Runes
In the deep recesses of old Norse history, where myth intertwines with reality, the runes of the Norse stand as cryptic emblems of a bygone era. These ancient glyphs, more than just tools of communication, are repositories of profound mystical and cultural significance. In old Norse history, the Elder and Younger Futhark occupy pivotal roles, serving as windows into the soul of Viking and old Nordic civilization. Their differences, both in form and essence, offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of runic practices, shedding light on the broader shifts in Viking and Norse society.
The Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabets comprises 24 symbols, while the transition to the Younger Futhark marked a significant evolution in runic literacy, with the alphabet being shortened to 16 symbols.
Irrespective of the alphabet, each rune is steeped in rich rune meaning and symbolism, encapsulating the complexities of Norse cosmology, ethics, and life. These runes were not just letters but held deep magical and religious significance, used in divination, to inscribe monuments, and as talismans for protection, victory, and prosperity.
To deep dive into either alphabet, follow either of these links:
Both alphabets are characterized by angular glyphs with straight lines, often assumed to be related to their use as inscriptions on hard surfaces such as wood, stone and metal.
The Elder Futhark, the oldest form of runic alphabets, emerged around the 2nd century AD and remained in use until approximately the 8th century. The amount of sources with which the Elder Futhark is written is essentially non-existent compared to later alphabets, generally limited to short, single-word inscriptions. As such the Elder Futhark might be steeped in much more secrecy than than the Younger Futhark. Equally, much of the information and symbolism in the Elder Futhark is also re-constructed based on our information about its descendants.
As the tides of time flowed, the Elder Futhark gave way to the Younger Futhark around the beginning of the Viking Age in the 8th century. This transition marked a significant evolution in the public’s runic literacy, with the alphabet also being streamlined to 16 symbols. This reduction reflects changes in the phonetic landscape of the Old Norse language and possibly an adaptation to new societal changes, where writing was available to the masses. The Younger Futhark, despite its fewer characters, continued to carry rune meaning and symbolism, but adapting interpretation to the shifting currents of Viking and Norse life.
The Norse runes reflect a world where the mystical and the mundane are inextricably linked. Each rune tells a story, embodies a deity, or encapsulates a natural element or a moral principle. The rune symbolism is multilayered, with each character holding multiple meanings and associations. For a deeper understanding about these interpretations, read more about the Elder Futhark or the Younger Futhark.