Pagan runes are ancient symbols that were used by pagan cultures as a form of writing and divination. These runes hold deep meanings and are believed to convey spiritual and magical significance. There are several different types of pagan runes, but the most widely known and used are the Elder Futhark runes. The Elder Futhark is an ancient Germanic runic alphabet consisting of 24 symbols or letters. Each rune has its own name, sound, and meaning. The meanings of the pagan runes are often associated with various aspects of life and nature.
"Blakemore expertly wields the colorful language of Oliver Cromwell’s time: her barbs are as sharp and her observations as salty as William Shakespeare’s—but with a feminist twist . . . Blakemore has written a spellbinding novel about the unprecedented persecution of women during the 'Witch Craze' in 17th-century England. But she has done more than that . . . [she] has given voice to women whose stories have only been told by others and thus provides a very different view of history than what is written in the official narrative." —Elaine Elinson, The Los Angeles Review of Books
It s clear that the author is deeply conversant in the historiography of English witchcraft as popularized by historians such as Keith Thomas and Lyndal Roper. I believe fashion design enthusiasts are waiting for the publication of this one, which contains photographs by the likes of Helmut Newton, Tim Walker, Albert Watson, and Craig McDean.
The meanings of the pagan runes are often associated with various aspects of life and nature. For example, Algiz represents protection and is often associated with the divine or higher power. Berkana symbolizes growth, fertility, and new beginnings.
The Manningtree Witches
Wolf Hall meets The Favourite in this beguiling debut novel that brilliantly brings to life the residents of a small English town in the grip of the seventeenth-century witch trials and the young woman tasked with saving them all from themselves.
“This is an intimate portrait of a clever if unworldly heroine who slides from amused observation of the ‘moribund carnival atmosphere’ in the household of a ‘possessed’ child to nervous uncertainty about the part in the proceedings played by her adored tutor to utter despair as a wagon carts her off to prison.” —Alida Becker, The New York Times Book Review
England, 1643. Puritanical fervor has gripped the nation. And in Manningtree, a town depleted of men since the wars began, the hot terror of damnation burns in the hearts of women left to their own devices.
Rebecca West, fatherless and husbandless, chafes against the drudgery of her days, livened only occasionally by her infatuation with the handsome young clerk John Edes. But then a newcomer, who identifies himself as the Witchfinder General, arrives. A mysterious, pious figure dressed from head to toe in black, Matthew Hopkins takes over the Thorn Inn and begins to ask questions about what the women on the margins of this diminished community are up to. Dangerous rumors of covens, pacts, and bodily wants have begun to hang over women like Rebecca—and the future is as frightening as it is thrilling.
Brimming with contemporary energy and resonance, The Manningtree Witches plunges its readers into the fever and menace of the English witch trials, where suspicion, mistrust, and betrayal run amok as a nation’s arrogant male institutions start to realize that the very people they’ve suppressed for so long may be about to rise up and claim their freedom.
About the Author
Photo: Sophie DavidsonA.K. Blakemore is the author of two collections of poetry: Humbert Summer and Fondue. She has also translated the work of Sichuanese poet Yu Yoyo. Her poetry and prose writing have been widely published and anthologized, appearing in the London Review of Books, Poetry, The Poetry Review, and The White Review, among other publications. The Manningtree Witches is is her debut novel. She lives in London, England.
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The Guardian's Best Fiction of the Year
A Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of the Year
"This is an intimate portrait of a clever if unworldly heroine who slides from amused observation of the 'moribund carnival atmosphere' in the household of a 'possessed' child to nervous uncertainty about the part in the proceedings played by her adored tutor to utter despair as a wagon carts her off to prison." —Alida Becker, The New York Times Book Review
"Blakemore brings both beautifully crafted sentences and a thorough understanding of Hopkins’ theology to her fascinating novel . . . It’s clear that the author is deeply conversant in the historiography of English witchcraft as popularized by historians such as Keith Thomas and Lyndal Roper. Her characters plumb the taxonomy of the persecuted with precision . . . Brilliant." —Los Angeles Times
"The Manningtree Witches ventures into dark places, to be sure, but it carries a jewelled dagger. Blakemore is a poet, and readers given to underlining may find their pencils worn down to stubs . . . Such sharp wit and rich textures would be welcome in any setting, but here they form what seems a fitting tribute. The persecutors in this tale are given close scrutiny, but the book belongs to the persecuted. And on these pages, in all their ordinary glory, those women are at last allowed to live." ––Paraic O’Donnell, The Guardian
"In A.K. Blakemore's dark, entrancing debut novel, there is something seductive about the small town of Manningtree, where women are left mostly alone as the men are off at war, and have their first tastes of freedom in their staunchly Puritanical society . . . Blakemore's story is inspired by real events from 400 years ago (primary sources are sprinkled throughout), but the narrative feels vivid, current, propulsive—and all the more viscerally deranging for it." —Kristin Iversen, Refinery29
"Blakemore expertly wields the colorful language of Oliver Cromwell’s time: her barbs are as sharp and her observations as salty as William Shakespeare’s—but with a feminist twist . . . Blakemore has written a spellbinding novel about the unprecedented persecution of women during the 'Witch Craze' in 17th-century England. But she has done more than that . . . [she] has given voice to women whose stories have only been told by others and thus provides a very different view of history than what is written in the official narrative." —Elaine Elinson, The Los Angeles Review of Books
"Blakemore’s novel, as Rebecca Tamás puts it, 'makes the past breathe,' with a captivating ferocity of language, deftly wrought characters, and richly spooky images that tell a story I couldn’t put down despite the dreaded ending I knew I was in for. But the past breathes whether Blakemore brings it to life or not. The present moment is a continuation of the past. We are here because we were there. We are still there." —Hannah Lamb-Vines, Full Stop
"While this is a historical novel of sorts, it ultimately feels very modern and can be seen as a reflection of the misogyny in the 21st Century. Blakemore is brilliant and Manningtree [Witches] is just the tip of the iceberg." —Adam Vitcavage, Debutiful
"If you too like to be excited (and disturbed, and amused) by your sentences, I suggest you pick up this tensile first novel by poet A.K. Blakemore . . . I’m shivering just thinking about it, but never have I been so glad to be so upset!" —Emily Temple, Literary Hub
"[Blakemore's] poetic imagery exquisitely conjures ambiance, character, and period detail . . . The well-realized principal characters are more than simply victims and villains." —Booklist
"In Blakemore’s debut novel, her background as a poet is clear. The language is striking, full of distinctive insights regarding gender, truth, and religious devotion . . . Historical fiction has rarely felt so immediate." —Kirkus Reviews
"Inventive, sharp-witted . . . The author is a devastatingly good prose stylist . . . Blakemore’s ambitious and fresh take on the era will delight readers." —Publishers Weekly
"Blakemore writes with a sure sense of story and the heightened language of the poet she is." —Library Journal
"A.K. Blakemore's debut is a riveting, unsettling story of menace, corruption, and muck, rendered in limber, evocative prose that delights and surprises at every turn. Its heroine wants too much, and too often, and the wrong thing--which is quite a bit more dangerous than usual, considering this is 17th century England and the Witchfinder General has just come to town. Based on actual events, but told in a deliciously brazen voice, this novel reads like Fleabag meets Hilary Mantel: bawdy, bewitching, weird, and wise. I loved every minute, and even when I was horrified, I didn't want to look away." --Emily Temple, author of The Lightness
"I loved this riveting, appalling, addictive debut. In The Manningtree Witches, Blakemore captures the shame of poverty and social neglect unforgettably, and the alluring threat of women left alone together, in a novel which vividly immerses the reader in the world of those who history has tried to render mute." --Megan Nolan, author of Acts of Desperation
"Dark, original, unsettling, and crackling with fierce and visceral life, The Manningtree Witches heralds the birth of an utterly vital new voice in fiction. A.K. Blakemore makes the past breathe, and allows it, with dazzling candour, to speak hotly to the complicated reality of our own moment." --Rebecca Tamás, author of WITCH
Eihwaz represents endurance and overcoming challenges. The meanings of the runes can vary depending on their context and the interpretation of the reader. In addition to their symbolic meanings, pagan runes were also used for divination purposes. People would cast or draw the runes and interpret their meanings to gain insight into their lives or seek guidance from the spiritual realm. This practice is known as rune casting or runic divination. While the use of pagan runes declined with the spread of Christianity, there has been a resurgence of interest in recent years. Many people now use pagan runes as a way to connect with their ancestral heritage, explore spirituality, or as a form of self-reflection and personal growth. In conclusion, pagan runes hold deep meanings and are an important part of ancient pagan cultures. They can be used for divination or as a means of spiritual connection and exploration. The meanings of the runes can vary but are often associated with different aspects of life and nature. The use of pagan runes has seen a revival in recent years and continues to be valued by many..
Reviews for "Exploring the Nine Worlds: A Runic Journey Through Norse Cosmology"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "Pa an runes a d their m anings" to be a complete waste of time and money. The book is poorly written with numerous typos and grammatical errors. It is difficult to understand and lacks any coherent organization. The meanings of the runes are vague and ambiguous, leaving the reader confused and frustrated. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject matter.
2. David - 2 stars
I was disappointed with "Pa an runes a d their m anings". While the book does provide a brief introduction to the topic of runes, it lacks depth and detail. The explanations of the individual runes are simplistic and lack historical context. Additionally, the book contains numerous spelling mistakes, which further diminishes its credibility. I would advise readers to look for a more comprehensive and well-researched book on the subject.
3. Samantha - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Pa an runes a d their m anings", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacks proper structure and organization, making it difficult to follow. The meanings of the runes are presented in a confusing manner, making it hard to grasp their significance. I also noticed several instances of incorrect information and misleading interpretations. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a thorough understanding of the topic.