond people who practice witchcraft. Lovers of fantasy enjoy runes as well.
J.R.R. Tolkien , author of the infamous Lord of the Rings series, took inspiration from the runic alphabet when crafting his complicated language system.
Norse mythology and the famous rune of Mjolnir play a big part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor as one of the Avengers.
And shows like Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla as well as 2022’s Northman concentrate on the Nordic culture and Viking creed.
One of the unique aspects of the rune alphabet is its use in divination. The runes were often cast or drawn, and their positions and interpretations were used to gain insight into different aspects of life such as love, health, and wealth. This practice is known as runic divination or rune reading and is still used by some people today. The study of the rune alphabet, known as runology, has helped researchers gain valuable insights into the culture, society, and languages of the ancient Germanic peoples. The runic inscriptions found on various objects have provided evidence about their beliefs, mythology, and history. The rune alphabet has also influenced modern Western culture and has been incorporated into various artistic and cultural expressions. In conclusion, the rune alphabet is an ancient writing system that was used by Germanic peoples during the early Middle Ages. It consists of a series of symbols known as runes that represent sounds and ideas. The rune alphabet has played a significant role in the culture and history of the Germanic peoples and continues to fascinate and inspire people to this day..
Reviews for "The Evolution of the Rune Alphabet Over Time"
1. John - 2 stars - I found the "Rune alphabet" to be quite disappointing. The explanations for each rune were too brief and lacked in-depth information. Additionally, the images provided were poorly drawn, making it difficult to decipher the symbols. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide to understanding rune alphabets, but this book fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to those who are serious about learning about runes.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was highly disappointed by the "Rune alphabet" book. The content was extremely basic and lacked any substantial information. The author failed to provide historical context or explain the origins and significance of each rune. It felt like a poorly researched and hastily put together guide. The layout and design of the book were also unappealing, with blurry images and a cluttered format. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in a comprehensive study of rune alphabets.
3. Michael - 2 stars - The "Rune alphabet" book was a letdown for me. The explanations for each rune were confusing and lacked clarity. I expected a more structured and organized approach to learning about the alphabets, but instead, the book seemed scattered and poorly written. The illustrations were subpar, making it difficult to grasp the intricacies of each symbol. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations, and I would recommend looking for alternative resources for learning about rune alphabets.
4. Emma - 1 star - I was highly dissatisfied with the "Rune alphabet" book. The information provided was basic and felt like a surface-level overview. There was no depth to the explanations, and I felt like I learned very little from reading this book. Additionally, the formatting was lacking, with text and images crammed together, making it difficult to follow along. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and informative guide on rune alphabets.