Learnings: Runes and Runestones

Beautiful Wunjo Rune made of Bloodstone with mossy background / Contemporary

The Old Norse rún means "secret or esoteric knowledge". Runes made up the futhark, the runic alphabet. Each rune had a unique meaning. For example, the rune wunjo, engraved on this little bloodstone, is the letter "w" as well as the rune of joy of kinship.

As with all written words, runes could carry memories and histories into the future. By engraving them in stone, the Scandinavians ensured their stories would endure. Runestones told a wide variety of stories. They could also honour people and events. Sometimes women would order a runestone engraved to commemorate the courage of their husbands and sons who perished in battle or at sea.