| Magical Writing/ Runes |
| When I see aloft upon a tree, A corpse swinging from a rope. Then I cut and paint runes So that the man walks and speaks with me. |
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| These magical letters were once believed to have magic powers and, in some cultures, they still do. These runes can be found carved into artifacts from up to 10000 years ago. People believed that if they carved these runes on a tomb they would keep evil forces away from the dead. Some believed that if a rune were carved into a tomb it would keep the dead from trying to creep from its grave. Runes were also believed to give the bearer magical power if carved on armor or weapons. This is to be true with a sword named Marr. The inscription found on this ancient blade states, "May Marr spare nobody.". People belived that as long as the passion behind the carving was strong when the author wrote it that it would serve as a guard, protector, and/or an assasin. It was also believed that a rune or runic phrase could maintain its power centuries after the death of the author. Norse myths speak of Odin was so desperate to acquire the secret of the runes that he wounded himself with a spear and hung by his feet from The Tree of Life for nine days where he neither drank nor ate. Finally, the moment of death drew near and the runes appeared to him. He screamed as he gathered them; then, died. Norse myth also states that Odin was resurrected by the other Gods so that he could share the secret of the runes with mortal beings. I peered downwards, I looked up at the runes, Screaming I took them- Then I fell back. Runes were often carved on pebbles, wood, crystal, bones, shells, and even written on paper. Some legens say that in order for a carved of an etched rune to become magical, they must have the author's blood spread among them so that the rune could be bonded with the passion of the mortal who carved it. |
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| None should write runes Who cannot read what he carves, A mystery mistaken, Can bring misery. I saw cut on the bone, Ten secret characters; These gave the girl, Her grinding pain. |