Runes Vikings

Runes… they are simply an alphabet, except they are super stylish (like everything the Vikings did, you might say). And this alphabet that comes from the Northern countries is called the runic alphabet or Futhark (this term comes from the first 6 letters of the alphabet). The thing? Is that runes are much more than just a way to communicate.

There is a sacred aspect, like you wouldn’t write your shopping list in runic alphabet… That would almost be offensive. In fact, runes were used by the Northern peoples for divinations… to be honest, there is almost something religious in their use. Each symbol carries a strong meaning. And this Scandinavian alphabet consists of 24 symbols. But in some Scandinavian countries… the number of symbols is reduced to only 16!

A language passed down orally

Even today, it can be hard to decipher the symbols… well yeah, the guys passed down the runic reading orally. So we have very few writings about it… The worst? Is that they didn’t even leave us YouTube tutorials to practice… Life is not easy. Fortunately, the great Scandinavian peoples left behind evidence that historians and architects can analyze. Because it is thanks to these elements that we can determine interesting clues for the meaning of the symbols! (And yes, we don’t show you runic jewelry without knowing the meaning… we’re not that evil)

The legend of the runes

At the very beginning, runes were mysterious symbols kept secret in the well of Urd considered the source of the fate of the Gods… note that this same well served to water our dear Yggdrasil. So yes, I believe it is the most important well in Norse mythology! At the time, the sacred runes were used by the 3 Norns and it allowed them to transmit their work to the 9 worlds supported by Yggdrasil.

Their work? Oh nothing special, just managing the fate of the universe and the 9 worlds. Nothing less! Anyway, you got it, runes are super powerful… And so now I have to tell you the story of…

Odin, the Viking runes and ultimate knowledge

To access ultimate wisdom… Odin, the master of Asgard and father of the Aesir Gods must perform a very strange ritual. A ritual that will allow him to access the immense powers of the runes. For that? He must sacrifice himself spiritually. What does that mean concretely? Odin will impale himself on his spear named Gungnir on the Yggdrasil Tree. Yes, he must kill himself. Anyway, for 9 days Odin stays on Yggdrasil… his spear piercing his lifeless body…

And it is at the dawn of the tenth day that he finally receives the great secret, the ultimate wisdom: the meaning of the runes. He will then use this power to resurrect himself (well yeah, smart guy). Thanks to this spiritual sacrifice and the powers of the runes… Odin becomes the God of magic and esotericism.

5 runes and their meanings

I think it’s cool to know some runes and their meanings… and since I know we’re among cool people, well I’m revealing all that to you. So let’s start right now:

Fehu

This Viking rune indicates that you are loaded with money. More generally, this rune is associated with present prosperity, but also future prosperity. For example, if you go to the village fortune teller and she shows you this rune… you’re happy!

Ansuz

This Viking rune symbolizes communication. But as I told you… runes are not really made for writing your shopping list. No, here it means more a divine message, communication from a God. This rune is also linked to wisdom and truth.

Gebo

This is the rune of gifts both physical and immaterial. It is also a symbol of partnership, exchange, and positive relationships.

Isa

This Viking rune symbolizes ice. But it’s more than that, remember, runes are sacred and have deep meanings. Isa means the need to take a break, to break something that harms us. So yes, it’s quite spiritual, but you get the idea. We could even say this rune is a way of saying “go away” to what bothers you.

Sowilo

This is the Viking rune of the sun. It is also a Scandinavian rune that symbolizes abundance whether in terms of wealth, health, or relationships. In a broader sense, Sowilo is success… money and victory! Anyway, when this rune comes up during a divination session… well you are happy.

Now, I would like to quickly introduce you to 3 of our models with Viking rune motifs.

The 3 models with rune motifs

Now that you know more about runes… it’s time for me to present you 3 of our Viking jewelry models with rune motifs.

I’m sure you will love them, so let’s go.

An effective classic, the Viking runic protection bracelet in stainless steel

This Viking bracelet has everything to please. Even if, like me, you have a big wrist and it’s always a hassle to find a bracelet your size… well no worries with this new bracelet, it is adjustable. You can try to decipher the bracelet’s message by translating the engraved runes. In short, a superb bracelet that can accompany you wherever you go… and that will attract attention to you!

But also the Vegvisir Viking ring – stainless steel

Okay, I admit… I have a big crush on this Viking runic ring. It’s a classy, modern, and elegant ring… nothing flashy or too bling-bling… but beware, it still attracts looks (and jealous ones too). Plus, this runic ring is made from stainless steel… which means it is monstrously durable.

Like really, you can throw it against walls (if you’re a weird person) and it won’t budge. In short, it’s solid. It’s not the old thing you find at Gerard the local second-hand dealer! You know, the thing you buy thinking you made a great deal and a few hours after buying it, it breaks… (and Gerard disappeared).

But also the Viking arrow necklace – Valknut rune

A magnificent necklace with a Viking arrow motif… This jewelry features the Valknut rune. This Viking rune is often associated with Odin (the boss of the Gods), it is a symbol of courage, strength, and wisdom. Again, this Viking jewelry is made of stainless steel… so it’s solid. This necklace can therefore accompany you everywhere without any problem!

And what I love about it? Is that it comes in a beautiful wooden box that can serve as a decorative element! You will love it.

To finish

Congratulations on making it this far. Now you know the power of runes and you know it’s much more than an alphabet… it’s something sacred almost religious. Don’t forget that Odin impaled himself with his spear just to know the meaning of all the Viking runes! That’s no small thing and it’s also why it’s sacred.

And today, you will be able to wear one of these runes on your wrist or around your neck. So go to the top of this page, pick the model you like and enjoy a superb Viking jewelry full of meaning.