Runelore The Magic History And Hidden Codes Of The Runes
For those who are unfamiliar with runes, they are a set of letters that were used in ancient Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. The word “rune” comes from the Old Norse word “rún,” which means “secret” or “mystery.” Runes were used for writing, but they also played an important role in magic and divination. Today, runes are still used by some people for divination and meditation, and they are also popular among those who are interested in Nordic history and mythology.
The History of Runes
The history of runes is shrouded in mystery, but scholars believe that they were first used by the Germanic peoples in the 1st or 2nd century AD. The earliest known runic inscriptions are found on artifacts such as bracteates, which are thin gold disks that were worn as pendants. These inscriptions usually consist of a single word or phrase, and they are written in a runic alphabet that is known as the Elder Futhark.
Over time, the Elder Futhark was modified and adapted by different groups, and new runic alphabets were created. One of the most famous of these is the Younger Futhark, which was used by the Vikings and other Scandinavian peoples from the 9th to the 12th century. The Younger Futhark consisted of only 16 characters, which made it easier to carve on wood or stone.
The Magic of Runes
Runes were not only used for writing, but they also had a magical significance. The ancient Germanic peoples believed that each rune had its own unique power and meaning, and that by carving or inscribing runes on objects or on their bodies, they could harness these powers.
For example, the rune known as “Fehu” was associated with wealth and prosperity, while the rune “Algiz” was thought to offer protection and ward off evil. The rune “Ansuz” was believed to represent wisdom and knowledge, while the rune “Uruz” was associated with strength and vitality.
Today, many people still use runes for magical purposes, such as divination or spell casting. To use runes for divination, one simply draws a set of runes and interprets their meanings based on the traditional associations of each rune.
The Hidden Codes of Runes
Another fascinating aspect of runes is the way in which they were used to encode secret messages. Because the runes could be read in any direction, and because some runes look similar to others, it was possible to create complex codes and ciphers using the runic alphabet.
One example of such a code is the “staveless” or “hagall” cipher, which was used by the Vikings to write secret messages. In this cipher, each rune is replaced by a series of dots and lines that correspond to the shape of the rune. The message can then be deciphered by someone who knows the code.
Overall, runes are a fascinating subject that offers a glimpse into the ancient world of the Germanic peoples. Whether you are interested in history, mythology, or divination, there is much to explore and discover in the world of runes.
