#rune study

[the-pagan-crow]

The Runes - An Introduction

Hello! Today, we're going to be looking at the runes. This is the introductory post for our rune study, which will be an in-depth look at each rune individually.

Before we get to that, we need a little history and background, so this is an introduction. There will not be any divinitory meanings explored today. We are simply looking at the runes and learning about their history.

Different Runic Alphabets

Many heathens are aware of two runic alphabets, Elder Futhark and Younger Furhark. However, there are more runic alphabets than just those. Some other alphabets are the Germanic Futhork and Medieval runes. While there are many runic alphabets, this blog will primarily explore the Futharks.

Elder and Younger Futhark History

As one might guess, the Elder Futhark gets its name because it came before the Younger Futhark. I have found some discrepancies over when Elder Futhark first appeared. That being said, somewhere in the 1st or 2nd century, Elder Futhark began being used by the Norse people.

By the Viking age, so around the 8th century, Elder Futhark turned into a different, shorter, alphabet that we now know as Younger Futhark.

Differences in Elder vs Younger

As stated before, Younger Futhark is much shorter. In fact, Younger Futhark is only 16 letters long. This is much shorter than Elder Futhark's 24 runes.

Another difference is that Younger Futhark has 2 different versions. They are often called Short-Twig and Long-Twig. Both of these versions mean the same thing. It's kind of like modern-day cursive versus print handwriting.

Were the Runes Just Alphabets?

This is a hard question for us to be 100% sure on. We have had some sources and people tell us that the ancient people did not believe the runes to have a deeper meaning than being characters in a writing system.

However, this is slightly contradictory with the mythological story we have about the runes (more on that below).

It is possible that they believed the runes held a deeper meaning, but did not use them for divination as we do today.

Odin and the Runes

In Norse mythology, Odin "discovered" the runes while he hung from the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights after he impaled his heart with his own spear. It's said that the runes came to him from the Well of Urd, which is the source of fate.

Many people say that Odin put himself through this dangerous event because he knew the runes held great meaning and wisdom.

In Conclusion

The Elder and Younger Futhark are very interesting pieces of history and of the heathen path. I hope this post helped explain their history and background. I'm excited to start our in-depth study of the runes! We will start with Elder Futhark and then move to Younger Futhark. Below, you'll find quick charts of what the different Futharks look like!

[websurfingspider]

This is kind of a weird linguistics/cultural question but is there a reason most sources on runes use the Proto-Germanic (reconstructed/extrapolated language with afaik no direct historical evidence supporting it) names for the runes as opposed to the Old Norse or Old English names?

[seidrlynn]

[redbull-witch]

Jera

A year, good harvest, reaping rewards

[websurfingspider]

Some website: “Algiz can be pronounced as ‘Z’ or as an ending rolled ‘-R’” Me: *snrk* “Thoz”

[seidrlynn]

[leatherbound-breakdown]

Algiz

Keywords: The Patronage, Protection, Divine Protection, Care, Security, Sanctuary.

Sometimes known as elhaz, this is a rune of protection. It symbolizes resistant power and is the most powerful defense rune. It also acts as a rune of personal protection and safeguards properties like your home or your car. Spiritually, it means reaching up to the divine. Algiz also represents success through endeavor in a search, quest, or other enterprise. Like the fast-growing pine tree, schemes will develop quickly. Like sharp sedge, you are protected from attack. Alertness and awareness will be your guide. Wisdom, vision, and clarity of mind will aid your cause. Although the path ahead is fraught with danger, you need have no fear, for you have the power of protection within you. You will be safe as long as you are not reckless. Algiz indicates a favorable time for risky ventures, although all things must be built on a firm foundation. Do not become complacent.

Associations: Freyr "Elk-sedge is found most often in pens, waxes in water, and wounds grimly with blood burns whatever that goes to grab it."

Reversed Keywords: Risk, vulnerability, threat charges.

Be careful of new ventures at this time, as well as keeping an eye on your health. Take responsibility at this time and be aware of others who try to take advantage of you.

This suggests health concerns and that you should not overburden yourself with the problems of others, and don't let other people use you. Be careful not to act in haste. Don't get involved with people who may be doing things that you consider immoral or incorrect. Creative interests may seem blocked at this time when the rune is in reverse.

[leatherbound-breakdown]

Ansuz

Keywords: Divine inspiration, language, order, passing of wisdom, sound, chanting, speech, god, mouth, Odin, Ancestors

Ansuz is primarily Odin's rune and represents communication, creativity, control, and divine power. Spirituality is the rune of prophecy and revelation. It also encompasses the idea of wisdom, knowledge, reason, and therefore of instruction and good advice. It might also refer to a test, examination, or perhaps an interview. It can mean a letter, book, paper, message, or other information. Because Lioki was a renowned trickster, Ansuz may also suggest a surprise, trick, or subterfuge. Ansuz is a symbol of stability and represents order, no matter what problems may come to be. The answers to questions are available but not yet recognized. Look for signs and confirmations that are all around. Everything has significance, and appreciation of this will lead to understanding. Ensure you don't ignore the message because you don't like the context. All experience is a lesson that teaches by acknowledging the truth. Knowledge and wisdom will increase.

Associations: Odin, the heart, the throat. "Ase is the olden-father, Asgard's chieftain and the leader of the Valhol"

Reversed Keywords: Misinformation, trickery, bad dealings, miscommunication.

A lack of communication, awareness, or clarity, either in your past or present position. You may not feel right in accepting what is being offered, or you may feel that life is passing you by. This is a time to clean out the old and make way for the new.