Ancient Runes

• Type: Field of Study, Ancient Magical Writing System
• Professor: Bathsheba Babbling (Pottermore)
• Classroom: Ancient Runes Classroom
• Notable Practitioners: Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, Bill Weasley, Barty Crouch Sr.

Ancient Runes is a complex and theoretical elective subject taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to students in their third year and above. The course focuses on the study and translation of ancient runic scripts, a form of writing used by ancient wizards and witches. The curriculum involves learning to decipher the meanings of these symbols, which can be found on magical artifacts, in historical texts, and at ancient magical sites. The study of Ancient Runes is considered highly difficult. When Ron Weasley saw Hermione Granger's O.W.L. exam paper for the subject, he mistook the complex symbols for a drawing of goblins juggling. Hermione herself considered it her most challenging subject. The class is an option for students pursuing a career that requires interaction with ancient magic, texts, or artifacts, such as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

The study of Ancient Runes is primarily associated with Hermione Granger, who begins the subject in her third year. Her knowledge of runes becomes critically important during the hunt for the Horcruxes. In his will, Albus Dumbledore bequeaths his personal copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard to Hermione. The book is written entirely in ancient runes, making her the only member of the trio capable of translating it. Hermione's slow but steady translation of the stories throughout their journey reveals vital information, most significantly the Tale of the Three Brothers. This story directly leads to the discovery of the Deathly Hallows, a set of three legendary magical objects. The symbol representing the Hallows, which Harry Potter and Hermione encounter multiple times, is initially believed by Harry to be a rune he does not recognize. Furthermore, the career of Bill Weasley as a Curse-Breaker in Egypt for Gringotts highlights a practical application of the discipline, as it would involve deciphering runic curses and writings in ancient tombs and vaults. Barty Crouch Sr. was also noted for his mastery of many languages, which included the ability to read and understand runic script.

• The Deathly Hallows Symbol: While not a true rune, the symbol for the Hallows—a triangle enclosing a circle with a vertical line through them—was initially mistaken for one. Xenophilius Lovegood identifies it as the mark of those who seek the Hallows.
• Ehwaz: A rune meaning “partnership” or “trust.” In the supplementary book The Tales of Beedle the Bard, this rune is drawn on the first page of The Wizard and the Hopping Pot. (The Tales of Beedle the Bard)
• Eihwaz: A rune meaning “defence” or “protection.” In the supplementary book The Tales of Beedle the Bard, this rune is drawn on the first page of The Tale of the Three Brothers. (The Tales of Beedle the Bard)

• The Ancient Runes in the Harry Potter universe are based on real-world historical Germanic runic alphabets, such as the Elder Futhark and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. The known runes “ehwaz” and “eihwaz” are taken directly from these alphabets.
• The name of the Hogwarts professor, Bathsheba Babbling, was first revealed on the Pottermore website (now Wizarding World). She is never named in the seven novels.
• For the film adaptations, a full runic alphabet known as the “Rune-Wood” alphabet was created for props and set dressing. This alphabet is a film-specific creation and is not considered part of the book canon. (film)