With the summer solstice just behind us, and in honour of a recently passed aunt, who identified closely in paganism, this blog post is a little different. I am going to tell you a little bit about Nordic Runes, which are an ancient writing system, used by Germanic tribes in Scandinavia.
The word rune means, a symbol with a mysterious or magic significance. Runic symbols represent specific elements, animals and gods, they often feature in Norse poetry, and were interpreted by rune-masters. The Elder Futhark runic alphabet are the oldest runic system, containing 24 runes, divided into 3 groups of 8 aetts (meaning family in Old Norse), each aett is attributed to a different god or goddess. Dating back to 50 AD, written in Proto-Norse, they were traditionally carved into stone or wood. Prolifically used until the 12th century, the spread of Christianity and use of Latin, was responsible for their decline between the 12th and 15th century. However, the Scandinavian people were not keen to relinquish their traditions, pagan beliefs and rituals, and the use of runes continued until the 17th century.
Norse Mythology, Odin, and Runes
Runes play a significant part in Norse mythology. It has long been asserted that Odin, leader of the prominent Aesir clan of gods, discovered the earliest Nordic runes. He is depicted as a tall old man, with only one eye (he sacrificed the other in exchange for more wisdom), a long grey beard, wearing a wide brimmed hat and long flowing cloak. He is notoriously associated with war, magic, poetry, and as a seeker of knowledge and imparter of wisdom.
Legend states he discovered runes and there meanings while out walking, as he often did, in search of knowledge. He came across the Yggdrasil tree, where the gods hold their daily council. The nine worlds surround the tree, which stands at the centre of the Norse cosmos, growing high above the clouds, its roots spreading deep into the underworld. Snakes gnaw at its roots, and wrapped round the bottom of its trunk lurks a dragon, named Niddhog. Four stags known as Duneyrr, Dainn, Durathror, and Dvalinn graze on the leaves. And a squirrel called Ratatoskr scurries up and down Yggdrasil's trunk, spreading obloquy between Nidhogg and an eagle, regally perched in the upper most branches.
Yggdrasil is nourished by water from Urðarbrunnr - the Well of Fate. The water is collected by three female deities, who live in a hall nearby. Urðr who is associated with the past, Verðandi the present, and Skuld the future. Collectively they are known as the Norns. So powerful they create and control fate, weaving it in and amongst Yggdrasil's roots. Odin was aware the Norns knew more knowledge than most, but would not give it up easily. He pierced himself with a spear, and hung, as a blood sacrifice from Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights. Eventually, on the verge of death, the Well of Fate revealed the runes and there meanings to him; his sacrifice had paid off.
Today, scholars continue to research runes, their meanings, and significance within society. They also remain relevant to pagans, who use them in rituals, and divination - in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
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