Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by the concept of heritage and tradition. I have always been curious about the stories and experiences of the generations that came before me. One story that has always stayed with me is the "old aitch" story. Legend has it that the "old aitch" was a treasured possession that had been passed down through the generations of my family. It was said to be a small wooden box, weathered by time and use, containing a collection of letters, photographs, and other mementos from ancestors long gone. It was said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of our past and understanding our roots.
The inscription on the lion may thus be the very oldest text we know that mentions the word ‘svear’, meaning Swedes.
Piraeus and Athens were probably much-used resting places for warriors on their way between Constantinople and the battlefields in Bulgaria and in present-day Albania. Ever since Johan David Åkerblad s time, researchers have assumed that Swedish Vikings must have been behind the tagging found on both sides of the lion.
It was said to hold the key to unlocking the secrets of our past and understanding our roots. As a child, I remember sitting at my grandmother's feet as she recounted stories of her own childhood and the tales she had heard about the "old aitch." She would describe it with such reverence and awe, painting a vivid picture of the importance it held in our family's history.
Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle (Paperback)
Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures. The runes have deep resonances within the pagan Norse world of gods and goddesses, giants, dwarves, warriors, and wizards, which have greatly influenced the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, among others. Norse tradition attributes the discovery of the runes to the "All-Father" Odin--a god of inspiration and secret wisdom and the mythical prototype for runecasters, who established the pattern for gaining his knowledge.
Nordic Runes addresses three major areas: Runelore, the history of this 2000-year-old Norse oracle; Runestaves, the meaning of the individual runes of the Elder Futhark alphabet and their powerful mythological, magical, and practical lessons for daily life; and Runecasting, a comprehensive guide to the oracular application of the ancient runes, including their crafting, divination, and self-development. As Nordic Runes shows, the runes do more than simply reflect the path of fate; they help develop and enhance intuition. By learning to cast and interpret the runes, the user becomes receptive to the energy currents in material reality and empowered in the arts of its transformation.
About the Author
Paul Rhys Mountfort is a writer, researcher, and workshop leader specializing in oracles and the Celtic and Norse traditions. He is the author of Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees . Active in the contemporary pagan community, he lives with his partner and son on Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, New Zealand.
Praise For…
"The runes have an entire mythology and history, all of which is meticulously explained in Paul Mountfort's Nordic Runes ."
— Dell Magazines, October 2003
" Nordic Runes by Paul Rhys Mountfort serves as an excellent guide for those wishing to understand and utilize the runes. . . . His tome is comprehensive and rests firmly on a solid foundation of scholarship. It is also user friendly and fun to read."
— Thor the Barbarian, Nemeton, Jan 2006
"More than just a clinical textbook on rune work, this book was a pleasure to read. . ."
— Roxanne, The Beltane Papers, April 2004
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Divination
- Social Science / Folklore & Mythology
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
Was it the Norwegian Varangians who in 1081 participated in the defence of the city of Dyrrachion (today's Durrës in Albania) against attacking Normans from Sicily?
It was almost as if the "old aitch" was a tangible link to our ancestors, a physical representation of our heritage. Sadly, the "old aitch" was lost many years ago, in the chaos and upheaval of moving houses and changing circumstances. It was gone, and with it, a piece of our family's story. The loss was deeply felt, and for years, we mourned the absence of this cherished artifact. However, as I grew older, I came to realize that the true significance of the "old aitch" was not solely in its physical form but in the stories and memories it represented. The stories that were passed down through the generations, the experiences that shaped our family's identity – those were the true treasures. The "old aitch" was merely a vessel for these precious memories. I have since made it my mission to learn as much as I can about my family's history, to preserve and pass on these stories to future generations. I have spoken to older relatives, delving into their memories and piecing together the puzzle that is our family tree. Each story shared, each memory recounted, is a testament to the resilience and strength of those who came before us. While the physical "old aitch" may be lost to us, its spirit lives on in the stories and memories we continue to uncover and pass on. It serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage and tradition, of the stories that shape us and connect us to our roots. It reminds us that our ancestors are not just names on a family tree but lived experiences that have shaped who we are today. So, while I may never hold the "old aitch" in my hands, I carry it with me in my heart, knowing that our family's story is a legacy worth preserving and cherishing. And as I continue to uncover the stories of our past, I am reminded of the power of our shared history and the enduring strength of our family bond..
Reviews for "The Influence of The Old Aitch on Dialects and Accents"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - "I found 'The Old Aitch' to be quite disappointing. The storyline was hard to follow, with scenes jumping around without much explanation. The characters were also poorly developed, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their fates. Additionally, the pacing felt off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by sudden rushes of action. Overall, I felt like the book lacked cohesion and failed to live up to its potential."
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - "I regretted picking up 'The Old Aitch' as it didn't live up to the hype for me. The writing style was overly pretentious and convoluted, making it a struggle to make sense of the plot. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their vocabulary and writing skills rather than telling an engaging story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the characters lacked depth and authenticity. I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied by the end of the book."
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - "'The Old Aitch' had its moments, but overall, I was left underwhelmed. While the concept was intriguing, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, with too much unnecessary detail and description that didn't add much to the story. The storyline itself felt disjointed and meandering, and I struggled to stay engaged. The ending also left much to be desired as it felt rushed and unresolved. I had higher expectations for this book and unfortunately, it fell short for me."
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - "I couldn't get into 'The Old Aitch' despite multiple attempts. The writing style was overly dense and filled with unnecessary jargon, making it a chore to read. The plot lacked clear direction and purpose, leading to confusion and frustration. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to invest in their journeys. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious and tiresome experience that didn't engage or captivate me."
5. Emily - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'The Old Aitch,' but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The narrative was convoluted and disjointed, making it hard to follow the story's progression. The characters were unlikable and lacked depth, leaving me indifferent to their fates. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of nothing happening and sudden bursts of action that felt jarring. I found myself disinterested and disconnected from the book, ultimately leading to my disappointment."