Rune: In a writing system designed to be scratched or carved on a flat surface such as wood or stone, the individual letters are known as runes. Typically, these markings have few or no curves, circles, or dots, but instead, each mark consists of a number of straight cuts or strokes. (The strokes may, however, involve complex combinations of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.) Runic writing systems tend to appear in areas where paper or parchment are scarce or unknown or where ink is commonly unavailable. Typical runic marks might indicate ownership of a house or object, they may be magic spells designed to be cut or scratched on a shield as a pagan protective charm, and they may mark boundary stones. It is accordinly rare to find lengthy literary writings done in runes--which naturally tend to force brevity upon the communicant given the effort involved in cutting or carving them. Runes were common among ancient and medieval inhabitants of Scandinavia, the continental Germanic tribes, and among the Anglo-Saxons who invaded Britain. By the High Middle Ages, parchment, pen, and ink had largely displaced the runic writing systems. Contrast with ogam markings among the Celts.

 

Related Words

Rune: In a writing system designed to be scratched or carved on a flat surface such as wood or stone, the individual letters are known as runes. Typically, these markings have few or no curves, ci . . . View Full Definition

Prunelard (Noir): Reported to be a very rare variety grown in the Tarn region of France. Thought to have been near extinction it was recovered by Robert Plageoles and referred to locally as the Red Stemmed Cô . . . View Full Definition

Grüner Veltliner: Recent (2002) DNA analysis proposed that this variety is a member of the Traminer cépage, with mutated genetic traces. Widely grown in Austria. Is white-wine grape used to create the famous . . . View Full Definition

Prunella: A liqueur made from meat, plum pits, figs, and vanilla beans.