Construction principles of runic formulas On the lexis and morphosyntax of pre-Norse formulas

This study offers a new typology of runic formulas in the corpus of the older runic inscriptions (up to AD 700). Its basis as defined in this paper is the minimal (sic)one-word formula < along with its diverse morpho-syntactical extensions. The approach taken in this study identifies (sic)one-word-formulas < such as alu or laukaR as the basic building blocks of runic formulaicity which can be extended in various ways. The typology thus established comprises 1. monolexemes consisting of isolated charm words, e. g., alu, 2. reduplication formulas, e. g., salu-salu, 3. twin formulas, e. g., lina laukaR, 4. alliterative non-twin formulas, e. g., runo raginakundo, 5. tandem formulas and further combinations of formulas, e. g., laukaR alu, and 6. disguised and distorted formulas, e. g., tua , which probably can stand for alu. The methodological foundation of this overall classification lies in the linguistic and rhythmic-metrical principles that these formulas obey, not least Behaghel's Fourth Law.

Automated summary

This study presents a new typology of runic formulas in ancient runic inscriptions. It identifies the one-word formulas, such as alu or laukaR, as the basic building blocks of runic formulaicity, which can be extended in various ways. The typology includes various types of formulas, such as monolexemes, reduplication formulas, twin formulas, alliterative non-twin formulas, tandem formulas, and disguised/distorted formulas. The classification is based on linguistic and rhythmic-metrical principles, including Behaghel's Fourth Law.