Description
“Runes were carved on stone, bone, antler, wood and metal. Runestones were big rocks covered with inscriptions of runes usually in memory of a great man or woman. Over 3,000 runestones are located in Scandinavia. Runic inscriptions are found on grave markers, cenotaphs and memorials more often than on any other object. However, runic inscriptions are also found on:
- Cliff walls, rocks and buildings as graffiti
- Art and craft objects, put there by the gold and silversmiths, wood carvers, etc. who made them
- Trade markers, noting the name of the owner of a pile of trade goods
- Magical charms and talismans
- Religious objects
- Weapons. A sword, for instance, might have a name carved in runes on it
“Runes had been thought to be predominantly used for runestones and for other memorial or religious purposes. However, an important excavation in Bergen, Norway in the 1950s revealed that runes were often used for business and everyday uses as well. Runic inscriptions expressing prayers, love letters, jokes and gags and personal messages were found in quantity there.” [Source: History on the Net]
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