Runecraft UK

THE RUNA WARRIORS

Extract of an article by Josef Weber
Heruli Boxing Association
First Published - Combat Magazine March 1999

" I know and eleventh: when I lead to battle old comrades in arms, I have only to chant behind me shield, unwounded they go to war - unwounded the come from war unscathed wherever they are"
From Havamal & Runatál
('Song of The High One')

The Heruli were bands of 3rd to 6th century nomadic European warriors who became famous for their exploits. They fought in Greece, Spain, Italy, Gaul, Scotland and North Africa. One of the things that made the Heruli more famous was their unique use of the runes and their particular weaponry they used, these being originally a fighting stick (which was the length of an arm and which was carved with runic signs), a shield and a cloak to disguise the movements.

The name 'Heruli' is related to the Germanic for 'Rune Master' ('erilar(z)') to, the old Norse aristocratic title 'Jan' and to the old English, 'eorl' (earl).

'Rune' is a modern word originating from Germanic, through Latin and meaning 'mystery', 'counsel', or 'secret'. The Gothic word, 'garuni' means 'consultation', as do the old high German 'Runa', and 'giruni'.The old English word 'runian' and the old Saxon, 'runon' and the Old High German 'runen' all mean 'to whisper'. The Old Norse word 'runar', implies 'secret lore' or 'mysteries' whilst in Old Irish 'run' means 'secret'. Middle Welsh has the word 'rhyn' ('magic charm'). whilst Finish has 'runo' meaning 'song'.

The Heruli gave their martial arts name 'RUNA' implying that one should seek out the root of all things in order to live the truth; cutting away all that is illusion and finding that which is real - a very important concept for a warrior!

Each Rune Stave is made up from the shape of an object, the energy sound and the number. There are basically three types of runic systems all of which have become intermixed with each other. Each arises from different time periods and areas. The oldest is the Germanic 'Futhark' which consists of twenty-four runes. Examples have been found at a grave site at Kylver in Gotland dating circa 400 and at Vadstena, Ostergotland, Sweden.

The Germanic Futhark later developed into the Scandinavian Futhark which consisted of sixteen runes. You can see examples of this on runic monuments across Scandinavia, e.g., the 9th century stone at Gorlev, Sjaeland. The most recent development was the Anglo-Saxon futhorc, which used between twenty-seven and thirty-three runes.

The martial art of RUNA is taught in three stages, following the traditional coded splitting of the Futhark/futhorc into three sets of eight runes. Each set is related to the meanings and concepts at each level of development. Also the names and lore of the Rigsthula (a spiritual tale of the different levels of wisdom and skill of mankind) are found within these three levels.

THRAELL BOXING

Cattle

Aurachus

Thorn

Woden

Sun Wagon

Torch

Gift

Joy

This is the first stage of eight runes which are taught as creative postures, similar to Yoga. The first eight are called 'Freys Aettir' (where Aettir means 'eight'). Eight is said to be the universal energy of life. They involve stretching principles and learning to develop fighting concepts - both unarmed and with the use of a single fighting stick.

Skills developed from using the single fighting stick runes can be applied to other weapons either of a native traditional nature or eastern weaponry etc. Even weapons such as bottles, pens and suchlike can also be applied as long as they can be held in one hand. At this level the martial artist must overcome the dark forces of the self and confront ones own fears.

KARL BOXING

Hail

Need

Ice

Harvest

Yew

Initiation

Protection

Sun

The second levels involves a further set of eight runes which are taught through runic postures. This is the level at which breathing techniques comparable to Pranayama are taught. Additionally the student must learn to use two fighting staves at once. These double stick fighting runes can be applied to dagger and sword, shield and sword/axe, double-sword etc. This level is simply called 'Hagals Aettir'. The Old English word 'aethm' (means the same as prana') is developed from the use of Runa postures. Karl Boxing develops this to a high level through the breathing runes. Aethm is collected in the body in three areas known as 'cauldrons' or 'wells' and these can be tapped by the martial artist for healing wounds.

JARL BOXING

Tyr

Birch Tree

Movement

Mankind

Water

Fertility

Home

Day

 

The final level of Runa teaches meditation techniques and use of the staff. The eight staff runes can also be applied to the halberd, spear, etc. By now the martial artist has sacrificed 'self' to 'Self'. This level is called 'Tyrs Aettir' and from here come the instructors. The first level of instruction is called Jarl-Rig. Here one develops weapon skills by following the creative rune principles learned. The highest level of instruction is called Rig-Kon. The Rig-Kon is the guardian of lore and myth.

RUNA POSTURES

Using Runa postures helps teach the martial artist about physiology and anatomy. This knowledge enhances safety and healing and areas of attack/defence, including how to is the body in combat. An example of a posture could be the cattle rune (UR) where one stands on one leg, lifting the other to shoulder height in front. Hold for three minutes, and build to 30 minutes per day. Exercise on both sides and this will develop strength, concentration, patience and balance. Halristningar (rock carving) postures are also worked through on the higher levels of Runa.