![]() In addition there are runestones that have curses and other carvings that indicate that the runes in fact were considered to hold magical properties and powers. The Viking Age also saw the use of runes for magical purposes and a number of items with magical inscriptions have been found. ![]() “Grass cures the scab and runes the sword-cut” (Odin in the Havamal) Most scholars agree though on that it represents a form of amulet magic. It’s the most common runic charm word of the time, but it’s origin and meaning are disputed. There are certain entries that stand out though – such as the word ALU that appears on several artifacts dating back to 400-800 AD. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to identify what a lot of these inscriptions meant and all that remain are more or less educated guesses. Various combinations of runes were added to amulets and other items. ![]() The Migration Period saw the use of the Elder Futhark for magical purposes. What those signs were and how they were interpreted is, however, not known. This was noticed by the Romans some 2000 years ago when Germanic tribes used various forms of divination, such as carving signs onto sticks that were thrown onto the ground. Were runes used in religious and magical practices? There is indeed historical proof of runes having a magical purpose besides being a writing system. The Elder Futhark was reduced from 24 to 16 runes to reflect the changes in the language, thus becoming the Younger Futhark. The Scandinavian language also underwent a change as ‘Proto Norse’ evolved into the ‘Old Norse’ spoken by Vikings. Winds of change blew in Scandinavia by the end of the 8 th Century, which is when the Viking Age began. The Scandinavians had by then perfected their shipbuilding techniques, which allowed them to explore the world by its seas and rivers for trade, raids and conquest. The Kylver Stone was found in Sweden with all the runes of the Elder Futhark They weren’t common knowledge though, which is reflected by the fact that only some 350 surviving inscriptions remain. The Elder Futhark was also embraced as the writing system used by the Germanic tribes during the Migration Period, from the 2 nd to the 8 th Century. An indigenous runic mythology was born as they fell under the domain of Odin, the god of all things magical and mysterious. The might and influence of Rome eventually declined, but the impressions left in the Germanic culture persisted and took a life of their own. It’s a fantastic example of how the actions of one person can keep an entire world informed 1500 years after his death. The stone could have been used by a rune carver to practice his work on, or to teach an apprentice how to carve the individual runes. The classical Elder Futhark consists out of 24 runes, all confirmed from the Kylver stone in Sweden. In other words – it’s quite easy to be misinformed if you’re interested in Viking Age runes. Another problem is that the information available usually describes how these pre-Viking Age runes are used in modern divination systems. One of the main problems is that the runes taking up most of the space weren’t even used during the Viking Age. ![]() This misinformation is often mistaken by many as the historical truth. Unfortunately, the information available on the internet (and in a lot of books for that matter) isn’t always complete, or even correct. A lot of people are still intrigued by them and it’s easier than ever before to find quick information using the internet. It’s a huge topic so we’ll settle with the basics.įittingly the word ‘Rune’ originates from the Germanic root run-, that means “secret” or “whisper”. Where do they come from and when did runes appear for the first time? Tolkien to modern practitioners of magic. Runes are shrouded in mystery and have influenced a lot of people, ranging from J.R.R. What are the runes, where did they come from, and do they possess magical powers? Not only did they leave thousands of runestones behind them that still dot the Scandinavian landscape, but they also carved runes during their expeditions, forever marking Greek statues and walls in magnificent temples. Runes are heavily associated with Vikings.
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