Slow Havamal: 80

In the 80th verse, we’re told what whatever the runes say will end up being true, because they come from the divine, made by the gods, and painted by Odin. Then we’re advised that it’s best to learn with your mouth shut.

I know next to nothing about the runes, except that they’re an alphabet given by Odin to mankind. As such, they can be used to write things, but unlike our alphabet, they have other purposes. I’m not sure what the old Norse used them for compared to their modern uses, but they were certainly employed in magical inscriptions, and probably divination—the most popular use today. ( Read more... )