![]() This reduction in runes, from 24 to 16, occurred paradoxically at a time when the spoken language, evolving from Proto-Norse to Old Norse, saw an increase in phonetic diversity. The Younger Futhark, also known as Scandinavian runes, emerged around the 9th century, after a “transitional period” during the 7th and 8th centuries. It was a reflection of the socio-cultural changes during the Viking Age. The transition from the Elder Futhark to the Younger Futhark was not merely a matter of reducing the number of runes. Evolution from Elder Futhark to Younger Futhark The runes were not just a writing system but a testament to the beliefs, values, and everyday life of human beings who once roamed Northern Europe. These unique symbols were more than mere letters they were imbued with power and meaning, serving as a bridge between the material world and the spiritual heritage of the Germanic peoples. The Elder Futhark runes stand as the oldest form of the runic alphabet, deeply rooted in the traditions and ancient language of the Germanic tribes. Historical Context of Runes Origins of the Runes Whether for personal growth, spiritual insight, or understanding Germanic paganism, runes offer a window into an ancient, yet ever-relevant world. Shows like “Vikings” have reignited curiosity about Norse mythology, the use of runes, and their given meanings.Īs we delve deeper, it’s vital to approach with respect for the wisdom of the runes and the ancient language they represent. Especially among pagans, Wiccans, and those drawn to Norse spiritual heritage. In modern times, there’s a resurgence in rune interest. Each aett associates with specific deities and themes, enriching the stories behind each rune. The Elder Futhark divides into three ‘aetts’ – Freya’s aett, Heimdall’s aett, and Tyr’s aett. ![]() The word “rune”, from the Germanic word, signifies a “secret” or “whisper”, highlighting their mystical nature. They’re tools for divination, offering guidance in everyday life and signs of hope in challenges. Each rune symbol held specific meanings, intertwined with life’s spiritual journey and nature’s forces.įor many, runes are akin to tarot cards. But it wasn’t just for mundane communication. Originating as the oldest form of the runic alphabet, the Elder Futhark was a primary writing system for Germanic tribes. Rooted deeply in Norse mythology and Germanic paganism, these runes offer insights into traditions and practices from Northern Europe. They stand as a profound testament to the spiritual heritage of the Germanic peoples. The Futharks were eventually replaced by the Latin alphabet around 900-1050CE in England disappearing from Scandinavia by 1600CE.The Elder Futhark runes are more than just ancient symbols. Around 900CE further changes were also taking place in Scandinavian languages resulting in the birth of the much reduced 16 symbol Younger Futhark. This is known as the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. The Anglo-Saxons took a version of the Futhark from Europe around 500CE and extended it to 33 letters to represent the changes of the sounds in Old English. Major variants that you may come across include the Gothic Futhark in use to around 500CE. Later as languages developed other groups adopted and adapted it for their own needs. It was inscribed on the inside of a grave cover, so not designed to be seen by the living, leading to speculation that it was to pacify the dead or had some other magical significance. Each rune has a sound equivalent and the Elder Futhark was used to represent the early Proto-Germanic languages. This oldest version of the alphabet is known as the Elder Futhark and contains 24 symbols/letters.The earliest surviving inscription showing this sequence dates from around 400CE on the Kylver Stone in Gotland, Sweden. Many old inscriptions show it in a particular sequence of symbols as shown below. ᚠᚢᚦᚨᚱᚲᚷᚹᚺᚾᛁᛃᛇᛈᛉᛊᛏᛒᛖᛗᛚᛜᛞᛟThe first six symbols correspond to the sounds F-U-Th-A-R-K. Their angular shape is possibly explained by the relative ease of carving them compared to curves. The runic alphabet is known as the Futhark. They have been used in this manner since around 200 CE. The runes are often found engraved on jewellery, weapons, stones etc. This post focused briefly on the history of the runes. The runes are perhaps derived from the Greek or Etruscan alphabet as long ago as 300 BCE, possibly having a shared ancestry with the Latin-alphabet, which may explain the similarity of some symbols to roman equivalents representing approximately the same sound. We will discuss the mythology and magical uses of the runes in another post. Geoff Davison The Runes - A Brief History %article_desc% The Elder Futhark Runes - are the magical alphabet of the ancient Germanic tribes of Northern Europe and Scandinavia.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |