Glossary

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There are currently 6 terms in this directory beginning with the letter R.

Ragnarök

In Norse mythology [q.v.], the end of the world, causing the death of the gods.

Reformation

A movement in 16th century Europe which challenged the Christian Catholic church and the authority of the pope, and led to the split into the Protestant and Catholic churches in western Europe. Forms of Protestantism were adopted in both Britain and Scandinavia.

relic

In Buddhism [q.v.] and Christianity [q.v.], an object associated with Buddha/Jesus and saints and monks. Includes their bodily parts.

reliquary

In Buddhism [q.v.] and Christianity [q.v.], a container for holding a relic [q.v.].

Ritual

A series of actions performed repetitively in the same way. This is often used in a religious sense, but rituals can be performed for non-religious reasons.

runes

Letters in related alphabets, known as runic alphabets, used to transcribe Germanic languages, including Old Norse, before Latin [q.v.] became more widely used.