18
votes
How does a runic alphabet work?
A runic alphabet works like other alphabets: one rune corresponds to one or more specific sounds. Runes only really have one significant difference: they are designed to be carved in wood, which means ...
- 5,431
8
votes
Accepted
Why was leek considered holy in the Edda?
Why not?
First off, this is the original:
Áðr Burs synir
bjöðum um ypðu,
þeir er Miðgarð
mœran skópu;
sól skein sunnan
á salar steina,
þá var grund gróin
grœnum lauki.
"Leek" is one of the ...
- 12.2k
3
votes
Are there any written records of Norse mythology dated prior to Christianization?
First of all, it should be noted that Norse mythology was only the longest-lasting offshoot of a much wider spread Germanic mythology. If we restrict ourselves to Norse contemporary sources, then ...
- 5,431
3
votes
Accepted
Are there any written records of Norse mythology dated prior to Christianization?
Aside from some short inscriptions on stone, no.
The received texts of the sagas generally all date to after about 1000 A.D. and were written or copied at times when Christianization had taken hold.
...
- 37.4k
3
votes
Is there a symbol associated with Loki from the Norse pantheon?
You may have moved waaaaay past this given that you asked 2 years ago, but here's a different answer: Yes, and the rune he is associated with is Berkanan. In fact, in the Elder Futhark Loki is ...
2
votes
How were foreign names written in runes?
This is one of the medieval rune inscriptions from Bryggen in Bergen, Norway. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryggen_inscriptions. It is in Latin and reads "rexiudeorum innomini patrisnazarenus" - "...
- 121
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