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Runelore: The Magic, History, and Hidden Codes of the Runes
A discussion of hidden lore, inner lore, rune worlds, runic numerology, runic psychology, runelore of the gods, esoteric theology and more. Covers elder and Viking runes, and leads us to the contemporary runic revival.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1987
32 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Edred Thorsson
42 books90 followers
Stephen Edred Flowers
(born 1953) also known by the pen-name Edred Thorsson, is an American Runologist and proponent of occultism and Germanic mysticism. He has over two dozen published books and hundreds of published papers on a disparate range of subjects. Flowers advocates "Esoteric Runology" or "Odianism", an occultist version of Germanic Neopaganism.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 10, 2018
The more I learn, the less I know and the more I wish to learn and to understand.
May 22, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, but it was not what I was looking for. I was hoping for reliable historical information on, well, Runelore. This book and author came up in all of my searches, so I decided to check it out. I was intrigued at the fact that the author practices Runic magic, I do not believe any history is objective and felt that there might be some benefit to reading an author that engaged in the content in this way.
I found much of the content and ideas to be very stimulating, but it became clear that much of what is stated as history is in fact not history so much as it is personal interpretation. Nothing wrong with that, but certainly not history.
I’ll remember many of the concepts brought forth in this book, but I am excited to find more literature that is closer to what I am searching in earnest to find.
I found much of the content and ideas to be very stimulating, but it became clear that much of what is stated as history is in fact not history so much as it is personal interpretation. Nothing wrong with that, but certainly not history.
I’ll remember many of the concepts brought forth in this book, but I am excited to find more literature that is closer to what I am searching in earnest to find.
June 4, 2018
If you're looking for a seriously in-depth analysis on runes then this book is for you.
Thorsson goes over many different areas in this book. Everything from the different ages of runes including contemporary, historical magic and divination, runic codes and poetry, as well as cosmology, numerology, and psychology points. Thorsson gives us all this and more in this book.
Though this book is a great plethora of information, I found the author's writing to be a bit of a downer and monotonous to read. He seems to just spit out facts and not really liven anything up in any sort of way. The book reads like a very straightforward textbook.
I think I would only recommend this book to somebody who really wants to get down to the nitty-gritty of Rune lore and all the elements comprise thereof.
Thorsson goes over many different areas in this book. Everything from the different ages of runes including contemporary, historical magic and divination, runic codes and poetry, as well as cosmology, numerology, and psychology points. Thorsson gives us all this and more in this book.
Though this book is a great plethora of information, I found the author's writing to be a bit of a downer and monotonous to read. He seems to just spit out facts and not really liven anything up in any sort of way. The book reads like a very straightforward textbook.
I think I would only recommend this book to somebody who really wants to get down to the nitty-gritty of Rune lore and all the elements comprise thereof.
June 21, 2015
Edred Thorsson has an interesting goal with this book (as with much of his writing): to raise the intellectual level of discussion within a neopagan religious community, while still maintaining the level of faith required to practice within that community. This book succeeds somewhat more in the first part of that goal than the second, although it has flaws on both sides. Thorsson presents much of the current scholarship on runes and ancient Norse religion in a digestible fashion, colored with his own theories and spiritual ideas, sometimes without clearly distinguishing the two. He often fails to problematize his account by noting when there are competing hypotheses to explain certain observable facts, and, of course, in almost thirty years, some of this information has become dated.
In fairness, I need to state that for me the runes represented something of a spiritual dead end, while for Thorsson, they have been an ongoing part of his practice and have led to profound self-change and personal joy. I cannot argue that some will share this experience, and that Thorsson, in providing a scientifically informed context for that experience, may help steer them away from blind faiths or racist interpretations. For people who are outside the belief-system, Thorsson also may serve as a useful introduction to its more intellectually-advanced currents, and help to dispel misconceptions of a simplistic or unfaceted religion.
The book is intended as a “companion” to Futhark, which I haven’t yet read, and I suspect that book applies more to the second part of Thorsson’s goal of providing a practice for intellectually self-aware heathens. Taken together, the two books may be a kind of “bible” for a very small minority of practitioners.
In fairness, I need to state that for me the runes represented something of a spiritual dead end, while for Thorsson, they have been an ongoing part of his practice and have led to profound self-change and personal joy. I cannot argue that some will share this experience, and that Thorsson, in providing a scientifically informed context for that experience, may help steer them away from blind faiths or racist interpretations. For people who are outside the belief-system, Thorsson also may serve as a useful introduction to its more intellectually-advanced currents, and help to dispel misconceptions of a simplistic or unfaceted religion.
The book is intended as a “companion” to Futhark, which I haven’t yet read, and I suspect that book applies more to the second part of Thorsson’s goal of providing a practice for intellectually self-aware heathens. Taken together, the two books may be a kind of “bible” for a very small minority of practitioners.
April 10, 2014
My second and last book I will ever read on esoteric runology. I love reading about the runes by historians, such as how they were used, what they said and the artwork that sometimes accompanied them when chiseled on stone. This book does have some of that in part one. It even had a nice translation of the rune poems.
But in part two, the author enters the realm of abstruse esoterica; metaphysical stuff (mostly thought up in the 20th century), on how the runes have a toehold in Jungian psychology, numerology and the mythological Norse universe. Reading the definitions of the 24 runes was painful to say the least. (Although slightly less painful than those found in his other work: Futhark). For example, a scholar like Ray Page may tell you that the meaning of the "Raidho" rune means "riding" But Thorsson is not happy with that. OH NO! He says: Raidho is the symbol of the cosmic law of right ordering in the multiverse, in mankind, and in the soul. it is a mystery the outward face of which we experience each day in the rising and setting of the sun and in the cycles of activity and sleep.
And this is only in the first of seven paragraphs! If this stuff sounds good to you, then by all means, enjoy! To me it just smacks of New Age nonsense with all its bells and whistles concerning consciousness and transformation.
But in part two, the author enters the realm of abstruse esoterica; metaphysical stuff (mostly thought up in the 20th century), on how the runes have a toehold in Jungian psychology, numerology and the mythological Norse universe. Reading the definitions of the 24 runes was painful to say the least. (Although slightly less painful than those found in his other work: Futhark). For example, a scholar like Ray Page may tell you that the meaning of the "Raidho" rune means "riding" But Thorsson is not happy with that. OH NO! He says: Raidho is the symbol of the cosmic law of right ordering in the multiverse, in mankind, and in the soul. it is a mystery the outward face of which we experience each day in the rising and setting of the sun and in the cycles of activity and sleep.
And this is only in the first of seven paragraphs! If this stuff sounds good to you, then by all means, enjoy! To me it just smacks of New Age nonsense with all its bells and whistles concerning consciousness and transformation.
March 18, 2014
This is an excellent companion book to Thorsson's earlier, "Futhark." In RuneLore, many ideas that were hinted at in his previous work are expounded upon.
Thorsson is one of the preeminent occultists of our time. That's a compliment and an insult; his mysticism can occasionally come across as mere platitudes, but his actual scholarship makes this book worthwhile.
Obviously, this isn't going to interest everyone. Check it out if you have experience with occult literature.
Thorsson is one of the preeminent occultists of our time. That's a compliment and an insult; his mysticism can occasionally come across as mere platitudes, but his actual scholarship makes this book worthwhile.
Obviously, this isn't going to interest everyone. Check it out if you have experience with occult literature.
September 12, 2019
I came to RuneLore after reading Futhark and embarking on the path of the "first door" in the Nine Doors of Midgard. Where Futhark scratches the surface with a brief introduction and summary of the Runes, Runelore goes in deep and creates an entire basis for understanding Runology and the Odian/Odhinnic world view. There is a lot to grapple with in the Thorssonian occult system and it should not be understated the extent to which he is a true authority, not just on the topic of runes, but Germanic Paganism as a whole. If you choose to read Thorsson, then be prepared for a heavy dose.
September 20, 2021
Runelore reveals much about our hidden history, rune development and their esoteric significance today and all days.
Learn all about our heathen ancestors and magick makers. Rune codes, poems, psychology, cosmology, and numerology in relation to the futhark.
Connect to the Allfather not through worship, but through embodiment!
ᛟ
Learn all about our heathen ancestors and magick makers. Rune codes, poems, psychology, cosmology, and numerology in relation to the futhark.
Connect to the Allfather not through worship, but through embodiment!
ᛟ
May 25, 2017
So well researched and filled with runic information. Particularly good if you're interested in a thorough history research on runes.
Wonderful... another amazing gift I have received this year!
Wonderful... another amazing gift I have received this year!
September 27, 2017
Probably the best source for esoteric Rune information I have read.
February 9, 2020
What the hell did I just read
October 15, 2025
Some cool lore but not really what I was expecting and not really my style.
October 19, 2025
Great accompaniment to "Futhark" by Edred Thorsson.
August 23, 2010
Legend tells that the runic wisdom was brought to the gods and people by way of the god Odin. It is said that Odin hung from the world-tree (Yggdrasill) for nine nights. Wounded by a spear and losing an eye to the ravens, the runes were said to have risen from the roots of the tree and Odin received their knowledge.
This is the second book Edred wrote regarding runes, and their lore and magic. While it contains some things from the first book, it definitely has some surprises of its own. New with this book is far more information on the Elder runes, runic codes and poems, cosmology and more.
Part One—Historical Lore—goes way more in depth than the previous volume with over ninety pages dedicated to the runes and their records, which I enjoyed immensely being the history nut I am.
Part Two is a gateway to the hidden lore. Here we delve into the esoteric meanings and lore of the Elder Futhark. This is basically a shorter version of the information given in his previous book.
This is the second book Edred wrote regarding runes, and their lore and magic. While it contains some things from the first book, it definitely has some surprises of its own. New with this book is far more information on the Elder runes, runic codes and poems, cosmology and more.
Part One—Historical Lore—goes way more in depth than the previous volume with over ninety pages dedicated to the runes and their records, which I enjoyed immensely being the history nut I am.
Part Two is a gateway to the hidden lore. Here we delve into the esoteric meanings and lore of the Elder Futhark. This is basically a shorter version of the information given in his previous book.
May 7, 2015
A favorite of mine. Edred's writings have always addressed many of my questions concerning rune history. Some may have a problem with his writing style and his past, I think it gives his writings backbone.
Overall one of the better books on runes that leaves the fluff behind.
Overall one of the better books on runes that leaves the fluff behind.
October 2, 2016
An incredible and essential study of the archaeological and historical runic artefacts around Europe. For the intense student of the runes, then this is an essential part of their development and understanding of the historic basis for the uses of the runes.
May 26, 2007
Title in German:
Runenkunde - Ein Handbuch der esoterischen Runenlehre
Runenkunde - Ein Handbuch der esoterischen Runenlehre
November 20, 2012
One of the 3 books by Edred Thorsson that should be the basis of your Rune Study library.
April 16, 2011
A pretty good book. Looking at runes from a different angle.One of the better rune books I've read.
August 28, 2012
Some good info on the runes as an alphabet. Mostly the 16 Futhark.
February 21, 2013
Moztly reiterates "Futhark".
June 14, 2013
I just read the first half on the history of the runes. Interesting.
January 11, 2014
One of the few books on runes that I continually come back to to refresh myself from time to time.
September 28, 2015
Very informative.
February 22, 2008
Good handbook/reference
Read
April 18, 2008more in depth follow up to futhark. great stuff.
September 22, 2012
Read the German edition.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews