Home T - panel (The Back) - Number and value of the runes

As already explained the incantation (charm) her fegtaþ is composed of 9 runes again, just like on F- and R-Panels. If we figure the value, it is 105 - again divisible by 3. As the H-Panel is (on the first glance, at least) different from the rest, we will have a closer look at the magic formulas based on 3, i.e. the F-, R- and T-Panels.

If we add the (runic) values of those three panels: 123 (F) + 102 (R) + 105 (T) we have 330, a remarkable score (11 times 30). And divided by 3 we have the average value 110, a score that comes up again along with the magic 9 runes on the H-Panel. The numerical ratio of 144/330 and 48/110 respectively produces the common quotient 0.4363636, whose cross sum is 40. According to the Bible and the Koran, this number (40) stands for the end of a period and the beginning of a new era. And it thus also stands for death and rebirth, a topic which is also repeated with the lid image. It shows Ægil among the Pleiades. And this is the constellation from which the number (40) derives its meaningas it originates from the observations of the Babylonians: Astronomically seen the Pleiades disappear for 40 days behind the sun; with his reappearance a new era begins.

If we count the runes here, we arrive at 42. Within the Latin part there are 6 more runic characters, altogether 48 (= 2 x 24) runes. The value of all theses runes on the T-Panel is 612. The thematic rune t-Rune, has the value17. Surprising or not, 612 is divisibleby 17 (= 36, which is 3 x 12 or 6 x 6, or 4 x 9). Though the divisibility seems to be intended, we do not know its ultimate reason.

In addition to thet-rune f and g bear the stress:
fegtaþ/titus/giuþeasu in the sequence f-Rune t-Rune g-Rune. This is quite similar to the pattern on the
R-Panel where we read:
(twœgen/gibroþera/fœdde), t-Rune g-Rune f-Rune.
Is it simply chance that again we find f-Rune, feoh, and g-Rune, gifu, (feohgift) next to each other, framing the t-Rune, quite similar to the same runes on the R-Panel ?
Finally we remember theF-Panel,which has f and g in alliteration: g-Rune f-Rune (feohgift).

It is the spoils of war which secure wealth, rank and honour for a warrior, just as it is expressed by dom. The sequence of runes had forecast it already on the R-Panel.

It could be accidental that t-Rune appears in the war-aiding number, i.e. 5-times, but is it still accidental after all, if all the stressed runes - a-Rune, a (afitatores) included - form a total value of 50? If that was intended we now know why the carver chose afitatores instead of the correctlat. form habitatores.

As it was with the topics on the other panels, the story of Titus is used emblematically in order to provide wealth and honour. Has our hero achieved this goal of life he may take pleasure in the joy (wenne) till wyrd decrees his end.

The Runic Poem says:
wenne he enjoys who knows not suffering, sorrow or anxiety, and has prosperity and happiness and a good enough house.

 

previous: The Picture The Picture H - panel (Right Side) next: H - panel (Right Side)

Source: https://www.franks-casket.de Page Top Page Top © 2023 email
Imprint   Privacy Policy