![]() ![]() In Old Norse Mythology, runes were so important that Odin hung himself from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights just to learn their secrets. Outside of the literal translation, the meaning could be intuited by a rune-master based on the context and placement of the rune.įor example, Fehu (ᚠ) means “cattle.” This symbol could also be interpreted as wealth or abundance since having cattle was a sign of wealth during the Viking age. Like hieroglyphics, pictographs, and even the Native American petroglyphs, the runic alphabet represented specific elements, animals, or gods. Since the runic symbols represented things such as a horse, water, or a Norse god, their meaning was universal in Scandinavia. While the runic alphabet remained pretty similar for centuries, each Germanic tribe that used the runes did so in their native language. Old Norse runes were written in the Proto-Norse language. What language are Viking runes (Old Norse runes) written in? ![]() On stone, long-branch was often preferred, while short-twig was best for wood carvings. The writing medium also influenced which style was used. Sweden and Norway tended to stick with shorter lines, called short-twig form. In Denmark, runic symbols were written with longer lines, known as long-branch form. As the use of the runic alphabet spread, their written form was adapted. Runes are the earliest known writing system of the Germanic people’s language. The Kylver runestone from Gotland, Sweden ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |