The Rune Poem: Wisdom's Fulfillment, Prophecy's Reach

by Jim Paul

In the dark forests of Northern Europe at the end of the last millenium, runes - ancient symbols of the natural world- were respected and feared as messages from gods and humbly consulted for divine guidance and predictions. Carved on jewelry, tools, weapons, and inscribed on boundary stones and markers, runes served as signs and talismans in a mysterious time.
Originally written in Anglo Saxon in the early Middle Ages, The Rune Poem gives us an alphabet verse for these mystical inscriptions. Transcribed here into graceful modern English by poet Jim Paul, this ancient work is illustrated with richly textured carvings and lustrous illuminations. A beautiful and startling evocation, enhanced with informative contemporary notes, The Rune Poem, with its timeless power, links us to ages past and provides a key through which we may understand these primal symbols.

Genres: Poetry, Divination

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Christina Bagni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there was more. The book is only 96 pages in total, but I doubt there are 10,000 words. It feels like there could have been much more discussion, more information. Maybe some more sources, photos of real runes, the original poem and more alternate translations? Alas. It is what it is, and what it is is a simple and clear run down of a uniquely mystical medieval poem. Fun for an hour, but nothing crazy.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful keepsake volume, and a poetic (perhaps a little loose) translation of the rune poem. I wish the author had included the Anglo-Saxon in this volume, but that's alright.

[Kirsten Simkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short read, but oh my gosh is it pretty. It's also very informational, explaining all the verses of the poem individually and what they mean based on the culture of the people. I think if I had half stars, I'd give it 3.5, but I went for 4 stars because it's such a nice little book. I actually learned a few things from this book that I hadn't heard of before. Aurochs, for instance, were not something I had previously been aware of.

It's a good introduction to what runes are, if you're interested in learning more about them, but this is by no means a full study on all appearances of this rune in history. This is just the perspective of one poem. The illustrations really made this book for me, but then I'm a sucker for a well designed book. I would recommend this others for sure.

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jim Paul, The Rune Poem (Chronicle, 1996)

Another translation of the Rune Poem, this one rather nicely illustrated, in a mass-market height hardback from Chronicle Books. Paul adds nothing to Rune Poem scholarship, nor does he shed new light, but I doubt that was the intention with this book; it seemed more aimed at exposing the poem to those who had never seen it before, while showing those who wanted to do further research the avenues with which to do so (he refers repeatedly to Maureen Halsall's critical study often in this text). Good if you're interested and don't already have a copy, and can usually be had cheap; if you already own a translation of the Rune Poem or any of the critical works on the subject, you can pass on this safely. ***

[SmarterLilac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious. Discusses the runes as one long poem about pre-Medieval (?) life. The author didn't put quite as much elaboration in here as I would have liked, but I'll admit I have a slightly different perspective on the significance of each rune now. The Perth rune (rune of chance and gambling) really does look like a cup tossed sideways to me. The Sol rune (rune of Sun) used to signify positivity to me, but now seems more like it was meant to symbolize knowledge and help (I had previously though that these things were the product of the Dagez or Ken runes.)

So, anything that changes my perspective about a topic is a good read.

[SmokingMirror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has been helpful for memorizing the order and phonetics of the runes. The Anglo-Saxon derivation of meaning which the author provides is a good buttress for the traditional Norse "futhark" rune interpretation. Although the author admits that his translation may be considered loose by scholars, the book itself is beautifully designed and decorated, and thus, to me, worth owning.

[W.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Either you're into runes or you're not. It's like krumpin, either you krump or you not. Fortune-telling, wards, protections, talismans, enchantments, or a secret language. It's like krumpin. It comes out of the place, and outta your heart, so either you krump with you runes, or you not.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice gold lettering and rune word art illustrations, but not mysterious or enlightening in any way

[Robin B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to get a different perspective on the runes & a reminder of what life was like for the people who used them.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serves as a nice introduction, I think. :) Would definitely like to read more.

[Cev · Rating 4 out of 5]

serves as a good introduction. I will certainly be reading more books about the runes.