Lessons - Tests

Lesson 13 - Tests and Reading

Comprehension Test

1. Name the three main methods by which rune glyphs are marked
2. How many would be an acceptable number of runes to produce in one day?
3. Name three materials out of which runes are made today
4. Done properly, what is rune making?
5. How can you avoid accidentally scratching your runes during the making process, yet at the same time ensure they are held tightly?
6. Give a way in which a rune glyph can be burnt into a wooden tablet
7. What should you have close to hand while making runes?
8. Which color is traditional for rune glyphs?
9. What might be the consequences of producing your glyphs freehand?
10. Name a way in which nature can directly provide material to make runes

Reading

In Bernard King's Way of the Runes, chapter 6, "Using the Runes for Divination", read the section entitled "Making Your Own Runes", from p 109- 112.

Throughout this course we have drawn attention to Aswynn's strong views and biases, whilst pointing out that all rune authors show partiality. This has though not always been obvious with King who tends to write in a more detached analytical style than Aswynn does. In reading this section though, King's biases should be clear. For example he dismisses all purchased runes with the comment "anyone who has purchased a set of runes might just as well throw them out of the window".

In Ruarik Grimnisson's Rune Rede, chapter 10, "Crafting Your Own Runes", read from page 193 to the end of the chapter on page 197.

Examine the rune making method provided by Grimnisson and you should find all the elements we suggested in the lecture. Grimnisson, King and Aswynn all suggest that runes are best made from the wood of a fruit (seed) bearing tree. Usuaully for King who is normally a very thorough writer he fails to give any reasons why this is the case. Grimnisson says it is "traditional", but again this is not enough. Traditions do not arise from nowhere. There is always an underlying reason for them, be it economic, practical or mythical/spiritual. Perhaps you might like to investigate this further.

Further Exercises

1. Assume for now, that you will be making a set of runes. First of all decide what raw material you will use and identify a possible source. Establish what tools you will need and draw up a set of safety guidelines and procedures. Finally write a ritual to be conducted during the making of your runes.

You have completed the exercises. Select the following link for the answers
Lesson 13 - Test Answers

Please ensure you mark these exercises before moving on to the next lesson and do not take more than one Lesson a week.

If you have any questions, comments or difficulties with the exercises and you have formally registered with the Rune School please email coursehelp@runeschool.org quoting your student ID number.