The older runic inscriptions (ca. AD 150 - 450) represent the earliest attestation of any Germanic language. The close relationship of these inscriptions to the archaic Mediterranean writing traditions is demonstrated through the linguistic and orthographic analysis presented here. The extraordinary importance of these inscriptions for a proper understanding of the prehistory and early history of the present-day Germanic languages, including English, becomes abundantly clear once the accu-mulation of unfounded claims of older mythological and cultic studies is cleared away.

Like its two predecessors, Aspects of Old Frisian Philology (1990) and Approaches to Old Frisian Philology (1998), Advances in Old Frisian Philology combines contributions by specialists of medieval Frisian studies with papers by international specialists from adjacent fields who have been invited for the occasion to bring their expertise to the discipline of Old Frisian. Together, the diverse approaches considerably advance our knowledge of and insight into various aspects of Old Frisian philology.

This pioneering work explores epigraphic evidence for the development of English before the Anglo-Saxon period, bringing together linguistic, historical and archaeological perspectives on early inscriptions, making them more accessible to a wider audience. The volume offers a new account of the Germanic development of Anglo-Saxon England, beginning with an examination of the earliest inscriptions from northern Europe and the oldest inscriptions preserving Germanic names, many of which have only been discovered since the 1980s. The book charts the origins of key terms such as Angle, Saxon and Jute and early writing systems used by Germanic peoples. Drawing on epigraphic evidence from northwestern Germany through to southwestern Denmark and sub-Roman Britain, Mees situates the analysis within historical and linguistic frameworks but also provides archaeological contextualisations, assessed chronologically, for the inscriptions. Taken together, the work re-examines existing models of the early development of English through the lens of contemporary approaches, opening paths for new directions in research on historical dialectology. This book is key reading for students and scholars interested in the history of English and historical linguistics.

Offers a full introduction to and survey of runes and runology: their history, how they were used, and their interpretation. Runes, often considered magical symbols of mystery and power, are in fact an alphabetic form of writing. Derived from one or more Mediterranean prototypes, they were used by Germanic peoples to write different kinds of Germanic language, principally Anglo-Saxon and the various Scandinavian idioms, and were carved into stone, wood, bone, metal, and other hard surfaces; types of inscription range from memorials to the dead, through Christian prayers and everyday messages to crude graffiti. First reliably attested in the second century AD, runes were in due course supplanted by the roman alphabet, though in Anglo-Saxon England they continued in use until the early eleventh century, inScandinavia until the fifteenth (and later still in one or two outlying areas). This book provides an accessible, general account of runes and runic writing from their inception to their final demise. It also covers modern uses of runes, and deals with such topics as encoded texts, rune names, how runic inscriptions were made, runological method, and the history of runic research. A final chapter explains where those keen to see runic inscriptions can most easily find them. Professor MICHAEL P, BARNES is Emeritus Professor of Scandinavian Studies, University College London.

Runes might sound like something strange that you only find in the World of Warcraft or Harry Potter, But... Runes are, in fact, real artifacts - stones with runic inscriptions. They have both factual and mythological roots. From German tribes to Vikings and Odin to New Agers, runes have played a powerful part in history. If you are curious about runes, their meanings, and how they can enhance your intuition, keep reading. Runes help us discover that the real power comes from inside ourselves when we find the wisdom and power within each symbol and internalize them. In this book, we unravel the mystery of runes and examine significant facts and history that provide us with a better understanding of how they can enhance your intuition, connect with the sources of energy, healing & love. The book goes in-depth with the different backgrounds of runes and how to read runes, meanings, magic & misconceptions, spell casting, and how to use it as a divination tool, as well as how to master your Psychic Ability. Indeed, this book is a perfect balance of relevant information and interesting facts. It includes an overview of all the great runes as we take theories of each rune and roll them into one book. Interestingly, it has exercises you can do to learn the runes that are fun. More specifically, in this book, you'll be guided on: History, origin and early runic inscriptions How a 1,200-year-old tomb, discovered in Denmark, is shedding light on the mysterious birth and development of the Viking alphabet. Dispelling myths around attracting bad omens The 24 different runes that you can use to discover your future and how you can change it Rituals & Exercises to connect to your higher self and deal with the challenges of life Facts about the Blank Rune and whether you should read it Apply the three Runic spread to understand the issues you are facing How the magical god of wisdom Odin discovered the Runes Days of the week for casting Runes and why Sunday is the best day to help you get rid of negativity The 24 different plants that represent the runes and their associated properties for healing & success Why you should learn Runes, even if it's just for fun or because you're curious Spell casting and divining And much, much more…. It's time to take a fascinating journey through the magic of the ancient Runes. If you're ready to start exploring Runes for yourself then get started with This Book

"The first international conference was held at Chiba University in 1-3 September 2005, the second one at Nagoya University in 7-9 September 2007, and the third one at Hiroshima University in 28-30 August 2009"--P. [v].

Most of us know of the Indo-European roots of European languages, but how did this precursor language take hold and what did Europe look like before it did so? This book explores the continent before the spread of the Indo-Europeans, examines its indigenous population and the contacts it had with Indo-European and Uralic immigrants, and, ultimately, asks how these origins led to the development of that crucial singularity for Europe’s languages. Drawing on archaeology, religious studies, and palaeography, the contributors offer a detailed and comprehensive picture of Europe’s linguistic and, in turn, cultural prehistory.

"This book presents an accessible account of the Norwegian examples throughout the period of their use. The runic inscriptions are discussed not only from a linguistic point of view but also as sources of information on Norwegian history and culture". --BOOKJACKET.

Die Germanische Altertumskunde Online wird – wie bereits das in ihr aufgegangene Reallexikon – durch Ergänzungsbände begleitet. Diese Reihe umfasst Monographien ebenso wie Sammelbände zu spezifischen Themen aus Archäologie, Geschichte und Literaturwissenschaft. Damit wird der Inhalt der Datenbank um jene Aspekte erweitert, die einer ausführlichen Analyse bedürfen. Inzwischen sind bereits mehr als 100 Bände erschienen von Germanenproblemen in heutiger Sicht bis zur Germanischen Altertumskunde im Wandel.