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 -----
From: Kevin McKechnie
To: norse_course@yahoogroups.com
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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