The Origins of the Runes
The Origins of the Runes by mār Enlil Runes, this Germanic alphabet, are at the center of many neo-pagan and esoteric fantasies. They are presented as a sacred, even magical, alphabet. However, this is not the case. This view stems more from modern fantasies than from historical facts. In this article, we will explore various explanations regarding the origin of the runes. There is no settled mystery. Runes have been the subject of several hypotheses, but none is universally accepted, even though some hypotheses are more credible than others. It should be noted that the oldest runic inscriptions date from the mid-2nd century. The name “rune” comes from a reconstructed Proto-Germanic form, *rūnō, which can be translated as “secret, mystery; secret conversation.” Although often associated with Scandinavia, runic inscriptions are also found in Germany (especially in the southwest) and in England. Runes have also been found in Eastern Europe, but they are li...