Runic alphabets were the first written signs created by the Germanic people and later used by the Scandinavians. The runes of the ancient Futhark (runic alphabet) also hold an important place in Norse mythology. The runes functioned as letters and were used to write in several Germanic languages. However, the meaning of the ancient Futhark runes was much deeper than the letters we know today. Each rune was the symbol of a cosmic force. Therefore, writing a runic letter meant invoking the power that the written rune symbolized. According to tradition, runes were carved on hard natural materials like stone, wood, or metal. That is why the runes had an angular and pointed shape.
The Viking Runes given by Odin
According to Norse Mythology, the runes are a very powerful source of power discovered by Odin during a legendary sacrifice. It is after this that he will offer men the Futhark, which will become the Viking runic alphabet.
An alphabet with great powers
According to Norse myth, the runes were discovered by Odin himself. And he didn’t just find them in a book somewhere, no, he had to die for them, he had to hang from a branch for nine days and nine nights so that we could have the power and wisdom of this sacred alphabet in our hands.
Unlike ordinary alphabets like Latin or cuneiform, the runic alphabet is much more than a simple representation of letters. Each rune is a symbol that represents a power or a cosmological principle. In other words, when you write a rune, you are directly addressing the universe and the gods and invoking their power. In other words, their power is such that they can rewrite your own destiny.
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Odin's sacrifice
Great power is born from great sacrifice, and that is precisely what Odin understood. He wanted a way to harness the power of the Norns, the three sisters who control our destiny. And so, he told himself that the only way to have such power was to make a great offering, himself. He hung himself on the world tree Yggdrasil, pierced his body with his spear, and looked into the dark waters of the well of Urd. In this state between the living and the dead, the dreamer and the awakened, the runes revealed themselves to him.
With the knowledge of the runes, Odin now had the tools to project his will into existence. The myth tells us that he was able to protect himself and his friends in battle, heal diseases and wounds, unlock constraints, and awaken the dead. There is no limit to what the runes can do, they are the "code" of the universe, and with the proper knowledge, Odin learned to "reprogram" the cosmos according to his own will.
Birth of the Futhark
And then he passed this knowledge on to us. For you see, words create reality and shape perception, with the help of the runes, humans can manipulate the world around them to fulfill their internal or external desires. For example, the first rune Fehu represents luck, abundance, financial strength. It is a sign of hope, happiness, and foresight. When you carry this rune on you, you carry its inherent meaning which, in turn, resonates in your mind and in the universe. Its sight reminds you of what you want and helps you focus that will on the cosmos. At the same time, it "speaks" directly to the universe in its own language, letting it know what you expect from it.
In his story, Odin also revealed to us the secret of the "activation" of the runes. His state between the living and the dead can be seen as a metaphor for a phenomenon called the hypnagogic state, most common when you wake up in the middle of the night and are neither asleep nor awake. In this state, you are open to the universe, just as Odin was, and if you look at the runes, their meaning and essence will embed themselves in you, "activating" their power to rewrite your destiny. So, the next time you wake up in the middle of the night, focus on the rune whose power you want to obtain and discover the magic of the Viking mark.
We invite you to discover the YouTube channel "Initiations to Runes" to learn everything.
The Viking Runes in history
The word "rune" in German means "letter" and "secret." And it is precisely for this reason that it is believed its original meaning was: "a silent message." The oldest runic inscriptions discovered date from around 150 AD. At the time of the Vikings, the Scandinavians used these runic symbols. However, with the expansion of Christianity, runes were replaced by the Latin alphabet. Although the Vikings disappeared, their spirit did not, because in Northern Europe, runes were used for decorative purposes until the early 20th century!
This is even coming back into fashion in several places around the world nowadays!
The runic alphabets used by the Nordic people are also called "futharks." This name comes from the first six runes (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kaunan).
The three most famous runic letters are distinguished:
- 1. The Elder Futhark (composed of 24 characters and used from 150 to 800 AD),
- 2. The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (composed of 33 characters and used from 400 to 1100 AD),
- 3. The Younger Futhark (composed of 16 characters and used from 800 to 1100 AD).
The Runes of the Elder Futhark
The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet used by the Vikings. It consists of 24 unique runic symbols, each with its own meaning. The runes of this alphabet are grouped into three rows. This means there are eight symbols in each row. It was believed that a God and a Goddess ruled over each order (a group of runes).
Thus, the first group was led by Freyr and Freyja, the deities of fertility. The second group was led by Heimdall, and the leader of the third group of runes was Tyr. To this day, just under 400 runic inscriptions using the letters of the Elder Futhark have been found. However, most are partially or entirely illegible due to the wear of time.
It is believed that runes were used in magical rituals (invocation of powerful forces) long before they began to be used for writing. As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, each runic letter symbolized a specific power. An interesting fact is that invoking a rune was not necessarily synonymous with success. Runes, whose shape is not symmetrical, can be reversed and invoke a force opposite to the one they symbolize.
Let's take a look at the meaning of the runes of the Elder Futhark (normal and reversed).
1. FEHU (PRONUNCIATION: FEY-WHO)
Symbolizes: Domestic animals and wealth.
The Fehu (rune "f") is interpreted as prosperity, happiness, and financial gain. Fehu is also a sign of hope and abundance. If the Fehu rune is reversed, it means disappointment or a bad decision. A reversed Fehu rune essentially signifies personal failure.
2. URUZ (PRONUNCIATION: OO-ROOZE)
Symbolizes: Physical, spiritual, and emotional strength, the wild ox, an unexpected positive change, and health.
The Uruz (rune "u") symbolizes wild strength, untamability, and power (like that of a wild ox). This rune also signifies the courage to overcome all obstacles in life. If the Uruz rune were reversed, it would be a sign of weakness, misdirected strength, brutality, and violence towards others.
3. THURISAZ (PRONUNCIATION: THOO-REE-SAHZ)
Symbolizes: Caution, a protective attitude, and the God Thor.
The Thurisaz (rune "þ") symbolizes thorns on branches. That is why its meaning is oriented towards precautionary measures (protection). This rune is a kind of warning of possible enemy ambushes. If the Thurisaz rune is reversed, it means danger, evil, betrayal, and powerlessness.
4. ANSUZ (PRONUNCIATION: AHN-SOOZE)
Symbolizes: Good communication, prophecies, wisdom.
The Ansuz rune ("a") indicates signs that indirectly lead to making the right decisions. If the Ansuz rune is reversed, it can mean deception by the God Odin or a misunderstanding and illusion.
5. RAIDHO (PRONUNCIATION: RYE-THOUGH)
Symbolizes: Physical and spiritual journeys, change, rest, overview.
The Raidho rune ("r") has multiple meanings. It signifies that one must always adapt and be ready to change. Some interpretations refer to reconnecting with old friends. If reversed, the Raidho rune indicates possible stagnation and delay. Likewise, a reversed Raidho rune is a sign that a Viking must reconsider their behavior and analyze their mistakes.
6. KENAZ (PRONUNCIATION: KANE-AWZE)
Symbolizes: Torch, fire, beacon.
The Kenaz (rune "k") represents light and is believed to have the power to chase away darkness. It opens the door to creativity and signifies progress and personal development. When the Kenaz rune is reversed, it leads to instability and a lack of inspiration.
7. GEBO (PRONUNCIATION: GAY-BOH)
Symbolizes: Selflessness, gifts, generosity, unity, forgiveness.
The Gebo rune ("g") symbolizes a mutual connection between two people and can also mean self-sacrifice. It is about maintaining balance in relationships, whether professional, friendly, or romantic. The Gebo rune cannot be reversed.
8. WUNJO (PRONUNCIATION: WOON-YO)
Symbolizes: Satisfaction, euphoria, and joy.
The Wunjo rune (rune "w") mainly symbolizes joy. According to the Wunjo runes, anyone whose thoughts are pessimistic attracts negative energy. Conversely, positive thoughts always bring positive energy. When the Wunjo rune is reversed, it is believed that a bad, unhappy period of life is coming.
9. HAGALAZ (PRONUNCIATION: HAW-GAW-LAWZ)
Symbolizes: Destructive and uncontrollable forces and the wrath of nature.
The Hagalaz rune (rune "h") means negative energy and uncontrollable force. Diseases and natural disasters are examples of uncontrollable forces that do not depend on human will. The Hagalaz rune cannot be reversed.
10. NAUTHIZ (PRONUNCIATION: NOW-THESE)
Symbolizes: Need and stagnation.
The Nauthiz rune ("n") marks the beginning of troubles that prevent plans from being realized. To overcome these troubles, the most important thing to do is to face one's fears. It is also necessary to make as many changes as possible in one's life (such as changing jobs). If reversed, the Nauthiz rune means restriction of freedom, poverty, and hunger.
11. ISA (PRONUNCIATION: EEE-SAH)
Symbolizes: Ice and winter.
The Isa rune ("i") symbolizes frozen water (ice), which generally means a delay or postponement of plans. The Isa rune has the characteristic of strengthening the effect of the runes around it. This rune also cannot be reversed.
12. JERA (PRONUNCIATION: YAIR-AH)
Symbolizes: A good harvest, natural cycles, and movement through time.
The Jera rune ("j") represents the benefit of invested efforts (that is, the crops sown, as they can finally be harvested). The efforts and work invested in the harvest are finally rewarded, and it is time to move into a period of peaceful and happy life. The Jera rune cannot be reversed.
13. EHWAZ (PRONUNCIATION: AY-WAHZ OR EEE-WAHZ)
Symbolizes: Life and death, renewal and the yew.
The Ehwaz ("ï" (æ) rune) does not mean death in the literal sense. It indicates that everything is renewed and reborn. The Ehwaz rune also symbolizes a yew tree. The yew is considered the tree of life because of its long lifespan. The Ehwaz rune has no reversed meaning.
14. PERTHRO (PRONUNCIATION: PEAR THROW)
Symbolizes: A secret, a mystery, and hidden things waiting to be discovered.
The Perthro rune ("p") suggests that there are always mysteries unknown to humans. It is crucial to carefully follow the signs the Universe sends us and trust our intuition. A reversed Perthro rune indicates that an unwanted secret may be revealed.
15. ALGIZ (PRONUNCIATION: AL-GEEZ)
Symbolizes: Instinct and protection of your home or sanctuary.
The Algiz rune ("z") provides protection against different types of threats. With this rune, it is possible to guide cosmic forces in a positive direction, preventing the action of negative forces. The reversed Algiz rune represents a warning or hidden danger.
16. SOWILO (PRONUNCIATION: SO-WEE-LOH)
Symbolizes: Health, sunlight, vitality, and good energy.
The Sowilo (rune "s") represents solar energy and is considered the energy that animates the world. The Sun's energy helps to achieve goals and indicates positive changes in life. The Sowilo rune cannot be reversed.
17. TIWAZ (PRONUNCIATION: TEE-WAHZ)
Symbolizes: Victory, courage, and the Norse god Tyr.
The Tiwaz rune ("t") symbolizes a warrior, due to its spear shape. It also represents the willingness to sacrifice oneself to achieve greater goals. This rune is also a symbol of the Norse god Tyr. If reversed, the Tiwaz rune means a lack of motivation as well as fear of failure.
18. BERKANA (PRONUNCIATION: BEAR-KAH-NAH)
Symbolizes: Birth, new beginnings, family and loved ones, and the birch tree.
Berkana (rune "b") symbolizes the cycle of life. This rune is also a symbol of the birch tree, which blooms first in spring. This is considered a sign of birth (sometimes pregnancy) and a new beginning. If reversed, the Berkana rune means stagnation and slower achievement of life goals.
19. EHWAZ (PRONUNCIATION: AY-WAHZ)
Symbolizes: Partnership, loyalty, the horse, teamwork, progress, and movement.
The Ehwaz rune (rune "e") symbolizes friendly bonds, solidarity, and teamwork. When these three elements work perfectly, every goal is easily achievable. Even if the Ehwaz rune is reversed, it does not necessarily have a negative meaning. A reversed Ehwaz rune can simply indicate the need for a change (for example, a lifestyle change).
20. MANNAZ (PRONUNCIATION: MAHN-AWZ)
Symbolizes: Humanity and self-awareness.
The Mannaz rune (rune "m") represents everything that makes a person: mind, reasoning ability, traditions, customs, etc. The Mannaz rune essentially reminds us that all peoples of the world have something in common despite their differences. If reversed, the Mannaz rune can signify the onset of depression and the need to isolate oneself from others.
21. LAGUZ (PRONUNCIATION: LAH-GOOZE)
Symbolizes: Water currents, intuition, and purification.
The Laguz ("l" rune) represents all forms of water elements present on Earth (water surfaces in nature, but also water in the human body). Laguz symbolizes intuition and suggests that a person must follow their instinct at all times. If reversed, the Laguz rune means a dead end and a lack of creativity.
22. INGWAZ (PRONUNCIATION: ING-OOZE)
Symbolizes: Male sexuality, inner growth, and perfect timing.
The Inguz (rune "ŋ") is a positive rune, mainly meaning happiness and fertility. Whether it is a business, a creative project, or something else, the Inguz rune attracts the energy needed to accomplish it. The Inguz rune cannot be reversed.
23. DAGAZ (PRONUNCIATION: DAH-GAZ)
Symbolizes: Radical change and self-transformation.
The Dagaz rune (rune "d") is also called the "rune of dawn" and symbolizes hope and emerging from darkness. Metaphorically speaking, the Dagaz rune asserts that with strong willpower, any goal can be achieved (even darkness can be transformed into light). The Dagaz rune has no reversed meaning.
24. OTHILA (PRONUNCIATION: OWE-THA-LA)
Symbolizes: Ancestral spiritual power and love among family members.
The Othila rune ("o") indicates the importance of the connection with ancestors and spiritual heritage. The Othila rune also signifies the importance of family support in all life decisions. The reversed Othila rune symbolizes bad family relationships.
The runic alphabet
An Alphabet and Viking Symbols
There are many strong Viking symbols, and their alphabet is no exception, as the Futhark itself is a Viking symbol in its own right. We have finished presenting the different meanings of the Viking runes and we hope everything was clear and straightforward for you.
We invite you to board your drakkar and continue your navigation on our website to discover our other articles dealing with Norse mythology, as well as our Viking jewelry that will testify to your love for Scandinavian history.
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