Thread by @DamnResearch

1/ The runic script, the 1st to be adopted by Germanic speakers, was rarely used for everyday writing. The symbols represented both letters & cosmic forces, giving runes an added spiritual significance. But what's myth behind the script? #FolkloreThursday

(Ovre Stabu Spearhead)

2/ Rune means both 'letter' & 'secret' in many Germanic languages - hinting at their supposed magical origins. The Norns, 3 powerful female Jotun, were the 1st to use the runes. They'd carve them into the world tree Yggdrasil to control the fates of gods & men. #FolkloreThursday

3/ Odin envied the Norns' power. Yet, he knew the runes would only reveal themselves to those worthy of such insight. Odin pierced himself with his spear & hung himself off one of the branches of Yggdrasil, sacrificing himself for the runes. #FolkloreThursday

4/ There he hung, for 9 days & nights, staring into the Well of Urd (home of the Norns) that surrounded the base of Yggdrasil. Finally he saw shapes emerge from the deep - the runes were revealed! With his new power, Odin became the mightiest being in the cosmos #FolkloreThursday

5/ The reality is probably a little less spectacular & painful though! The Runic script was derived from an Italic script (not Latin - angry nerd debate over which one exactly), brought back by mercenaries who'd served in the Roman army in the 2nd century CE. #FolkloreThursday

Picture credits:

1: Ovre Stabu Spearhead w/ enhanced inscription - The Man in Question
2: Norns - Artist unknown (please let me know if you do)
3: Hanging Odin - Jason Haddix
4: Odin on throne - Carl Emil Doepler
5: Kylver stone inscription - Unknown photographer