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'''Runes''' were a means of recording information onto hard surfaces, such as [[metal]], [[stone]] or [[horn]]. For simplicity of form and production, they tended to be made up of straight lines, rather then curves. The runes in the basic runic [[alphabet]] -- the "''Futhark'' " (so called because these were the first 6 letters ''f, u, |
'''Runes''' were a means of recording information onto hard surfaces, such as [[metal]], [[stone]] or [[horn]]. For simplicity of form and production, they tended to be made up of straight lines, rather then curves. The runes in the basic runic [[alphabet]] -- the "''Futhark'' " (so called because these were the first 6 letters ''f, u, þ (th), o (or a), r, c (=k)'') -- all have in common a root in a single vertical stroke, with angular strokes (conventionally at about 60 and 120 degrees to the vertical) coming off it, on one side or both. A second vertical line may also appear parallel to the first connecting some or all of the angular strokes, and in later development certain angular strokes more closely approached the perpendicular position. |
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Runes are commonly associated with the [[Old Norse|Norse]] [[language]]s. There were various variations on the basic set of runes. The [[Scandinavia]]n futharc had 16 runes, but in [[Anglo-Saxon]] [[England]] there were 31 runes in the alphabet. |
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Runes were [[mythology|mythically]] supposed to have been learned by the [[Norway|Norse]] [[god]] Odin, whilst he hung upon the World-tree. They were supposed to have magical powers in addition to their use in recording or transmitting information -- they could imbue an object with powers, and could be used, properly carved, to detect [[poison]], lies or an enemy. Properly deployed they could also invoke a curse or confer a blessing. |
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Latest revision as of 14:25, 2 September 2007
Runes were a means of recording information onto hard surfaces, such as metal, stone or horn. For simplicity of form and production, they tended to be made up of straight lines, rather then curves. The runes in the basic runic alphabet -- the "Futhark " (so called because these were the first 6 letters f, u, þ (th), o (or a), r, c (=k)) -- all have in common a root in a single vertical stroke, with angular strokes (conventionally at about 60 and 120 degrees to the vertical) coming off it, on one side or both. A second vertical line may also appear parallel to the first connecting some or all of the angular strokes, and in later development certain angular strokes more closely approached the perpendicular position.
Runes are commonly associated with the Norse languages. There were various variations on the basic set of runes. The Scandinavian futharc had 16 runes, but in Anglo-Saxon England there were 31 runes in the alphabet.
Runes were mythically supposed to have been learned by the Norse god Odin, whilst he hung upon the World-tree. They were supposed to have magical powers in addition to their use in recording or transmitting information -- they could imbue an object with powers, and could be used, properly carved, to detect poison, lies or an enemy. Properly deployed they could also invoke a curse or confer a blessing.
