Kevin,
On Runic Origins: Oops. There isn't any generally
accepted theory on the origin of the runes. Proposals range from an evolution
that has yet to surface in the historical record and a spontaneous invention by
some body or group. Even the oldest recorded 'runic' inscription is in debate.
The Meldorf fibula recovred from the western bank of the Schleswig-Holstein uses
only 4 characters, but each may be early runic or purely latin. Worse, there
appears to be a valid interpretation for either language. (I have done my own
research on this, but won't share it today as it is not the topic of this
board.) The populations who used the Runes were quite aware of the
Alphabet's existence - though it has yet to be successfully determined why they
chose to use their own instead. Theories abound, of course.
On Adoption of the Roman Alphabet: The Runes
never 'evolved' into the alphabet. They were simply replaced by the aristocracy
and the merchant class to allow for more free trade with their wealthy southern
neighbors. In can be argued that the rate of replacement was in direct
relation to the success of religious conversion. If I am not mistaken, the last
official (governmental) use of a runic script was Swedish in the 17th century in
a law book about property assessments.
-Laz
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 6:32
AM
Subject: Re: [norse_course] Hrafnkel
74-100 / Erich
Gotta do a class presentation for my scandinavian studies course on how
the runic script evolved and then how it subsequently came to be replaced by
the latin alphabet. I just wondered if you guys have any pearls of wisdom you
could share for mt snazzy powerpoint show!!!! kev
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