Runic Alphabet By Julian Harmon

Origin FLittle is known about the origins of the runic alphabet, originally known as futhark. FThe name of futhark came from the first six letters. FFuthark also means “mystery” or “secret” in old Germanic languages. FRunes were important in magic practices, mainly rituals. FLittle is known about the origins of the runic alphabet, originally known as futhark. FThe name of futhark came from the first six letters. FFuthark also means “mystery” or “secret” in old Germanic languages. FRunes were important in magic practices, mainly rituals.

Origin Cont.(Speculation) FThe alphabet was created independently, rather than evolving from another. FThought to have been modeled on the Latin and/or Etruscan alphabet. FMostly likely used in Southern Europe and carried north by Germanic tribes. FThe alphabet was created independently, rather than evolving from another. FThought to have been modeled on the Latin and/or Etruscan alphabet. FMostly likely used in Southern Europe and carried north by Germanic tribes.

Misc. Information FThe direction of writing in early Runic inscriptions is variable. Later they settled down into a left to right pattern FWord divisions were not generally recognized in Runic writing, although one or more dots were occasionally used for this function. FThe direction of writing in early Runic inscriptions is variable. Later they settled down into a left to right pattern FWord divisions were not generally recognized in Runic writing, although one or more dots were occasionally used for this function.

Uses of runes FGrave stone inscriptions FReligious/magic inscriptions FInscriptions related to trade and politics. FPersonal letters and rude messages. FSignatures on certain crafts. (Blacksmiths, wood carvers, ect.) FGrave stone inscriptions FReligious/magic inscriptions FInscriptions related to trade and politics. FPersonal letters and rude messages. FSignatures on certain crafts. (Blacksmiths, wood carvers, ect.)

Anglo-Saxon Runic Alphabet

Elder Futhark