Episode 1: Basics of runology and the origins of runic writing

This episode’s featured inscription: The Krogsta Runestone from Uppland/Sweden. Foto: Marco Bianchi (CC BY)

On the very first episode of the Rune Cast, I introduce some basics of runology: the difference between transliterating and transcribing, and how we refer to runic inscriptions. The guest on this episode is Henrik Williams, who talks about the origins of runic writing and his chosen runic inscription, the Krogsta stone (U 1125)

Note: due to a technical error, there is a few seconds during the interview with Henrik Williams where the stereo sound is lost. There’s nothing wrong with your speakers or headphones.

I mention the older and younger futharks in the episode. The use of the older is usually dated from the second to the eighth/ninth century CE, and the younger was in use from the end of that period until about the 12th century.

Further reading

 

Futharks

From the Elder to the Younger Futhark. Illustration: Marco Bianchi (CC BY)

5 thoughts on “Episode 1: Basics of runology and the origins of runic writing

  1. I really like the podcast. It would be helpful though to have a rough TOC with topics and minutes for each episode in case I want to either go back and listen to certain topics a second time or just skim through a new episode.

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