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FTF: Boshea & Son - May 13, 2006.
THE ABOVE COORDINATES ARE BOGUS!
This Description is Text-To-Speech / Voice Reader Compatible.
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Kitsap Regional Library.
700 NE Lincoln Rd., Poulsbo, WA., 98370.
Telephone: (360) 779-2915.
OPEN: Monday through Saturday: 10am to 4pm --- CLOSED: Sunday. |
A Brief History Of Runes.
Runes have been used in Britain since the Dark Ages. When the Romans abandoned Britain around 450AD, waves of immigrants from Europe came and settled in this green and pleasant land. The Friesians from the Netherlands, the Angles and Saxons from Germany, then the Jutes and Norsemen (Vikings) from Scandinavia.
They brought with them their set of ancient symbols known as the runes. Originally there were 24 runes and they are collectively known as "the Futhark".
People used runes for writing messages, inscriptions and epitaphs; as amulets and charms; as an oracle for use in divination; and for rituals, magic and spells. |
The Alphabet:
Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the 1st Century C.E. until well into the Middle Ages. In addition to their use as a written alphabet, the runes also served as a system of symbols used for magic and divination. Runes fell into disuse as the Roman alphabets became the preferred script for most of Europe, but their forms and meanings were preserved in inscriptions and manuscripts.
Runes were carved on amulets, drinking cups, battle spears, over the lintels of dwellings and onto the prows of Viking ships. The Rune castors of the Teutons and Vikings wore startling garb that made them easily recognizable. Honored, welcomed and feared these shamans were familiar figures in tribal circles. There is evidence that a fair number of runic practitioners were women.
Runic symbols have been carved into pieces of hardwood, incised on metal or cut into leather that was then stained with pigment. The most common Runes were smooth flat stones or pebbles with symbols or glyphs painted on one side. The practitioner would keep them in a pouch, shake them and scatter the pebbles on the ground. Those falling with glyphs upward were then interpreted. |
The Numbers:
There are no numeral symbols associated with runes. However, it is possible to write arithmetic expressions by spelling out the names of numbers in runes, but that's all. The ancients had special names for some particular numbers to make it easier to write them. Our modern words "dozen" and "score" are examples.
* * * The paragraph regarding alternative numbering was intentionally deleted! * * *
Furthermore, the ancients were known to have used what we commonly refer to as Tally Marks (i.e. one scratch for 1, three scratches for 3, four with a diagonal strike-through for five, etc.), until Roman script and numerals were introduced. Subsequently, Roman numerals were eventually replaced by Arabic numbers. |
VIKING MYTH vs. TRUTH!
The Myth: Viking warriors wore horned or winged helmets.
The Truth: There is no evidence, archaeological or otherwise, that Viking warriors wore any type of horns or wings on their helmets. What we do have is one single piece of evidence, from a 9th century Oseberg tapestry, suggesting a rare ceremonial use (the relevant figure on the tapestry may even be that of a god, rather than representative of real Vikings) and plenty of evidence for plain conical/domed helmets made mainly of leather. LINK: About.com |
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Research Links: Runes, Alphabet of Mystery , Symbols & Meanings
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Staff members have been asked not to help you find geocaches!
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What is Waypoint Projection: This function can be found in about all Garmin
Handheld GPS receivers. It allows you to create a New Waypoint by projecting
the Distance and a Bearing from wherever you are to wherever you want to be. |
If you are a dedicated Cell Phone user and don't use a GPSr, then you may
want to check out the Geocaching Toolbox website for an online Waypoint
Projection routine and many more functions for the avid geocaching addict. |
| Bearings, distances, projections & coordinates measured onsite! |
WP #1 - N47° 44.073' @ W122° 38.532' - Rest In Peace:
Upon your arrival, enjoy the historic site and take a rest break.
You may continue navigation by using the Waypoint Projection
function found within your GPS device and navigate to WP #2. |
WP #2 - N47° 44.???' @ W122° 38.???' - Destination Geocache:
To find this geocache, you must Project a Waypoint to a
Distance of 686 Feet on a Bearing of 045 Degrees True.
Decode The Secret Message: R-    |
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