Resources

Books: Authors M - Z

Thorsson, Edred
Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic
Scholarly: 4
Readability: 1
Originality: 3

This is one of the more esoteric works by the writer also known as Stephen Flowers, one of the leading researchers and writers on the runes. It is certainly though not a book for beginners. The style is quite heavy and academic and the the vocabulary is complex with frequent use of terms in Old Norse. Opening with a history of the runes, including their archaeological and architectural significance, the book then moves on to discuss the individual runes. These are not the divinatory meanings but rather a consideration of their essential nature framed within a mythological context. There is a wealth of useful information here including keywords to sum up each rune and the meaning of the rune glyphs. This is then followed by a detailed and deep discussion of the theory of rune magic. The book's final chapter gives various rituals and practical information on making runic talismans. There is considerable useful information contained in this book and while reading it requires some effort, this exertion will be well rewarded. Anyone with more than a casual interest in the runes will find something of worth in these pages, even if the reader is more focussed on divination than magic.

Tyson, Donald
Rune Magic
Scholarly: 3
Readability: 3
Originality: 2

Rune books have a tendency to be thick with text which is interspersed only by the occasional picture of a rune glyph. Hence a book, like Tyson's, which breaks this pattern is likely to stand out. Tyson's presentation is excellent which enhances the book's accessibility. There are many photographs of archaeological artefact with runes on them, such as combs and boxes, and photographs of statues of the various Norse gods, which helps to put the runes in their historical and mythological context as well as breaking the text up into more manageable chunks. The book starts with a description of the Norse gods and this is probably the most comprehensive and scholarly introduction to Norse mythology you will find in a general text on the runes. It then moves on to the origins and development of the runes before examining their ancient magical uses. The last chapters consider rune magic, ritual, divination and talismans. Tyson's approach tends to be somewhat inflexible and he has a fascination with the shedding of blood which will not appeal to all. One of his rituals, in which Odin is first summoned and then commanded, sits uneasily with the conventional view of the god as someone unlikely to look favourably on someone who treats him in this way. Though the book has some flaws overall these do not outweigh its many virtues and there is much excellent background material on the runes to be found here.