The use of runes in Norse armor holds great significance and understanding their meanings can provide insight into the beliefs and protection sought by the wearer. Runes were an ancient writing system used by the Norse, and they were also believed to possess magical properties. These runes were often inscribed onto armor to provide protection and enhance the strength and courage of the wearer. Each rune had its own specific meaning and symbolism. For example, the rune Algiz represented protection and the defense of higher powers, while the rune Tiwaz symbolized the god Tyr and was associated with courage and victory in battle. The rune Gebo represented the concept of gifting and the idea of reciprocity, while the rune Fehu represented prosperity and wealth.
The rune Gebo represented the concept of gifting and the idea of reciprocity, while the rune Fehu represented prosperity and wealth. Understanding the meanings behind these runes allows us to gain insights into the motivations and desires of the Norse warriors who wore them. The use of protective runes on armor demonstrates the belief in the power of these symbols to shield the wearer from harm and help them achieve victory on the battlefield.
Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle (Paperback)
Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures. The runes have deep resonances within the pagan Norse world of gods and goddesses, giants, dwarves, warriors, and wizards, which have greatly influenced the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, among others. Norse tradition attributes the discovery of the runes to the "All-Father" Odin--a god of inspiration and secret wisdom and the mythical prototype for runecasters, who established the pattern for gaining his knowledge.
Nordic Runes addresses three major areas: Runelore, the history of this 2000-year-old Norse oracle; Runestaves, the meaning of the individual runes of the Elder Futhark alphabet and their powerful mythological, magical, and practical lessons for daily life; and Runecasting, a comprehensive guide to the oracular application of the ancient runes, including their crafting, divination, and self-development. As Nordic Runes shows, the runes do more than simply reflect the path of fate; they help develop and enhance intuition. By learning to cast and interpret the runes, the user becomes receptive to the energy currents in material reality and empowered in the arts of its transformation.
About the Author
Paul Rhys Mountfort is a writer, researcher, and workshop leader specializing in oracles and the Celtic and Norse traditions. He is the author of Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees . Active in the contemporary pagan community, he lives with his partner and son on Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, New Zealand.
Praise For…
"The runes have an entire mythology and history, all of which is meticulously explained in Paul Mountfort's Nordic Runes ."
— Dell Magazines, October 2003
" Nordic Runes by Paul Rhys Mountfort serves as an excellent guide for those wishing to understand and utilize the runes. . . . His tome is comprehensive and rests firmly on a solid foundation of scholarship. It is also user friendly and fun to read."
— Thor the Barbarian, Nemeton, Jan 2006
"More than just a clinical textbook on rune work, this book was a pleasure to read. . ."
— Roxanne, The Beltane Papers, April 2004
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Divination
- Social Science / Folklore & Mythology
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
The Vikings did not write on paper, but carved them into stone, wood or iron. The hard materials made it difficult to make round edges, so the runes are more angular than our letters.
The inclusion of runes associated with courage and victory further emphasizes the importance of these qualities in Norse culture. In addition to their practical purpose, the inclusion of runes on armor also served as a form of communication. They acted as a visual representation of the wearer's belief system and their allegiance to certain gods or values. This allowed others to recognize and understand the mindset and intentions of the warrior, further reinforcing their identity and reputation on the battlefield. Overall, the understanding of Norse armor runes provides valuable insight into the beliefs, values, and motivations of the Norse warriors who wore them. These symbols served as both protective charms and visual representations of their identities, showing their commitment to gods and values associated with strength, courage, and victory..
Reviews for "Norse Armor Runes: A Message from the Gods"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars - I found "Norse armor rune understanding" to be extremely confusing and unhelpful. The author did a poor job explaining the meanings and symbols of the runes, and I was left with more questions than answers. The book lacked clear organization and structure, making it difficult to follow along. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. John - 2/5 stars - As a fan of Norse mythology, I was excited to read "Norse armor rune understanding." However, I found the content to be lacking in depth and substance. The author only scratched the surface of the rune meanings and their significance in Norse culture. Additionally, the book felt repetitive at times, with the same information being repeated throughout. I was left wanting more from this book and was ultimately unsatisfied with the shallow exploration of the subject matter.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Norse armor rune understanding" completely fell short of my expectations. The book was filled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, making it difficult to take the information presented seriously. The writing style was clunky and poorly executed, leaving me feeling like I wasted my money. Additionally, the book lacked any visual representation of the runes, making it even harder to engage with the content. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Norse runes.