Exploring the Viking Age #2: Talking Runes with Professor Williams
May 1, 2024
In this discussion, Henrik Williams, a leading Runology expert renowned for deciphering the Rök runestone, delves into the fascinating world of ancient runes. He shares insights on the significance of runestones as time capsules of the Viking Age, revealing stories of identity and cultural practices. The evolution of the runic alphabet and the magical beliefs surrounding it also unfold, alongside the complexities of translating runes. Plus, explore the ties between runes and Norse mythology, showcasing their enduring impact on contemporary culture.
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Williams' Runic Awakening
- Henrik Williams' interest in runes started during a study year in the U.S. when he realized their unique cultural value.\n- Initially, runestones seemed boring to him, but his perspective changed with academic exposure abroad.
Runes as Time Travel
- Runes symbolize time travel to a distant past and different culture.\n- Modern culture's global similarity makes historical runes windows to truly different worlds.
Runic Names Build Group Identity
- Viking Age names often included humorous or unflattering nicknames as a team-building practice.\n- Such naming showed belonging and reflected military group dynamics beyond mere labels.