Runes: Difference between revisions
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{{youmay|the historical Runes of Europe|Tolkien's [[Cirth]] of [[Middle-earth]]}} | {{youmay|the historical Runes of Europe|Tolkien's [[Cirth]] of [[Middle-earth]]}} | ||
[[Image:Dwarfrunes.JPEG|thumb|The Anglo-Saxon runes as used in ''[[The Hobbit]]'']] | |||
{{quote|Whatever are runes? |[[Bilbo Baggins]], ''[[Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit]]''}} | {{quote|Whatever are runes? |[[Bilbo Baggins]], ''[[Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit]]''}} | ||
The '''Runic alphabet'' was a system of writing based on angular shapes that could easily be carved into wood or stone. It originated and was used mainly in Northern Europe, by the [[Old English|Anglo-Saxons]] and the [[Old Norse|Norse tribes]]. One theory says that Runes evolved from Etruscan writing, however other quasi-runic scripts in other parts of the world ([[wikipedia:Rovásírás|Rovásírás]] and [[wikipedia:Orkhon script|Orkhon Script]]) also exist. | |||
==Tolkien and Runes== | |||
[[Tolkien]] decided that his [[races|people]]s of [[Arda]] would also use a similar script, and "Runes" are mentioned in his narratives. | [[Tolkien]] decided that his [[races|people]]s of [[Arda]] would also use a similar script, and "Runes" are mentioned in his narratives. | ||
In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Tolkien used [[Old English]] runes to display the writing of the [[Dwarves]] on the [[Thrór's Map]]; his Dwarves however were based mainly on Norse culture and [[Khuzdul|their language]] is influenced of Semitic languages<ref>http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/khuzdul.htm</ref> | In ''[[The Hobbit]]'', Tolkien used [[Old English]] runes, or [[wikipedia:Futhorc|Futhorc]], to display the writing of the [[Dwarves]] on the [[Thrór's Map]]; his Dwarves however were based mainly on Norse culture and [[Khuzdul|their language]] is influenced of Semitic languages.<ref>[[Helge Fauskanger]], "[http://folk.uib.no/hnohf/khuzdul.htm Khuzdul]", ''[[Ardalambion]]''</ref> The texts of course are modern English, and display the use of [[Westron]] of [[Third Age]]. | ||
The | The foreword of ''The Hobbit'' explains the usage of the Old English runes and help the reader read the Map (although the messages are revealed in the end of Chapter 3, ''[[A Short Rest]]'') | ||
Eventually Tolkien elaborated on a totally original runic writing system while writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Although most of the letters between historical runes and Tolkien's "cirth" are identical, they | Eventually Tolkien elaborated on a totally original runic writing system while writing ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''. Although most of the letters between historical runes and Tolkien's "cirth" are identical, they do not share the same values, since the Cirth follow the phonetic principles of the [[Tengwar]]. | ||
In the history of [[Arda]], a runic script called [[Cirth]] was invented by [[Daeron]] of [[Doriath]] to represent [[Sindarin]] words. Runes came to be used widely by races other than the [[Elves]], and especially by the [[Dwarves]]. | In the history of [[Arda]], a runic script called [[Cirth]] was invented by [[Daeron]] of [[Doriath]] to represent [[Sindarin]] words. Runes came to be used widely by races other than the [[Elves]], and especially by the [[Dwarves]]. | ||
{{references}} | |||
[[Category:Writing systems]] | [[Category:Writing systems]] | ||
Revision as of 19:03, 4 April 2009
- "Whatever are runes? "
- ― Bilbo Baggins, Rankin/Bass' The Hobbit
The 'Runic alphabet was a system of writing based on angular shapes that could easily be carved into wood or stone. It originated and was used mainly in Northern Europe, by the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse tribes. One theory says that Runes evolved from Etruscan writing, however other quasi-runic scripts in other parts of the world (Rovásírás and Orkhon Script) also exist.
Tolkien and Runes
Tolkien decided that his peoples of Arda would also use a similar script, and "Runes" are mentioned in his narratives.
In The Hobbit, Tolkien used Old English runes, or Futhorc, to display the writing of the Dwarves on the Thrór's Map; his Dwarves however were based mainly on Norse culture and their language is influenced of Semitic languages.[1] The texts of course are modern English, and display the use of Westron of Third Age.
The foreword of The Hobbit explains the usage of the Old English runes and help the reader read the Map (although the messages are revealed in the end of Chapter 3, A Short Rest)
Eventually Tolkien elaborated on a totally original runic writing system while writing The Lord of the Rings. Although most of the letters between historical runes and Tolkien's "cirth" are identical, they do not share the same values, since the Cirth follow the phonetic principles of the Tengwar.
In the history of Arda, a runic script called Cirth was invented by Daeron of Doriath to represent Sindarin words. Runes came to be used widely by races other than the Elves, and especially by the Dwarves.
