The Scandinavian peoples used a runic alphabet for their communication, this alphabet is called the “Futhark”. Beyond the practical aspect of an alphabet, the Futhark is known to have many meanings. Indeed, in Norse mythology, the runes are given to men by the gods, and they connect men to the cosmos and the divine.
The Vikings then attributed a meaning and a power to each rune. In this article, we will talk about the runes that bring protection to an individual or a place. Among the 24 runes of the Futhark, we will discuss the third “Thurisaz” and the fifteenth “Algiz”.
The Viking Protection Rune Thurisaz
Thurisaz is the third letter/rune of the Futhark, in appearance it looks a bit like a p, here it is “ᚦ”.
It is granted a protective virtue, because its shape resembles the thorn of a bramble or a rose. This resemblance suggests that we are talking about aggressive protection, this rune is not a shield, but a counterattack.
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For this reason, it is compared to aggressive animals like the scorpion. We will not develop this here, but runes are linked to symbols such as animals, stones, or even astrological signs. In the case of the Thurisaz rune, for example, it is said that its protective power is multiplied in the presence of hematite or red jasper.
In our modern civilizations, Viking runes are less present, but are making a bit of a comeback. For example, we can already note that the shape of the Thurisaz rune is still present in the Irish alphabet. Just like Latin, Old Norse, that is the Futhark, is at the origin of many Viking languages.
The interest in Norse mythology, due to the many fictions around this theme, has led people to wonder what the powers of Viking runes are, and runes are again found on jewelry or tattoos, for example.
To come back more specifically to Thurisaz, it is said to evoke a creative and masculine energy. It embodies both defense and attack while imposing attack as a means of protection. It is also said that it precedes major changes and accompanies its bearer through painful transitions until it leads them to their destination.
What the Thurisaz rune expresses to us: “Do not retreat before obstacles, prepare well before engaging, and take the blows.”
There is a second rune embodying protection…
The Viking Protection Rune Algiz
Algiz is the fifteenth letter/rune of the Futhark, in appearance it looks like a trident, here it is “ᛉ”.
It is also granted a protective virtue, except that this one touches more on the spiritual plane. It is part of the runes that are said to be magical and is therefore widely used in divination. It drives away negative energies and thoughts.
Unlike Thurisaz, which leads us more towards personal development, Algiz speaks of divine, instantaneous, and effective protection, somewhat like a guardian angel. This rune is, for example, also called “Odin’s Spear”, embodying precision and power to destroy the bad things that may be on your path.
Divination and shamanism were very present in Viking culture, so magical runes were very important and just as important as the more rational runes.
Wearing the protection runes
Alright, you know the Viking protection runes, you can now try to add them to your life if you feel they will help you. To do this, you can get tattoos or paint them in your home. But also wear clothing or jewelry with Viking symbols.
We leave you to board your drakkar and continue your journey on our website to discover other stories from Norse mythology.
