This document provides an overview of runic inscriptions from different historical periods, locations, and languages. It mentions some of the earliest known runic inscriptions from the 2nd century AD and traces the development of runic alphabets through the Elder Futhark, Gothic runes, Anglo-Saxon runes, Younger Futhark, and into later medieval and folk runic traditions. Numerous inscriptions, artifacts, and runestones from across Scandinavia and northern Europe are briefly referenced as examples of different runic scripts over a period of over 1500 years.
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Runes
1.
2. Vimose Comb (c. 160, considered
the oldest datable runic
inscription): harja (Elder
Futhark in late Proto-Germanic or
early Proto-Norse)
A bracteate from about AD 400 that
features the charm word alu with a
depiction of a stylized male head, a
horse, and a swastika, a common
motif on bracteates
3. The spearhead of Kovel (the
early 3rd century)
Ring of Pietroassa (from
between AD 250 to 400)
Considered as the example of
Gothic runes
A Gothic language inscription in
the Elder Futhark runic alphabet
4. The Björketorp Runestone (AD
500-700) located in Blekinge, Sweden
The Stentoften Runestone (AD
500-700) located in Blekinge, Sweden
5. The Istaby Runestone (AD 500-
700) located in Blekinge, Sweden
An illustration of the Gummarp
Runestone (AD 500 to 700)
from Blekinge, Sweden
6. The Franks Casket is a small Anglo-Saxon whale's bone chest (AD 700)
the back panel and the lid
the front panel
14. The Younger Futhark, on the 9th-
century Rök Runestone (the front of
the stone) in Sweden
The Younger Futhark, on the 9th-
century Rök Runestone (the back of the
stone) in Sweden
15. A Younger Futhark inscription on the
12th-century Vaksala Runestone in
Sweden
Runestone Hs 12 by Hög church in
Hälsingland, Sweden has staveless runes
16. Medieval runes (12th to 15th c.)
One of the Bryggen inscriptions: a piece of wooden stick
