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How did ordinary vikings use runes?

In: Magic and Illusions, Vikings [Edit categories]

Answer:

In the Viking Age, runes were used mainly for two purposes: for writing and for magic. For example, ordinary people would use runes for inscribing names on personal objects, sending messages to each other or marking boundary or memorial stones. People with specialised knowledge occasionally inscribed runes with some magical purpose in mind, for example, to fortify a weapon or to effect healing.

One of the gods frequently worshipped in the Viking Age, Odin, is credited as being the discoverer of runes and with describing their magical use. Another god, Heimdall, was credited in passing on this knowledge to humankind.

There is no evidence that any people from the Viking Age ever used runes for divination. Despite marketing propaganda that implies the contrary, such use seems to be entirely a modern phenomenon and originates in the mid-late 20th century.

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Chicobsb

First answer by Stormerne. Last edit by Stormerne. Contributor trust: 18 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 5 [recommend question].

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