Everything you need to know to begin working with runes
The human language gives us the power to create. It is possible because we can use a different combination of words to express unique meanings or ideas. Today, it is still debated how many words are in the English language, with some sources such as the Oxford English Dictionary assuming that the official number is close to 750,000.
Runes are a set of alphabets, just like the alphabets that exist in the languages practiced today. They prominently feature vertical and often slanted lines. This arrangement of lines serve a purpose, and they are:
Parchments were an expensive commodity back then, so writing on them was not a viable option. Ink wasn't cheap, and for that reason, using it was uncommon. Therefore, runes were carved into objects and surfaces instead. Since carving was used, using straight lines was much easier than curves. While using straight lines, runes avoided the inclusion of horizontal strokes, as those lines could look like the natural lines of surfaces like wood, thereby removing any trace of the line itself. No one can establish with absolute certainty when the runes originated. One of the most popular theories is that it was developed by the Goths, a race of East-Germanic people.
Historians also believe that runes have taken inspiration from the Latin alphabet. While this does not narrow down its time of origin, it gives a rough estimate, placing it in the 1st century BC.
In this book, you'll discover:
History of runes The power of runes Runes of the elder Futhark The art of the runestave How to successfully runecasting for beginners Advanced runecasting techniques And much more!
