The runes were the original alphabet used by the Vikings. However with Christianity comes the Latin alphabet, so after the conversions Runes began to be replaced by the latin script.
 
When it comes to Old Norse literature (sagas) they were all written down in the latin alphabet (with a few extras for some common Scandinavian sounds).
Most people read the sagas so it makes sense to read them in the latin script.
 
Think of runes as an optional extra rather than the main course.
 
Cheers
Stuntie
-----Original Message-----
From: Caldrin Remontes [mailto:caldrin_remontes@...]
Sent: 26 March 2003 12:53
To: norse_course@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [norse_course] Norse Runes

First allow me to start off by saying that I love these lessons. I have just begun but I am already very into it, I love the choice of vocabulary and I love completing the translation excersizes.

What got me interested in Learning Old Norse is Norse Mythology, I am a big fan, but anyways. In my quests to learn more about Norse Mythology and the Old Norse language I keep coming across Runes. I was wondering if they had anything to do with the language. In the lessons (lesson 1 atleast) they never really mention what the Old Norse Alphabet is, could the Runes I keep coming across be the alphabet? Or do they have some other connection to the language, or maybe none at all?

In those comics on the main site I've noticed that a boat in one of them has runes enscribed upon it.

Anyways, someone please get back to me ^_^


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