Origins of the Runes

Alright, it appears that there is quite some confusion regarding the mythological origins of the runes, so I decided to write this introductory.



Odin, Alfather, is most commonly known as a god of war and death, but this is far less that half of the truth. Odin is known for many traits such as poetry, seidh, jol and - perhaps most importantly - wisdom. Odin has always sought wisdom in all shapes and tend offer great gifts in return. The most common story on this subject might be of when he offered his eye to the jotun Mimir for a sip of the Well of Knowledge. But that's another story and we're here to talk rune origins, so let's get to it:

Odin, keen on learning, hung himself in the World Tree, Yggdrasil. Pierced by a spear and worn by the weather he hung there for nine nights without food or drink, sacrificed himself in his own name 'till he at last raised his voice and shouted out the names of the runes, and fell to the ground.



"I know that I hung,
On wind-rocked tree
Nine nights in all,
Pierced by spear,
Given to Odin,
Myself to I,
Man knows,
Where roots run."


"None offered me bread,
none offered me horn;
down I gazed,
Runes I raised,
Roaring raised,
And fell from above."



Now, above is my own translation of the first couple of stanzas in Runesong, so I must warn you: I'm not an expert on Old Norse so errors can occur. Thanks.

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Great post.

Thanks for sharing =)

Very nice =)