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numinous
 Apr 21, 06 - 5:41 PM |
Daguz and Othila
first.... thank you Runemaker for your very informative website... My query is why are some sources showing Daguz as the last Rune, and why do some show Othila as the last Rune. |
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runemaker
Apr 21st, 2006 - 7:37 PM |
Re: Daguz and Othila
There is much controversy on this matter in the field of archaeological runology and there is a substantial body of support for both orders. The followers of "Othila last" base their argument on the order shown on the Kylver stone. This is the earliest known inscription found on a slab of stone on a grave at Kylver in Gotland, Sweden. The inscription has a couple of differences from the generally-accepted Futhark order and ends up with Dagaz followed by Othila and then a symbolic tree mark. Purists insist that since this is the earlist known inscription it must be right, and back up their argument by saying since Othila is the rune of inheritance it is closer to death than Dagaz so it is logical that it comes last. The followers of "Dagaz last" base their argument on the fact that the vast majority of ancient inscriptions that use the Elder Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc place Dagaz last. Their point is that one very early inscription is far outweighed by several hundred later renderings, suggesting that the carver of the Kylver stone made a boo-boo. And of course, that is entirely possible. Another reason given for "Dagaz last" is that Dagaz represents the day which has 24 hours, so position 24 is more appropriate. However, the idea of dividing the day into 24 hours didn't arise until well after the introduction of the runes, so there would have been no reason at that time to place Dagaz at position 24. It looks very neat to modern rune users, but that particular argument rather falls down in the light of historical fact. The "Dagaz last" Futhark is the most commonly used order nowadays, primarily because of the order of verses in the Anglo-Saxon rune poem which has Dagaz last. That version of the poem is earlier than the Norse and Icelandic versions that you will also see. As a personal comment, I like Dagaz last. Dagaz stands for the dawn, the arrival of daylight, breakthrough and new beginnings. I feel that is a more optomistic way to end the Futhark than with Othila. I do not personally equate Othila with death because it embodies inheritance. I rather like to think of that inheritance as a birthright encompassing one's material assets, family heritage, and inherited characteristics and don't see any essence of finality in that interpretation. So what is the right order? No one knows for sure. You must do your own research and make up your own mind. I was greatly influenced by the writings of the erudite Danish runologist Erik Moltke who puts forward some convincing evidence for the "Dagaz last" theory. |
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