In this lecture, Carl Abrahamsson delves into the origins and interpretations of Nordic magical runes, emphasizing the contributions of Swedish runologist Sigurd Agrell. Abrahamsson recounts his personal journey with the occult and how his affinity for Asatro, the belief in the Asa Gods, has shaped his understanding of Nordic magical practices. He reflects on his experiences in the late 1980s with various occult groups in Sweden and the scarcity of accessible materials on runology, leading him to republish Agrell’s significant works on runes and Nordic mysteries.
Abrahamsson argues that Agrell’s theories, particularly his Uthark concept, have been undervalued in the English-speaking world despite their relevance to both historical study and creative magical practices. Agrell posited that the traditional ordering of the Germanic runic alphabet concealed deeper magical knowledge, suggesting that the U rune (UR rune) holds significance regardless of its position. He viewed magical systems as fluid and subject to transformation, underscoring the influence of Christianity in disrupting the continuity of indigenous practices.
