The Poetic Edda and the Mystical Origins of Runes They were incorporated into rites related to birth, marriage, death, initiation, and other significant life events. They also played a role in various rituals and ceremonies within ancient Germanic and Nordic cultures.

By choosing specific runes that embodied qualities they sought to cultivate or manifest in their lives, people believed they could align themselves with those desired attributes and tap into their associated energies. Individuals would often carve or wear runes as a means of personal empowerment and self-transformation. These inscriptions served a range of purposes, including memorializing the deceased, conveying information, marking ownership, and invoking protection or blessings from the runes or gods and goddesses associated with them. Runes were used in a variety of ways by the tribes and often inscribed on important objects and tools such as weapons, jewelry, tools, and rune stones. Uses of Runes in Germanic and Nordic Cultures Runes, and their powerful symbols, likely played a role in divination and spellcasting, aspects that resonate with Freyja's realm of influence, her rune Fehu represents the “F” in the Elder Futhark. Freyja a prominent goddess of love, war, and magick does not have a direct association with the creation or origin of runes, although her connection to magic, seiðr, and her role as a practitioner of Norse mysticism aligns with the broader use of runes in magical practices. They are believed to shape the destinies of gods, humans, and all beings, runes carrying this same symbolic influence. They are seen tending to its roots and weaving the threads of fate. The Norns are typically depicted as three sisters: Urd (past), Verdandi (present), and Skuld (future) reside at the base of the cosmic tree Yggdrasil. Odin's quest for wisdom, provide a means for individuals to gain insight into their paths and seek guidance in navigating their destinies. He then shared this wisdom with humanity and the magick of the runes. From norse mythology and stories, Odin is known for hanging himself from the World Tree, Yggdrasil, for nine nights, during which he attained the knowledge of runes. Odin, considered the “Allfather” and chief God of the norse panthon had a strong connection to the runes and is attributed to their discovery. Their magick was used for divination, communication with spirits, and influencing the natural world using their distinct energy through sound or writing.

These Germanic tribes viewed the runes with deep shamanic power, which helped guide their practice and beliefs. Shamanic Power and Beliefs Associated with Runes The Elder Futhark was used by Germanic tribes during the Migration Period and the Viking Age. The term “Elder” separates this set of runes from later evolutions of the runes like the Younger Futhark, and “Futhark” is a translation of the first 6 letters of the runic alphabet. The first runic system created was called the Elder Futhark, emerging around 2nd century CE and consisting of 24 symbols which make up the runes distinguishable sounds and meanings. These tribes shared linguistic and cultural ties, which laid the groundwork for the development of the runic script with some influence from contact with Mediterranean tribes.

Germanic tribes including the Goths, Vandals, and others, inhabited the regions of Northern Europe during the early centuries CE.

Elder futhark runes historical meanings