Runes

Runes, an ancient form of writing that dates back to the Germanic and Norse cultures, are much more than just symbols on stones or wood. They represent a rich tradition full of meaning and mystical power. In this blog, we dive deeper into the world of runes, discover the different types of rune scripts, and explore the meaning behind each letter. 

The oldest rune inscriptions (that we have found so far) date from the 2nd century AD. The oldest and most well-known rune script is the Elder Futhark, named after the first six letters of the script: F, U, Th, A, R, and K. This script consisted of 24 characters, known as runes, which were used for both communication and magical purposes. Each rune had a specific sound value and a deeper symbolic meaning rooted in the natural and spiritual world. 

The Elder Futhark was the oldest rune script and was used by Germanic tribes in the period from approximately 150 to 800 AD. It consisted of 24 characters, divided into three rows of eight runes, known as a "futhark." This script was mainly used in the Germanic area, which stretched across parts of Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, and England. The Elder Futhark contained the letters: 

ᚠ - Fehu

ᚢ - Uruz

ᚦ - Thurisaz

ᚨ - Ansuz

ᚱ - Raido

ᚲ - Kaunan

ᚷ - Gebo

ᚹ - Wunjo

ᚺ - Hagalaz

ᚾ - Naudiz

ᛁ - Isaz

ᛃ - Jera

ᛇ - Ihwaz

ᛈ - Pertho

ᛉ - Algiz

ᛊ - Sowilo

ᛏ - Tiwaz

ᛒ - Berkana

ᛖ - Ehwaz

ᛗ - Mannaz

ᛚ - Laguz

ᛜ - Ingwaz

ᛟ - Othala

ᛞ - Dagaz

The Younger Futhark, also known as the Viking Futhark, developed from the Elder Futhark and was primarily used during the Viking Age, from around 800 to 1200 AD. The Younger Futhark consisted of 16 characters and was thus simplified compared to the older script. This script was mainly used in Scandinavia and influenced the early Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish languages. The Younger Futhark contains the letters:

ᚠ - Fé

ᚢ - Úr

ᚦ - Þurs

ᚬ - Áss

ᚱ - Reið

ᚴ - Kaun

ᚼ - Hagall

ᚾ - Nauðr

ᛁ - Íss

ᛅ - Ár

ᛋ - Sól

ᛏ - Týr

ᛒ - Bjarkan

ᛘ - Maðr

ᛚ - Lögr

ᛦ - Yr

Let's explore some of the most prominent runes in the Elder Futhark and the Younger Futhark and discover their meanings:

Fehu (F): Represents wealth, abundance, and material prosperity.

Uruz (U): Symbolizes strength, vitality, and physical health.

Thurisaz (Th): Stands for protection, defense, and inner resistance.

Ansuz (A): Represents communication, wisdom, and inspiration.

Raido (R): Symbolizes travel, adventure, and personal growth.

Kaunan (K): Stands for enlightenment, transformation, and inner fire power.

The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc was a variant of the Old Germanic Futhark and was used by the Anglo-Saxon population in England from the 5th to the 11th century AD. This script differed in some characters and the phonetic values of some runes compared to the Old Germanic Futhark.

ᚠ - feoh

ᚢ - ur

ᚦ - thorn

ᚩ - os

ᚱ - rad

ᚳ - cen

ᚷ - gyfu

ᚹ - wynn

ᚻ - haegl

ᚾ - nyd

ᛁ - is

ᛄ - ger

ᛇ - eoh

ᛈ - peord

ᛉ - eolh

ᛋ - sigel

ᛏ - tir

ᛒ - beorc

ᛖ - eh

ᛗ - mann

ᛚ - lagu

ᛝ - ing

ᛟ - eo

ᛞ - daeg

The runic script played an important role in both Germanic and Viking religion. It was used for various purposes, ranging from religious practices to magical rituals. Here are some examples of where the runic script was applied in the context of these religions:

Runes were often used as a means to gain insight into the future and to obtain answers to important questions. They were consulted by divine messengers or by shamans and fortune tellers who knew how to interpret the runes.

The runic script was also used on amulets and talismans to provide protection against evil and misfortune. The runes served as symbols of power and were seen as a way to ward off evil spirits.

Runes were engraved on stones, weapons, jewelry, and other objects used in religious rituals. These inscriptions could contain prayers, blessings, or hymns in honor of the gods.

At funerals, runes were often used to engrave the names of the deceased on gravestones, along with symbols associated with the transition to the afterlife. These inscriptions served as a tribute to the deceased and as a means to remember them.

Runes were sometimes used to mark places of religious significance, such as sanctuaries and offering sites. They served as a kind of guide for those visiting these places and could also contain messages to the gods.

The use of runic script gradually declined after the conversion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples to Christianity. The Latin alphabet was increasingly used for written communication.