What are Scandinavian runes? Roughly speaking, this is the writing of the northern peoples.
But is it that simple? If we turn to the origin of the word "rune", then we can clearly distinguish the root RU, which goes back to the word "mystery". That is, in addition to the fact that the runes are a living alphabet in the past, it is also a secret system. Yes, the common people knew some of the meanings of the runes, people knew how to apply them. But there were few real masters capable of predicting the future and healing, using seemingly simple letters. The Scandinavian runes were sent by the god Odin during his mystical experience. So, the legend says that Odin hung for 9 days and 9 nights on the Yggdrasil tree, pierced by his own spear. This is not just an ash tree, this is the World Tree, which connects the three worlds - Helheim, Midgard, Asgard. Yggdrasil also has 9 roots and 9 branches, according to the number of worlds in the mythology of the Scandinavians. Thus, Odin received the Scandinavian runes in a ritual initiation similar to a shamanic ritual death. One must transcend his Self in order to travel through the nine worlds. And in the view of the Vikings it is easierjust do it to the one who died in this world. Therefore, the Scandinavian runes can be considered an ecstatic experience that Odin gave to people.
The runes, in particular Scandinavian ones, were common in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Most of the runic monuments are located in Sweden. There is evidence that runes were used even in Novgorod, not to mention Britain and Greenland. The most famous were gravestones with runes. In general, Scandinavian runes can be used this way: you can make amulets, guess, you can even heal with their help. But, as in ancient times, few master this art. It was established that the inscriptions on gravestones should protect them from evil spirits. The runic charms on the weapon were meant to make it invincible. The inscriptions on the chain mail and helmet, on the contrary, were supposed to protect the wearer from blows with the help of magic.
Returning to the runes, it should be noted that the concept of "Scandinavian runes" includes 24 signs that are used in magic, and one additional - empty - rune, which is used in divination. The runic alphabet consists of 24 runes, as mentioned above, which are divided into 3 attas of 8 runes. Each atta has its own patron god. So, for the first att, relatively speaking, the god Freyr is responsible, for the second - Hagal, for the third - Tyr. The number 8 is not accidental, since it is a symbol of the cycle of life, infinity. Also, 8=4x2. The number 4 among the Scandinavians, like many other peoples, means harmony. Number 2symbolizes the eternal struggle of opposites. The fact that there are 3 attas also carries a deep symbolism. Thus, the Scandinavians believed that there were three main worlds - Asgard, Midgard, Helheim. That is why the Scandinavian runes are so grouped. Divination is another area of their application. At the same time, only a few could guess on the runes. The simplest divination techniques have come down to us. For example, you can pull out one rune at a time, asking a question, and then interpret it. A more complicated option is the so-called "Divination of Odin", when you need to pull out 3 runes. The first means the cause of the problem, the second is its current state, the third is a possible solution.
