(Real, Historical) Rune Spells

[@JacksonCrawford]

(Yeah, I remember watching Pop-Up Video after school, why?) Another of the numberless futile disclaimers I have to make when talking about runes is that visual designs or symbols such as Ægishjálmur are not runes; 'rune' as a technical term applies only to a letter in one of the Futhark alphabets. I have talked about Ægishjálmur specifically here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXuXeGpjmtlpgqs and you can find all my videos dealing with runes here: kzbin.info/aero/PLATNGYBQ-TjrPCf9YGy0qzqca1ypcGs50

[@nkhtn663]

Also if anyone is interested, the 'Runes, Magic, and Religion: A Sourcebook' that Dr. Crawford references actually has a PDF preview of Chapter 12 available here: dro.dur.ac.uk/1053/ -- the link to the actual book can be found here (Google Translate should get you through the menus/page without issue if you need it): www.fassbaender.com/Skandinavistik/Runes-Magic-and-Religion-A-Sourcebook.html With regards to the charm that Dr. Crawford mentions from Skírnismál, Stephen Mitchell has an excellent paper on it called 'Skírnismál and Nordic Charm Magic', along with some other interesting work on possible similar charms on his main Academia page: www.academia.edu/1500345/Sk%C3%ADrnism%C3%A1l_and_Nordic_Charm_Magic His book 'Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages', which Dr. Crawford has recommended before, also covers this topic and Penn Press actually has it 40% off with free shipping through tomorrow (December 31, 2020), so while it is focused on magic from 1100 A.D. on, it also discusses what might have survived from the pre-Christian era (like the aforementioned charms): www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14800.html

[@paulaunger3061]

'vain as in instagram'! LOL!!!!!

[@HI-hf1vk]

At 15:40/20:10. Two words for you; surt(ar)brandur & sepsis (pathology).

[@valeriy8502]

@@nkhtn663 fantastic thank you!

[@morganrickards3811]

We call them staves or galdrastafir

[@leknubb]

I gotta say, being Icelandic, it is so surreal how a cowboy from Colorado is educating me of my old culture, more and better than any teacher did back in junior high and high school. Freaking awesome and I can tell that you are very passionate about this. I can't stop watching! Great job! :)

[@steben3318]

I too love the image of a cowboy speaking and teaching advanced rune info. Nice job :D

[@RoyalKnightVIII]

@@steben3318 He's basically a Rohirrim! ;)

[@jpdalvi]

Because he is actually a doctor, not a highschool teacher

[@gregboggs2708]

My mother is from Iceland as well. I lived there with Amma for a small time as a very young child. If you’re in America maybe we have known each other?

[@davida.rosales6025]

Consider also that A LOT of "American cowboys" ultimately descend from Nordic blood.

[@olamarvin]

Brb, gonna record the metal album "Thor, Destroyer of Eczema".

[@alysmarcus7747]

good to know - i've tried everything this year - - - sheesh- i shoulda known just call on him- - used to just ask him for thunderstorms , silly me

[@olamarvin]

@@alysmarcus7747 Topical steroids like Elocon works for me!

[@jenniferandrew3373]

@@alysmarcus7747 right? I had no idea.

[@lauragraves4342]

Everyone knows it was Lokis' horse child creatureling and his third girlfriend that made the spell to destroy eczema, dude bro. 😘🤠

[@faramund9865]

That Raven was like. “Yes that’s right mr. Crawford.”

[@silentxecho113]

That raven caw sounded like an affirmation to me also lol

[@17popsquare60]

Investing early in this comment

[@cthulhuhoops]

ravens like to show up in these vids, i've noticed.

[@KSxJoker]

I read the comment early and was not disappointed when I heard it. Completely agree.

[@unholycrusader69]

Nah bro that was Huginn or Muninn

[@jonasnordstrom1169]

This is providing a ton of information, not just about runes, but the mindset of people and of pagan practices. The existence of these inscriptions was new to me. As a swede I find it a bit ironic that the best and most accessible information on old norse runic inscriptions are presented to us from the US! Thanks for a great video! More of this please!

[@lmartell8412]

Excellent content, as usual. I see you’ve learned how to add “pop ups” filled with your dry humor and rapier-like wit which crack me up.

[@joshuaharper372]

Yes, the pop-ups were great, and I think you (Jackson) are exactly right in your hunches about sudden shifts in pronoun deixis (such shifts also happen in classical Hebrew poetry) as well as casual syncretism in under-catechised Christians or open-minded pagans.

[@lmartell8412]

@@joshuaharper372 Your interesting observations are the reason I enjoy Dr Crawford’s channel so much. He generates such interesting dialogue.

[@toebeans1385]

*raises hand * I am here for the rune-stones . I was told there would be rock and roll ?

[@gollor]

That is such a crazy cool geological formation behind you!

[@Burrick]

"Professor enlightens us about backwards upside down writing on copper fish"

[@DarthSagit]

@@HagelslagFetish He is a former instructor at universities with a PhD

[@Jimmy-zu9gb]

@@HagelslagFetish He was a professor when the video was published and the comment was made lol. Though has seemed to have left employment at the university since.

[@hamishhamilton9287]

The vein vain homophone explanation was truly excellent. Your humour is a big part of why I enjoy your channel. Happy Hogmanay!

[@Ithirahad]

The real rock-and-roll was the background stone we saw along the way. How in the hells did the earth manage to bow out those rock strata? In any case, it seems we've got a somewhat interesting pattern here, that I might semi-poetically generalize: "Þor, swing; strike this demon down; Fiend, flee; for now you are found. Fiend, for thee, malediction and wrath; Sufferer, to thee, protection and health." Simple as it may be, it's neat to know this fragment of the 'thought-culture' of a people this far back into history.

[@Jimmy-zu9gb]

I know it's been a year, but hey, rocks are cool. So with enough time and pressure rock can bend and flex, it's a misconception that 'cool' rocks nearer the surface are not malleable. That particular style of formation is called an anticline. Synclines ( U shaped curves) and anticlines typically form when a layer of rock is squished from the sides, and form a type of sinewave pattern. Anticlines can also from from rising magma pushing the rock up, but not fast enough to shear it.

[@wildcat9244]

@@Jimmy-zu9gb I just keep learning, and learning… Thank you for your comment explaining the rock. I just went down another rabbit hole.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

@@Jimmy-zu9gb Thanks for the explanation. As someone from an earthquake prone country (Aotearoa/ New Zealand), my first thought was earthquakes but, it didn't look quite right. Great to learn what else can do it.

[@adamstockdale9007]

You promised rock-and-roll and you delivered. Fascinating video. The lateness of the inscriptions, especially the Borgund Stave inscription is particularly interesting. It makes me wonder how long that sort of "syncretism" existed after the official conversion.

[@Doorsofprcptn]

Hundreds of years and still to a degree. Here in Sweden there were pockets that were very pagan for a long time even though the state religion was Christian. And the 13th of December called Lucia is also pre Christian and not about the Italian saint Lucia at all and it is still celebrated each year. There was a good documentary about the Lucia celebration here on KZbin but the Swedish state TV decided to take it down and it's not available on their website either. Good job SVT using our tax money for a good cause I see 🤔

[@torloka99]

You should cover the Björketorp runestone sometime. It is over 4 meters tall and there is a curse in Proto-Norse on it. Scary and mysterious stuff!

[@cipheroth]

I am reading your translation of the Poetic Edda in this moment, and it is amazing. The Gods are satisfied !

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

Trying to focus on the interpretations of the inscriptions rather than that fantastic syncline in the background.

[@janbrittenson210]

Interesting on the healing powers of soot... I wonder if "barcode" tattoos were simply a way to embed soot into the skin over a bothersome area or to aid healing. Apparently even Ötzi has a whole bunch of them, and the dye used was in fact identified as soot.

[@spacebetweennumbers]

That could be, considering he also had several old and newer wounds when he was discovered. Though tattooing is fairly common in many ancient cultures. It makes sense that it may have had some element of protection in some cases.

[@tairneanaich]

It‘s also been suggested from the locations of Ötzi‘s tats that they were meant to alleviate arthritis

[@dorego3658]

hey Jackson im 30 and understood all your references, keep up the good work, much love

[@aniraseraug2104]

"funded not by out of control tuition bills"! That made me laugh much harder than I probably should have! Aaah though glad to know someone understands!

[@Vidfavne]

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos, since it's the end of the year and such. Howard Williams mentioned your channel at my girlfriends doctorate dinner thing, and I've been following it ever since. You've probably taught me more about scandinavian prehistory than most of my archaeology lecturers in Lund. Also, massive +++ for the pronunciations. This seems to be very difficult for most English speaking scholars. But you are doing a great job compared to most anglo-people trying to do Scandinavian languages or latin or whatever (also compared to any contemporary Swede/Dane/Norwegian trying to speak norse).

[@JohanKylander]

Ashes were used to wash hands, but it burns the skin if left on too long.

[@Je.Suis.Flaneur]

Mixing ash, which is alkaline, with skin, with is acid, makes soap. Not a very good soap, but it would act (somewhat) as a cleanser.

[@Ithirahad]

@@Je.Suis.Flaneur The action of this mixing would be taking off the dead layers of skin to form the 'soap', yes? Arguably one might say simply removing the surface that the dirt is on would be the best 'soap' there is, at least until you run out of skin to use. :P

[@KimOfDrac]

Sot and ash are not the same thing, but the sot is basically pure carbon wich is anti-bacterial

[@alphabetsoup6681]

Ash on the skin has been used to treat skin ailments.

[@stacyedelprete5477]

You can still get african black soap for eczema. It's made with ashes. Works a trick for mild cases. Thanks, Thor!

[@IntelVoid]

The last inscription sounds like he got drunk, and then slept in the church.

[@Katinaboxx]

Certainly has more the feel of a prayer than a spell. Very interesting. Thank you for these videos. I am 4-5th gen American of Norwegian descent (and others), and we have never had any traditions. I've always been fascinated by ancestry. Thanks for teaching with a non-mythological/spiritual intention and providing insight into human history.

[@mnels5214]

This was a good one, both for content and the asides! Ahh telephone books. And, telephones that didn't travel everywhere with us. Kinder times.

[@stevengentry9396]

Excellent video. I appreciate your reading of the runes aloud before working through the interpretation. I also enjoy the mention of possible variant understanding/reading of the inscriptions. Thank you!

[@ryangautreau6731]

Could Bufi be talking about spear wound that has been infected. Just with the connection to the bright one maybe "Baldur" and he is saying you know of this. Just food for thought.

[@captwetbeard8524]

The rock formations behind you are really cool looking

[@volfgangtwins]

Very informative video! Awesome. ⚔️🤘🏻🤘🏻⚔️

[@sinistersaint]

Okay, so the content is awesome - as always! - thank you for the insightful lesson in (real) runes... but can I take a moment to say the geologic feature you're standing in front of is *incredible*?!?! I'd love to see that formation in person

[@spiridiums]

I sincerely appreciate your insights with these kind of videos. I don't have the money to go back to school, otherwise I'd be taking language and history courses out the wazoo, but having someone take the time to not only go over translations but also discussing the history and leaving additional sources out there is extremely refreshing and appreciated.

[@tairneanaich]

The way the layout is described is very funny and very familiar to me! I study Egyptian Hieroglyphs and the direction of writing was completely up to the scribe based on what looked prettier, or was more symmetrical. All sorts of directions in one passage can crop up and you just have to roll with it, lol. (Although helpfully, usually the symbols within will face the start of the sentence, which helps you find where to begin)

[@tairneanaich]

Also!! Berk having the K affixed to mean „I/Me“ got me right in the nose wow- Middle Egyptian also affixes a =k to indicate I/me, a suffix pronoun used Exactly the same way! Spooky!

[@andrewbp9605]

Thanks!

[@ratboy_]

Your little aside at the end of the full translation at 13:47 was hilarious. The things you must've been forced to read...

[@jbcarseiii]

Excellent stratigraphy in the background!

[@joshharris9745]

Hi Dr. Crawford, Is it possible that the runes normalized here to “may (he) bless” might instead be read as “may (he) slay?” It seems a little more logical to me that Þórr, smacker of giants and such-like, would be invoked to slay the monstrous wound-causer, rather than bless the sufferer (not that that seems illogical for a rune charm). Just a thought!

[@musewinter9369]

I just came across this and I am in love man keep it up!

[@sympathiea]

I'm sure people have brought the group Heilung to your attention; one of their songs references DR 196 U in the rundata catalog. Part of it is or or something like that. Alu seems to be common as a charm, but what about all the variations on yrki/urki as even seen here? Very cool transliteration too btw!

[@holliwatkin1233]

Thank you for your thorough interpretations and knowledge, I enjoy your sense of humor while learning about my heritage!

[@DAYBROK3]

ashes are base, you can use it to make soap. even if you dont go that far it can be used to clean dishes. it would sting an open wound and possibly also clean it. it would also harm the skin if left to long.

[@bluesSGL]

That's really interesting. Pine tar is made from burning pine wood and was used to treat skin issues.

[@LynxSouth]

@@bluesSGL Pine tar soap & shampoo are still used.

[@frekitheravenous516]

Hey Jackson. Just got all 3 of your books in the mail today. Ordered from amazon. I have to say from skimming them that i am already in love with the translations. I've read many of versions of the Poetic Edda, Volsunga Saga, Etc. And some were good, others not so good. But yours are by far the best. Just wanted to say thank you for putting out clear, concise books. Respects.

[@olamarvin]

I'll try to get some good photos of that inscription in Borgund for you next time opportunity permits.

[@martindegn690]

I love recognising the modern cognates of the words you read. Både gjorde nornerne vel og ille

[@DrLeroy76]

"Gore-smearer, wound-causer, you go away now.... Against vein-danger": Sounds like a charm of protection against wounding (vein-danger) from weapons (gore-smearers, wound-causers).

[@sandranevins2144]

I apologize before hand, I got distracted by the rock formation behind you. What is it? Thor was sitting in a cave, decided to stand up?

[@melb2596]

Back in the day people believed that almost any sickness was brought into the body by some sort of worm. To get rid of it, they would use ailments and spells to send the worm out of the body and, through an elder bush, down to the underworld.

[@wyrdlock]

If I'm gonna listen to anyone about runic magic I'm gonna listen to Jackson Crawford

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

This was a particularly fascinating and insightful one Sir, thank you.

[@Ryuwyn]

This humble Colombian appreciates what you do :)

[@jaysonparkhurst7422]

I'm no geologist, but what is going on with those rock layers in the background? That's cool as hel

[@truestoriesfromtheworld]

In Swedish "illa" means not only evil, it also means that person feels bad and sick. So maybe it coukd be translated as "to hold illness from Bufa"?

[@antoninaheath3671]

I think that the fish is there only to disguise the magic incantation to Thor from any priest that would want to tell to take off and not wear the amulet. Since it was forbidden by law. I think that despite it was Christian time people were still pagan and were only pretending to be Christians. Just my thought.

[@jonathanswoyer5218]

I like this entire video, but I love the digression note on the phone book

[@ban-draoidh318]

Yrki sounds like the Swedish word 'yrka' which can mean to propose/suggest something, or to present/put forward.

[@zorgivanov8685]

you deserve so much more views for this awesome content!

[@stopit4uca]

I was thinking about the room that you're right about the one within the charcoal powder I was thinking perhaps he had ringworm as we call it today

[@Dreoilin]

Dr. Crawford bringing the rock and roll!

[@lornemiller3489]

It sort of sounds like Bufi had that amulet like a signed cast: it wold explain the strange orientations and different legibility and the third person? Perspective but that may be your translation

[@nosillalaluna7078]

The geology behind you amazing, this is an education many need at this time. ✌️

[@runeguidance1341]

Tack så mycket Dr. Crawford!!!!!!!

[@scorchobassplayer]

I love your videos, thanks for your education so we may learn a bit more on history Sir.

[@garrettwilson4754]

Is it possible that there is some set sequence of address in these type of charms that would mean that the addressee and addressor are implicit? Something akin to 1: call on a benign deity, 2: call out an evil spirit, 3: exhort healing of something. Or is a situation where there is too little data to guess at that sort of assertion?

[@bluesSGL]

It could be plausible that the authors followed a loose formula for writing incantations.

[@willmcmill4]

Absolutely loved watching this, thank you!

[@acidttundra9222]

happy new year and a big thanks for your work.so much is lost even hidden from us who cant read the original language(yet)=)the sagas etc i mean

[@michaelanthony2395]

god of soot is a kenning im guessing. presumably a tree or a specific type, such as ash, the best tree for burning in the northern regions.

[@jordanwhitecar1982]

Definitely a hand-me-down mentality for godlike deities from a polytheistic culture; if you really need your prayer answered, just pray to all the gods.

[@joefilter2923]

Just go to the one, not the subluminaries.

[@Marshmellow_metal]

Him: "that's pretty rock and roll" Me: "that's metal as hell" We love a hip viking cowboy, these videos are a fun way to educate myself a bit

[@nekromanda]

In the bright one, could that be referring to someone like Baldr ? Since he was (mostly) immune from harm, it might make sense to pray to a god like that for help with something that is harming you. I'm not sure if you mention it later in the video yet I just have no impulse control lol :P

[@raymondfink9580]

I have a related question, well sort of related, were there any rune blessings?

[@huskyxopowo2605]

This was interesting. Further information on soot and ash invocations? Amulets of course are popular everywhere - but I've always been interested in the Paleosiberian use of amulets - the Yukaghir are particularly interesting in this regard. I also find the use of "ekki" in old Norse interesting because of its (double) meaning in old turkic... I've got a grip of buckets full of undergraduate papers but am still testing the waters to find a good graduate program

[@huskyxopowo2605]

Also, did someone say syncretic belief structure? In northern eurasia? no.....

[@mrjones2721]

Did you ever find a good graduate program?

[@raymondfink9580]

I like the geology where he’s filming

[@karennorris7880]

Having gotten into some poison ivy when I was eight months pregnant and being unable to take Benadryl, I can tell you for sure I would have worn runes, prayed to Thor, or burnt incense, sang incantations or done anything I thought could help me with that rash. Thankfully, I had Caladryl and Jesus. I feel sorry for our forebears who didn't have modern medicine.

[@LynxSouth]

Oatmeal packs. Cook it up as normal, cool, spread on, & wrap/tie a bandage. Or just soak fingers/hands in a bowl of it every so often as needed. Oatmeal is very soothing to all skin rashes. There are also other herbal & homeopathic treatments that work very well.

[@mathismathisen1649]

Jeg setter virkelig pris på alt jeg lærer av deg 🍻 Skål og godt nytt år , fra Drammen (Drafn) Norge

[@brandijade7063]

I love this vid. I do wonder, if to your knowing did the Germanic tribes of old, did tattoo themselves? Ala The Iceman? Was it for medical or spirital?

[@T-Ingvarsson]

For a swedish listener, if i don't read the text, i get the gist of what's being said, reading messes it up ^^

[@zamorvex]

for the first word are u saying "h-er ee" with an R trill. or "hair ee" but bring 'air' to ur lower laranx and add the trill on the end? sorry my hearing is a little off so it be hard sometimes to hear the smaller nuances

[@TomiDeLuna]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@overratedprogrammer]

Would an inscription on a sword like "thor protects me" be historically accurate/common? Or was inscripting mostly just amulets and rare?

[@cory5797]

It is Unacceptable how beautiful it is out there

[@keeperoftruth5951]

Another excellent video thank you

[@nathanortner3215]

I apologize for this question, because it has nothing to do with the topic. Where are you standing? I love the geological formation behind you.

[@gatornator8267]

By any chance could the fish amulet be a reference to the god Njorder? I do know that during the conversion, or around that time, Scandinavians did wear mjolnir and cross amulets at the same time calling on Thor and Christ so I can see the relevance of this fish amulet made for Christ.

[@rubbedibubb5017]

"Vain as in instagram" made me giggle.

[@stanlgr32opq]

Very interesting

[@TarotsApprentice]

I never knew about the Bluetooth symbol. Thank you. I always learn something from you.

[@sheldon740]

Maybe they’re referring to the toad, ( Bufo ), and the magical liquid that comes from beneath the skin that brings enlightenment ?

[@gepifano]

Very rock and roll. Thanks!

[@bjrnsrensen8456]

Vain as in instagram sent me 😂

[@nathanwaddell3300]

The Daniel Jackson of Old Norse. THE guy to call if you find a Stargate covered in Futhark.

[@j.c.klocke239]

Just picked up The Wanderer's Havamal - very enjoyable and well done!

[@brandonwinstead7137]

Keen indeed!

[@UltimatePowa]

"Gods are over him, and gods are under him" sounds pretty similar to "As above, so below"

[@sketchjennings3878]

Yes, yes, feel the "force".

[@ТараКупченко]

Hello from Siberia ! I wrote to you on facebook! I'm Tara.

[@thebrownhound1343]

Я не знаю... Меня зовут Александр Александрович Мстислав

[@hawkwind9602]

Weren't runes used by others than the vikings?

[@mrjones2721]

Most inscriptions turn out to be pedestrian. It turns funny after a while: “What great mysteries will this inscription unfold? …’Bob died and we’re all sad.’ How about this one? ‘Ten goats, three cows, eight sheep, payable on delivery.’ Don’t tell me, the next one is-yep, it’s an account book.” Also business letters, standard monumental inscriptions, dry personal letters, school exercises, and that great human constant, dirty graffiti. You learn to see the beauty in it and to mine for nuggets of truth about historical events and people’s everyday lives. But if you expected mystic wonders to unfold before your eyes, it’s a bit of a letdown.

[@adamcook5433]

Hear the raven in the background

[@hannawozniak129]

Who else wants to give Bufi a hug? 😂♥️ Those are the stories I love History for; among all the conflicts between religions, nations and ideologies, there is a simple prose of life.

[@Braapncamp]

Thanks for the much appreciated, interesting and learning videos of past year. Great work to spread light on our heritage 💪❤️

[@Dialethian]

Big fan of ligatures, bind runes are next level.

[@ruggerogrottanelli3655]

Was runic magic considered seidr?