Norse Runes

Elder Futhark

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Elder Futhark

Overview

Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, used by Germanic tribes from around the 2nd to the 13th centuries. It consists of 24 runes, each representing a specific sound or phoneme, and it was primarily used in what is now Scandinavia and parts of Germany.

Elder Futhark runes are typically divided into three groups of eight called “Aettir.”

Elder Futhark runes were used for various purposes, including inscriptions on stones, personal items, and even for ritualistic purposes. The Elder Futhark eventually evolved into other runic systems, such as the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.

Elder Futhark is of interest not only for its linguistic significance but also for its original purpose like in ancient times and finds its use in magical rituals and divination practices in Norse and Germanic traditions.

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