Norse mythology and runes (10)
As the end of the semester is approaching, I have decided to base this post, and possibly more, on Norse mythology. This semester I took a linguistics course in Old Norse Language. Old Norse Language was one of the most interesting courses I've had the opportunity to be in, but I'm a linguistics nerd so others may not share my opinion.
My favorite part of the course? RUNES.
The Futhark runes are such a fascinating piece of linguistic and cultural history in my opinion.
The runic symbols were for so much more than simply making notes or labeling objects. For Germanic cultures, runes carried meaning in various spiritual practices such as witchcraft, and of course, Norse myths. Runes were believed to hold spiritual protection, power, and knowledge in and of themselves.
I'll start this potential series of posts with the story of Odin's discovery of runes.
Odin, depicted in the photo below, is the most complex god in Norse mythology. Chief of the Aesir gods, a knowledge seeker, often a loner and wanderer.
Because runes were believed to hold magic and knowledge, Odin sought to understand each one and it's potential. However, according to lore, the runes did not reveal their powers to an individual until the individual proved themselves worthy.
My favorite part of the course? RUNES.
The Futhark runes are such a fascinating piece of linguistic and cultural history in my opinion.
The runic symbols were for so much more than simply making notes or labeling objects. For Germanic cultures, runes carried meaning in various spiritual practices such as witchcraft, and of course, Norse myths. Runes were believed to hold spiritual protection, power, and knowledge in and of themselves.
I'll start this potential series of posts with the story of Odin's discovery of runes.
Odin, depicted in the photo below, is the most complex god in Norse mythology. Chief of the Aesir gods, a knowledge seeker, often a loner and wanderer.
Because runes were believed to hold magic and knowledge, Odin sought to understand each one and it's potential. However, according to lore, the runes did not reveal their powers to an individual until the individual proved themselves worthy.
As depicted in the photo above, Odin suspended himself from the tree Yggdrasil, the center of the mythological universe. To further prove himself, he pierced his own chest with his spear and hung there for nine days. During the nine days, he intently gazed at the runes which were below the water's surface. On the ninth day, he was deemed worthy of runic power.
Odin's sacrifice for runic knowledge is a central story in Norse mythology!
Odin's rune, associated with the English "o", is shown above. Various runes are associated with Odin, often in Germanic culture meaning "hope" and "things yet to be revealed". Those wanting to praise Odin often would script this rune on various surfaces.
That's all for this week's post! Feel free to make any suggestions in the comments!
Comments
Post a Comment