Runes are ancient symbols that hold significant meaning within Norse and Germanic cultures. These symbols were used as letters in the runic alphabets, which were written and carved on various objects and surfaces. The origins of runes can be traced back to the second century AD and were used by Germanic peoples until the Middle Ages. Each rune has its own distinct shape and name, and is associated with a specific meaning or concept. The runic alphabet, also known as the Elder Futhark, consists of 24 characters. Some examples of runes and their meanings include: 1.
Some examples of runes and their meanings include: 1. Fehu (ᚠ): This rune represents wealth, both physical and spiritual. It is associated with abundance, prosperity, and material possessions.
What are Viking Norse Runes and what is their Meaning?
The alphabet of the Viking age, Norse runes were used for writing, sorcery and divination. Some still believe they hold magical or mystical powers. So, how did they develop and what did rune symbols really mean?
3 January 2023In the simplest terms, runes are the characters of ancient Germanic alphabets. There were many variations of runes amongst different Germanic peoples and these variations also changed over time. However, when most people think of runes, it is Norse runes they have in mind, and specifically, the rune symbols of the Viking age.
Mostly dating from the late 8th to the early 12th centuries, these symbols represent some of the most important clues as to the history of the Nordic people. Perhaps the best known examples from the time are viking rune stones. However, later medieval examples from the 14th century onwards were carved into graves, weapons, jewellery and any number of everyday items.
So, what were the Nordic runes? What did the rune symbols mean? And what messages did they leave behind? Read on as we decipher the facts.
The Origins of Rune Stones
Old Germanic runes (Photo: HalliHuberts via Getty Images)
The exact origins of the runic alphabet are not known, but it’s generally accepted that it derived from the early Mediterranean scripts around the first century AD. For example, there are similarities to the Phoenician alphabet with its angular letter shapes. These became the trademark of the Nordic runes. The development of the script may also have been influenced from early Germanic sacred symbols found in northern European rock carvings.
Norse Symbols: A Changing Alphabet
Elder Futhark Runes engraved on stones (Photo: KatyaSuresh via Getty Images)
The Norse runes are the alphabet of the Old Norse language. That alphabet was called futhark. As far as we know, it originated in around the 1st century AD, varying by region and evolving over time.
In general terms, there were two main types of Norse runes: the earlier and more complex Elder Futhark, and the subsequent Younger Futhark. It is Younger Futhark that is associated with the Viking Age. Its rune symbols were far simpler and easier to carve, consisting of 16 characters or “staves”.
The Multiple Meanings of Nordic Runes
Nordic symbolism (Photo: Marco Klaue via iStock)
There are clear similarities between futhark and our modern alphabet. Like the letters we use today, each character represented sound values, like consonants and vowels. However, Norse runes were slightly more complex than our ABC. They were also ideographs, meaning they were used to represent concepts. Modern examples of ideographs include emojis and street signs.
Translating Norse Symbols
Viking runic inscription (Photo: DEA / G. DAGLI ORTI via Getty Images)
For almost two thousand years, the meaning of Norse symbols has been discussed, deliberated and debated by experts. They have been used in a number of different ways by different communities and cultures so it’s only natural that names and meanings will vary.
Here is the most widely accepted list of letters and meanings of the famous Norse runes –
A | Ansuz
Sound – aa, as in far | Meaning – truth, wisdom, god, communication, inspiration
B | Berkan/Berkanan
Sound – be, as in bee | Meaning – birch tree, fertility, birth, growth, new start
C | Cen/Caunan/Kenaz
Sound – kay, as in okay | Meaning – torch, illumination, creativity, fire, transformation
D | Dagaz
Sound – dee, as in melody | Meaning – day, new dawn, awakening, awareness, breakthrough
E | Ehwaz\Eihwaz
Sound – short e, as in bend | Meaning – cooperation, discovery, trust, teamwork
F | Fehu
Sound – eff, as in frank | Meaning – achievement, wealth, money earned, luck
G | Gebo
Sound – hard gee, as in great | Meaning – exchanging gifts, love, partnership
H | Hagalaz
Sound – aitch, as in hurry | Meaning – destruction, radical change, loss, transformation
I | Isa/Isaz
Sound – short i, as in limp | Meaning – inertia, stasis, self-control, concentration
J | Jera
Sound – soft j/y as in year | Meaning – cycles, time, peace, rewards, prosperity
K | Kaun|Kenaz
Sound – hard c/k, as in click | Meaning – illumination, fire, transformation, regeneration
L | Laguz
Sound – ell, as in lemon | Meaning – dreams, emotion, the unconscious mind, fantasy
M | Mannaz
Sound – emm, as in minute | Meaning – humankind, collective effort, connectivity
N | Naudiz/Nauthiz
Sound – enn as in none | Meaning – survival, basic human needs, endurance, hardship
O | Othila\Othala
Sound – short oh, as in drop | Meaning – inheritance, ancestors, home, legacy
P | Perthro\Peorth
Sound – pee, as in penny | Meaning – fate, destiny, mystery, uncertainty, secrets
R | Raido
Sound – arr, as in rope | Meaning – personal direction, journeys, wheels, travel
S | Sowilo\Sowulo
Sound – ess, as in soup | Meaning – health, energy, success, wholeness
T | Tiwaz
Sound – tee, as in tiny | Meaning – righting of wrongs, justice, honour, victory
TH | Thuriaz/Thurisaz
Sound – th, as in third | Meaning – breaking barriers, solving problems, protection
U | Uruz
Sound – ooh, as in brood | Meaning – ultimate strength, power, courage, endurance
W | Wunjo
Sound – w, as in wind | Meaning – joy, friendship, celebration, fellowship
Z | Algiz
Sound – zed, as in zoo | Meaning – courage, divine protection, self-defence
NG | Ingwaz
Sound – ng, as in sing | Meaning – concentrated energy, unity, agreement, harmony
Famous Runes and Viking Rune Stones
Monument erected by King Harald honouring his parents (Photo: DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY / via Getty Images)
The earliest runic inscriptions are potentially from around 50 AD on what is known as the Meldorf brooch. It is a beautifully jewelled brooch typically used for fastening clothes at the right shoulder and is thought to have come from a cremation grave site. Found close to the Danish border in the German town of Meldorf, experts to this day remain split as to whether the inscription is Roman script or rune symbols.
The Vimose Comb dating from around 160 AD, literally a small hair comb found in the town of Vimose on the Danish island of Funen, is the earliest unambiguous representation of runic symbols and is carved with the word ‘harja’. Dating from around the same time, an iron spearhead found at the Øvre Stabu farm in Oppland, Norway, is inscribed with Norse runes from the Elder Futhark alphabet.
As for viking rune stones, some of the most famous have been found in the Danish town of Jelling. In particular, the two large 10th century stones, the first erected by King Gorm the Old commemorating his wife and the second by his son, Harald Bluetooth, in memory of his father.
Rune Symbols Today
A beautifully decorated Viking runestone ( Photo: Lars Johansson / EyeEm via Getty Images)
Rune symbols continued to be used in Scandinavia for centuries after the end of the viking age, with some reportedly as late as the 19th century. And viking rune stones remain popular today both in the study of ancient languages and in fantasy games.
There are clear similarities between futhark and our modern alphabet. Like the letters we use today, each character represented sound values, like consonants and vowels. However, Norse runes were slightly more complex than our ABC. They were also ideographs, meaning they were used to represent concepts. Modern examples of ideographs include emojis and street signs.
2. Uruz (ᚢ): Uruz symbolizes strength, vitality, and primal energy. It represents physical and mental health, as well as endurance and fortitude. 3. Thurisaz (ᚦ): This rune signifies protection and defense. It represents the power and might of the gods, as well as the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges. 4. Ansuz (ᚨ): Ansuz is associated with communication, wisdom, and divine inspiration. It represents the connection between humans and the gods, as well as the power of the spoken word. 5. Raido (ᚱ): This rune represents travel, journeys, and personal growth. It symbolizes movement and progress, as well as the ability to adapt to new situations. 6. Hagalaz (ᚺ): Hagalaz is the rune of transformation and change. It signifies a time of disruption and chaos, but also the potential for rebirth and healing. 7. Jera (ᛃ): Jera represents harvest, abundance, and the cyclical nature of life. It symbolizes the rewards of hard work and patience, as well as the understanding that everything has its own time. These are just a few examples of the many runes and their meanings. Runes can be used for divination, meditation, and magic. They can also be incorporated into jewelry, tattoos, and other decorative items. Today, many people still study and practice runework as a way to connect with their ancestral heritage and tap into the ancient wisdom of their ancestors..
Reviews for "Rune Meditation: Using the Symbols for Deepening Spiritual Practice"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Runes and their meaning". The book promised to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding runes, but it fell short on delivering that. The explanations were brief and lacking in depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the book lacked proper citations or references, so I found it difficult to trust the information presented. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking to learn about runes.
2. Emma - 1/5 - "Runes and their meaning" was a complete letdown for me. The book seemed poorly researched and poorly written. The author made sweeping generalizations without providing any evidence or historical context. I expected a more in-depth exploration of each rune and its meaning, but instead, I got surface-level descriptions that were barely helpful. There are much better books on runes out there, and I would not waste my time or money on this one.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - As someone who already had some knowledge of runes, I was hoping that "Runes and their meaning" would provide new insights and perspectives. Sadly, it fell short. The book seemed to skim over the surface of each rune, repeating information that can be easily found in other resources. There was no depth or originality to the content, making it a dull read. If you're already familiar with runes, I would suggest skipping this book as it offers nothing new or valuable.