Once Upon a Time Television Series: A Deep Dive into Runes and Hidden Meanings
The fantasy drama series Once Upon a Time, which aired on ABC, captivated audiences with its intricate storylines and clever integration of fairy tale characters. One fascinating aspect of the show was its use of runes, adding a layer of mystery and historical depth to the narrative. Throughout the series, particularly in Season 4, runes appeared on various objects, offering clues and insights into the characters and their journeys. Let’s explore some notable instances of runic inscriptions in Once Upon a Time.
The gravestones of the King and Queen of Arendelle, featured in the first episode of Season 4, bear inscriptions in Elder Futhark runes. While seemingly authentic, the runes actually transliterate English phrases. Interestingly, the show’s creators took liberties with the runic alphabet, using certain characters to represent sounds they wouldn’t typically signify. For instance, “ᛜ” (ingwaz), usually representing “ŋ” (ng), stands in for the letter “n.”
A photograph from the set of Once Upon a Time confirms the runic text on the gravestones, revealing the inscription “Here lies the King and Queen of Arendelle.” This seemingly minor detail solidifies the existence of these characters within the show’s universe and establishes a connection to the Disney film Frozen.
In the same episode, Queen Elsa’s diary contains entries written in Elder Futhark. Unlike the gravestones, the runes in the diary are used more accurately, adhering closer to their traditional meanings. The text is revealed to be excerpts from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Act 3, Scene 1. This intertextual reference adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, hinting at parallels between Elsa’s journey and the themes of Shakespeare’s play.
An urn featured in the third episode presents a different runic challenge. The inscription on the urn deviates significantly from known Futhark runes, incorporating triangular symbols that resemble decorative elements rather than a coherent script. While Elsa initially speculates that the runes are ancient Futhark, closer examination suggests they might be related to Old Italic script, a precursor to the Latin alphabet.
A scroll appearing in the sixth episode contains a message written in Elder Futhark, though with some inaccuracies. The message reveals a character’s obsession with finding the savior, Emma, and their belief that she is their sister. This use of runes directly impacts the plot, driving the narrative forward and foreshadowing future events.
A family tree depicted in the same episode showcases a more refined use of Elder Futhark, though minor errors persist. The clearest image available reveals some names and relationships, but leaves some details obscured, prompting further speculation among viewers. This visual representation of lineage provides valuable context for understanding character dynamics and motivations.
In the seventh episode, the “Book of Lost Tales” appears, featuring Anglo-Saxon Futhorc runes rather than Elder Futhark. This distinction highlights the show’s attention to detail and its willingness to incorporate various runic systems. The text in the book is an excerpt from “The Tale of Tinúviel,” further demonstrating the show’s intertextual references and its engagement with literary history.
Finally, a letter in the tenth episode utilizes Anglo-Saxon Futhorc with remarkable accuracy. The letter reveals a crucial truth about Elsa and Anna’s parents’ journey, directly impacting the characters’ understanding of their past and shaping their future actions. This accurate use of runes emphasizes the importance of the message and its emotional weight.
The use of runes in Once Upon a Time adds a significant layer of depth and intrigue to the series. From cryptic messages to historical references, the runes serve as more than mere decoration; they are integral to the storytelling, enriching the viewing experience and prompting viewers to delve deeper into the show’s multifaceted world.
