The Rune Primer: A Down to Earth Guide to the Runes

by Sweyn Plowright

Sorting fact from fiction about runes has become increasingly difficult in recent years. The number of rune books has multiplied, but the majority of them are based on speculation, or even complete fantasy, and are often contradictory and confusing. Some readers may be content to settle for these, but a growing number of rune students have been asking for a basic factual foundation so that they can judge for themselves the reliability of the information in the esoteric rune books. The Rune Primer at last bridges the gap between the dry, complex, and expensive academic works, and the less reliable esoteric and New Age books about rune magic and divination. This book makes the old sources accessible, with translations of the rune poems, and the historical information presented in plain English. It also traces many of the recently invented rune myths to their sources, reviews some of the most popular authors, and explains the ideas behind some of the modern esoteric rune systems.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Witchcraft

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[W. Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book six stars out of five, I would.
It’s to the point. It is detailed, but only with the necessary starting materials. It is clearly written and most of all : a no nonsense, occasionally myth busting, fact oriented exposé of the basic rune materials - their history but also the history of the study of runes, from serious sources to the highly speculative.
In my opinion, the book to read when starting a study of runes and likewise a precious reminder of the basics to those already on their way.

[Lionel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superior primer on the Runes. Historically grounded and accurate, this book breaks up myths while giving analysis and esoteric interpretations along with the basis of those interpretations.

This helps a beginning student to really learn the runes themselves, not just what some people say about the runes.

[Charlie Siringo · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great no nonsense, no hippy-dippy crap brief summary of runes

[Joseph Inzirillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to learn about the Runes. The author bases every observation on historical writings and leaves speculation to a minimum. He can be a bit rough on other authors as well as postmodernism and the New Age revivals. He also gives the reader follow up options.

Highly recommend if you want to learn more about Runes.

[Igor Aguiar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the only truly sincere, no-nonsense book on Futhark divination.
Reconstructionists beware, Sweyn will pull the rug from under your feet.
Other than that, also very convenient for building a system of meanings based on the rune poems.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the runes that is as down to earth as advertised on the front cover.

[James Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book primarily for its sections on other authors and the 'myth busting' section regarding the histories and origins of certain symbols and practices. I found the book to be very honest and straightforward, and refreshingly humble in tone.
People new to the runes and the rune poems will find Mr. Plowright's interpretations and translations smoothly written and easy to understand. One thing I liked was the helpful footnotes added to some words and phrases that help your understanding by adding cultural or historic context, which is something often overlooked even by those of us who are long time students or consider ourselves well seasoned in the subject.
I was not disappointed with the section on other authors. I've read a few reviews that presented this section as a way of being dismissive towards them, but I found the commentary to be objective and respectful. Not to mention often complimentary and positive as opposed to disdainful or negative. I've used Edred Thorsson's works since the late 90's, and I found the information regarding him to be thorough and accurate to the best of my knowledge, without any connotations of tension or rivalry. Also what was written regarding Freya Aswynn's history. I do hope to see mention of Diana Paxson in a third edition as she has become quite popular very recently.
Overall this book accomplishes very well what it set out to, which was to be a simple rune primer that combined concise, practical material with an objective overview of other authors as potential teachers. Had it existed in my youth it would have been a very beneficial book to start with and I recommend it to newcomers. Others who have already been studying or practicing the runes for some time will find this to be a quick, fun read that may teach you a few new facts or give you perspective regarding other authors before adding it to your collection shelf or passing it along as a helpful gift to someone who's just getting started.

[Joseph F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but concise intro to the runes. For those of us who are a bit skeptical of the flights of fancy from occultists and new agers, this book provides only the hard evidence on what the runes are and how to interpret them. It includes the rune poems and a critical review of other runologists.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read my review at Celtic Scholar's Reviews and Opinions