The Names of the Runes (Elder Futhark)
Jackson Crawford・2 minutes read
Dr. Jackson Crawford explains the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic system, and discusses how rune names were reconstructed from later alphabets and poems, providing insight into Norse language and culture. He presents the meanings and origins of each rune's name, offering informative videos on Old Norse language and myth topics for viewers to learn more.
Insights
- The Elder Futhark, the oldest runic system, lacks direct rune names, requiring scholars to reconstruct them from later alphabets and rune poems, like the Old Norwegian, Old English, and Old Icelandic rune poems, as well as the Gothic alphabet.
- Dr. Jackson Crawford delves into the meanings and origins of the 24 letters in the Elder Futhark, highlighting uncertainties in rune names, such as the "p" sound possibly representing "act" or "bat," and the "ng" sound linked to the god of agriculture, offering a deeper understanding of these ancient symbols.
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Recent questions
What is the Elder Futhark and its significance?
The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic system used in Scandinavia from 160 AD to 700 AD before being replaced by other runic systems. It consists of 24 letters, each with its own name and meaning. The significance of the Elder Futhark lies in its role as a key aspect of ancient Scandinavian culture and language, providing insights into the beliefs, practices, and communication of the people of that time.
How do scholars reconstruct the names of Elder Futhark runes?
Scholars reconstruct the names of Elder Futhark runes by studying later runic alphabets and rune poems. The names of the runes in the Elder Futhark are not directly attested, so researchers rely on these sources to piece together the original names. The Old Norwegian rune poem, Old English rune poem, and Old Icelandic rune poem, along with the Gothic alphabet, provide valuable clues for understanding and reconstructing the names of the Elder Futhark runes.
What are some mnemonic verses used to remember rune names?
Mnemonic verses such as the Old Norwegian rune poem, Old English rune poem, and Old Icelandic rune poem are used to remember the names of the Elder Futhark runes. These verses provide poetic descriptions or associations for each rune, aiding in their preservation and understanding over time. By using mnemonic devices like these poems, individuals could easily recall and pass down the names and meanings of the runes within the Elder Futhark system.
What additional insights does the Gothic alphabet offer about runes?
The Gothic alphabet, which is based on runes, offers additional insights into the names and meanings of the Elder Futhark runes. By studying the Gothic alphabet alongside other runic systems, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the connections between different runic scripts and languages. This comparative analysis helps in the reconstruction and interpretation of rune names within the broader context of runic traditions.
What uncertainties exist in the naming of Elder Futhark runes?
Some uncertainties exist in the naming of Elder Futhark runes, such as the rune for the "p" sound and the rune for the "ng" sound. The name of the rune representing the "p" sound is speculated to have multiple interpretations, like "act" or "bat," due to the lack of direct attestation. Similarly, the rune associated with the "ng" sound is linked to the god of agriculture, but its exact name and meaning remain uncertain. These uncertainties highlight the challenges faced by scholars in deciphering and interpreting ancient runic scripts.
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Summary
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"Decoding Elder Futhark Runes with Expert"
- Dr. Jackson Crawford, an Old Norse language specialist, teaches at the University of California-Berkeley and will move to the University of Colorado Boulder in fall 2017.
- He discusses the Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic system, used from 160 AD to 700 AD in Scandinavia before being replaced by the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Frisian Futhorc.
- The names of the runes in the Elder Futhark are not directly attested, leading scholars to reconstruct them from later runic alphabets and rune poems.
- The Old Norwegian rune poem, Old English rune poem, and Old Icelandic rune poem provide mnemonic verses for rune names, aiding in their preservation and understanding.
- The Gothic alphabet, based on runes, offers additional insight into rune names, helping in the reconstruction of Elder Futhark rune names.
- Dr. Crawford presents the 24 letters of the Elder Futhark, explaining the meanings and origins of each rune's name, such as "feet," "joy," "hail," and "need."
- Uncertainty surrounds some rune names, like the one for the "p" sound, speculated to represent the sound "act" or "bat," and the rune for the "ng" sound, associated with the god of agriculture.
- Dr. Crawford offers further videos on rune origins, translations of the Poetic Edda, and other Old Norse language and myth topics, aiming to provide informative content to viewers.
