Wiligut’s influence peaked later than List’s. List’s work was influential in the early 20th century, but his influence declined after his death in 1919. Wiligut’s work, on the other hand, became more influential in the 1930s, when he was appointed as an advisor to Heinrich Himmler.
igut promoted the runes in context of a religion called Irminism and Guido von List referenced Armanism….AR MAN men of knowledge. Guido von List was seen as more racist because he is said to have believed that the Aryan race was superior. In my opinion Guid von List refereced those who knew the wisdom and religion called Wihinei of the Ancient Germans and had little do with race.
Wiligut’s influence was more direct than List’s. List’s work was influential on a number of occultists, but it did not have a direct impact on the Nazi Party. Wiligut’s work, on the other hand, was directly used by the SS and other Nazi organizations.
Wiligut’s influence was more controversial than List’s. List’s work was generally accepted by occultists, but Wiligut’s work was more controversial. This was because Wiligut claimed to have had mystical experiences that gave him direct access to the lost knowledge of the Aryans. These claims were not supported by evidence, and they led to Wiligut being dismissed from the SS in 1944.
Willigut’s system was closer related to the elder Futhark while List’s was closer related to the younger futhark. List base his system on the Runatal 18 charms in conjunction with the root words of the old german language.
Willigut’s system is not as far as I know widely and openly practiced as that of Guido von List. Guido von List’s system was further developed by people like Kummer, Spiesberger and Hans Karl Welz. The system of Guido von List is still today practiced as a vibrant and complete rune system superior in its use for esoteric development and a deeper understanding of the Havamal.
Both systems give a perspective on the time of German romanticism and shed some light on German Paganism and Runology. Anyone claiming to be an knowledgeable in runes should at least have some insight in all rune systems and their respective histories.
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