A Short History of Runes

Runes

Runes are the ancient symbols used for writing before the Latin languages took over the European world. All of this occurred between 150 AD and 1100 AD. The first uses of runes appear to be somewhat magical in nature, or used for divination purposes. For those interested in divination in modern times, the question comes up: what is the best place to find runes to be used for magical purposes?

[edit] Finding runes among different sources

The easiest place to find runes is, of course, a library or other such research center. Most runes and their meanings will be listed in these texts about runes and rune making. Still, to learn more about runes and their true purposes, it is important to go back to the original source. Archeological studies are the most important place to conduct rune studies, because they were the originators of the rune practice. In the old texts, it is possible to see who made runes, what they were, and how they were made.

The second best place to find runes is in mythological stories and legends. Norse mythology has a lot of information about finding runes, as well as other folklore stories from around that time. These stories give a good picture of what people believed at the time, and why they thought runes would help them.

[edit] Beliefs of rune users

Finding runes is only part of learning about runes and rune users.The best place to find runes relating to old beliefs of the users is by studying old folk land stories and superstitions. When these beliefs are studied, it is possible to see what motivated these people to try and use rune magic to shape their world. Whether or not the runes actually worked is unknown, but is it a fact that people were more aware of the spirit world back then. Most of the old stories are based around spirits messing up the human world, and the humans trying to prevent it. Many of the silly superstitions that are still around today, like never walking under a ladder, are based in old superstitions from Old Norse and Gaelic beliefs. In some extreme cases, the Norse and Gaelic people believed that some runes had the power to raise the dead. Usually though, they just thought they were good wards against evil.

[edit] Rune use in today's world

Many people have tried to renew the use of runes for magical and divination purposes. It is hard to know if the runes ever worked for divination, or if it was the people's imagination. If someone has been able to use runes as a magical means, they are keeping it a secret. Still, the idea of runes fascinates humans even today. Popular culture and entertainment includes runes and rune lore all the time. Everything from band logos to stories to movies all have instances of runes in them. The fantasy genre, especially, heavily relies on the existence and power of runes for their storytelling. There are also many different sects and religions that have tried to bring back runes for their purposes. These people believe that if runes once had spiritual power, it is possible to bring back that power for use in today's world.