History of English Runes

English runes are derived from the runic set that was divided into six different runic sets based on the six most common Germanic languages spoken at the time. These runes are descended from the Anglo-Saxton runes called the futhorc. The first known use of runes was dated to the year 150 AD. The English runes were most commonly in use between 400 and 1100 AD, and were replaced at that time by the Latin languages and writings.

[edit] Theories on runes

The original purpose of English runes was thought of for many years to be used as an honor to the dead, or to show the creator of an item. Many objects had runes inscribed on them, which were originally interpreted to be the maker's identification mark. Later however, these runes were unveiled to include some kind of magical properties. At that time, druids and other nature magic believers used runes as a means of protection or offense against their enemies and demon spirits. A lot of the theories behind runes were also wrapped up in the other superstitions of the day, including most of the protection rituals and other sacrifices that the Gaelic people did to keep themselves safe from the spirit world. Many documents and stories from that time reveal the influence of magic and runes on the belief system of people born into that time. Runes are seen as power objects, sometimes even powerful enough to raise the dead. Other uses for runes were for healing, or as a defense against evil.

[edit] The absorption of runes into society

Later on, however, runes began to be used as an everyday alphabet. Many items have been found with runes written on them with such inscriptions as prayers, personal letters, names, and even jokes. The runes translation has shown that runes were not thought of as sacred for very many years. Another popular placement for runes was on the headstones of the dead. The translation of runes is quite difficult, as there is usually no indication of vowels or enunciation for the words. This is quite similar to other early written languages like Armenian or early forms of Hebrew. One interesting fact about runes in relation to their spiritual abilities is that there are no written records from that time of how to use runes or to set them up to have magical properties. People of that time either assumed that those who cared would already know how to set them up, or they thought the knowledge was too dangerous to be written down. Another theory is that when the Roman Catholic Church came to England, they wiped out all written references to the pagan religion and runic practices, including runes translation. Such practices were common of the church at that time.

[edit] Modern thoughts about runes

Runes are very complicated and mysterious objects. Scholars spend their whole lives dedicated to the runes translation of various languages, and they still are not able to really discover what the true meaning of runes was intended to be. We may never know if runes were actually magical, or if they were just the alphabet at the time. At any rate, the study of runes is both exciting and fascinating.