Sophia Raziela

from “Wisdom Of The Runes”.

The tale of how Odin discovered the runes can be found in the poem Hávamál (‘sayings of the high one’).  

“For nine days without food or drink and wounded by a spear, Odin hung from the world tree Yggdrasil. On the ninth day he saw the runes, grasped them and fell screaming to the ground. “

Hávamál 

The most commonly accepted theory is that the runes were derived from the old Italic alphabets and were used for writing.

The first evidence of the runes having been developed enough to be used for everyday communication can be found on the Kylver Stone. Dated to about 400 CE, it is the earliest record of the complete elder futhark, consisting of 24 runes.

Another theory is that the runes were not originally created for writing, but used as a way of representing simple ideas and forms. Such as Ansuz being used to represent Odin, and Fehu cattle. 

Original Enough

by Noveltyville

Those who claim that the runes were derived from the old Italic alphabets often downplay their use in magic and divination, believing that to be a modern invention. To them, the runes were created simply as another alphabet and nothing more. 

The word ‘rune’ however, tells a different story. For the name comes from the old Norse word ‘runa’ which means secret or mystery.

A secret and mysterious alphabet would not be very useful in everyday communication, so it is not unlikely that these characters were first made for another purpose. 

Evidence of their earlier magical use can be found in the Sigrdrífumál section of the 13th century Poetic Edda, which talks about carving ‘victory runes’ onto a sword.  

“Victory runes you must know
if you will have victory,
and carve them on the sword’s hilt,
some on the grasp
and some on the inlay,
and name Tyr Twice.”

Sigrdrífumál

© Sophia Raziela

I’d Curse You, But I Can’t Spell

by Noveltyville