Hráefnunum

Hráefnunum, also known as *rune poetry* or *rune song*, refers to a collection of Old Norse poetic fragments preserved in medieval manuscripts. These short verses, often inscribed alongside runic inscriptions on stone monuments, provide insights into Norse mythology, daily life, and cultural beliefs. The majority of these poems are found in the *Poetic Edda*, a collection of Old Norse poetry compiled in Iceland during the 13th century, though some appear in other sources like the *Prose Edda* by Snorri Sturluson.

The poems typically consist of four lines, each line corresponding to a rune in the Elder Futhark alphabet. Each rune represents a letter, a concept, or a mythological figure, and the verses often describe the rune’s symbolic meaning, associations, or its place in the cosmos. For example, the rune *Fehu* (ᚠ) is linked to wealth and cattle, while *Hagalaz* (ᚼ) is associated with hail and chaos. Some poems also reference Norse gods, such as Odin, Thor, or Freyja, connecting runes to divine forces.

The purpose of hráefnunum remains debated among scholars. Some suggest they were used as mnemonic devices to aid in memorizing runic meanings, while others propose they served a ritual or magical function, possibly as part of *seidr* (Norse shamanic practices). The poems reflect a blend of practical knowledge and mythological storytelling, offering a glimpse into how the Norse viewed the world and their place within it.

While many of the runic poems are fragmentary, their surviving fragments remain valuable for understanding Old Norse language, religion, and poetic tradition. The *Poetic Edda* includes the most extensive collection, with poems like *Hávamál* (The Sayings of the High One) containing several examples. Scholars continue to study hráefnunum to uncover deeper meanings and their role in pre-Christian Norse culture.