The Othala rune tattoo is a symbolic design based on the ancient Norse alphabet known as the Elder Futhark. The Othala rune represents the letter "O" and is associated with the sound "o" or "auh" in the original Nordic language. This rune is often associated with ancestral heritage and represents the concept of inheritance, traditions, and ancestral property. It is believed to symbolize the passing down of material wealth and spiritual wisdom from one generation to the next. In Norse mythology, the Othala rune is associated with the god Odin and represents the concept of home and clan. It is believed to signify a connection to one's roots and a sense of belonging to a specific family or tribe.
just appears to be into vikings
Imo a person doing a reading of the symbols as tattooed would interpret them as a warning against expecting inherited wealth to be that much of a good thing. If say you have a rune tattoo and give thought to it often enough based on what you believe it means for you, does that then give it some actual power to help shape the life you live.
It is believed to signify a connection to one's roots and a sense of belonging to a specific family or tribe. Many people choose to get an Othala rune tattoo to honor their heritage and ancestral roots. It serves as a reminder of their family history and the values and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Can you identify this symbol in a tattoo?
March 5, 2021 1:21 PM Subscribe
I'm working on an ad campaign, and there's a picture of someone with this tattoo. I don't know the symbol, but it appears similar to the Odal rune that the nazis coopted (which was also possibly the influence for the stage at the CPAC convention). It maybe be this symbol with another symbol laid on top. I don't want to include this picture if the symbol if it represents something awful.
posted by jonathanhughes to Society & Culture (11 answers total)
Best answer: Looks like it's another rune laid on top of odal, and while I'm only a layperson web searching these things, and not all of the sites were horrible, enough were that I now want to scrub my search history with bleach. It's clearly runes, and specifically the odal rune, too.
Put me on the side of "possibly (probably?) evil, maybe not, but don't take the chance". At this point, why give the benefit of the doubt to anything that is clearly a hate symbol? Take it out.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 1:31 PM on March 5, 2021 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Looks like a combo of Wealth and heritage/homeland. othala & fehu
posted by beccaj at 1:36 PM on March 5, 2021 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'd remove it, could be innocent, but why invite problems. I'm sure someone will be along to tell me I'm wrong, but putting together the meanings it could be interpreted as "homeland success", or "heritage wealth" and it's easy to see how that could be interpreted as a white supremacy symbol even if it's not.
Skip it.
posted by mikesch at 1:36 PM on March 5, 2021 [4 favorites]
Best answer: Bindrunes (multiple runes laid on top of each other) are definitely a fairly common Norse thing and may or may not be anything nasty (I have runic tattoos myself and they are definitely not anything unpleasant) but in the current climate I would lean heavily towards just not using that image.
posted by restless_nomad at 1:40 PM on March 5, 2021 [6 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! It does appear to a combination fo the runes that beccaj posted. I was able to do a little googling, and this person just appears to be into vikings. But although it probably wasn't intended as anything more than that, I'll definitely be skipping it.
posted by jonathanhughes at 1:55 PM on March 5, 2021
A quick Google for the two superimposed letters came up with 'runic formula for attracting money' stuff. Somebody's idea of a good luck charm?
But who's to say 'family + money' isn't somebody's weird idea of 'Blood! + Treasure!' or other self made cultyness?
posted by bartleby at 1:56 PM on March 5, 2021 [2 favorites]
Just to add, it looks so similar to the NXIVM cult branding (here's an article, but it's easily googleable). Even if it weren't directly related to anything questionable, I'd avoid it just because of that association.
posted by thebots at 3:36 PM on March 5, 2021
just appears to be into vikings
It's three different runes, inheritance (odal), wealth (feoh) and protection (elk) which is upside down giving that rune a cautionary meaning. I know this because using runes for new agey fortune telling has been a thing for at least 30 years if not longer; Ralph Blum's rather Jungian Book of Runes was first published in 1985. My gran used to read tea leaves, my mother used to read runes, I've read the runes myself.
Imo a person doing a reading of the symbols as tattooed would interpret them as a warning against expecting inherited wealth to be that much of a good thing. Which is kind of wide open to being a message from any sort of context really. But you shouldn't necessarily think a person with old runes tattooed on them must be a fascist as the neo Nazi co-opting of these symbols is fairly recent.
Having said that though and even though these symbols came into my life as a bit of benign superstition, they have been irretrievably tainted, I think, by the past 8 or so years of neo-fascist resurgence. They can't be used now.
posted by glasseyes at 9:14 AM on March 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
I now want to scrub my search history with bleach
Yeah, this is also a recent thing. When I tried researching Chimurenga songs again last year, that is, songs of the Zimbabweian freedom struggle, youtube gave me all sorts of rhodesian white nationalist nonsense. Something that has never happened before in my search results. I guess those nazis have finally discovered the internet, or the algorithms, or something.
posted by glasseyes at 9:20 AM on March 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Sorry for spamming - it probably is two runes and the third is an accident of juxtaposition - but interpreting that sort of unintended meaning is always part of a reading.
posted by glasseyes at 9:31 AM on March 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
« Older What happened to the pandemic playbook? | What paid dating app upgrades are worthwhile? Newer »
Yeah, this is also a recent thing. When I tried researching Chimurenga songs again last year, that is, songs of the Zimbabweian freedom struggle, youtube gave me all sorts of rhodesian white nationalist nonsense. Something that has never happened before in my search results. I guess those nazis have finally discovered the internet, or the algorithms, or something.
posted by glasseyes at 9:20 AM on March 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
The design of the Othala rune tattoo can vary, but it often features a simple geometric shape resembling an uppercase letter "O" with straight lines and angles. Some people choose to incorporate other symbols or elements into the design to further personalize the tattoo. It is important to note that the Othala rune has also been adopted by various extremist groups and white supremacist ideologies. However, it is essential to understand that the symbol itself is not inherently negative or hateful. Its association with such groups is a misuse of the symbol and does not reflect its original meaning. As with any tattoo, it is important to research and understand the symbolism and potential interpretations of the design. Consulting with a reputable tattoo artist who is familiar with Norse mythology and symbolism can help ensure that the Othala rune tattoo is meaningful and respectful to its original intention..
Reviews for "The Othala Rune Tattoo as a Symbol of Nostalgia and Longing"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I got the Othala rune tattoo and I deeply regret it. The lines are not crisp and clean like I had imagined, instead they are blurry and uneven. It almost looks like a child drew it on me. The artist didn't take the time to properly stencil it or make sure it was aligned correctly. I wish I had done more research before choosing this tattoo parlor because now I'm stuck with a poorly done tattoo.
2. Mike - 2 stars
I had high hopes for my Othala rune tattoo, but unfortunately, it didn't turn out as expected. The placement of the rune is too low on my forearm, making it difficult to show off or cover up when necessary. The shading is also inconsistent, leaving some parts darker than others. I'm disappointed in the lack of attention to detail and would not recommend this tattoo parlor for rune tattoos.
3. Lisa - 1 star
I was excited to get an Othala rune tattoo as a symbol of my heritage, but the experience left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. The tattoo artist didn't listen to my requests and instead did their own design interpretation, which was not what I had envisioned. Additionally, the tattoo ink started fading after just a few weeks, even though I followed all the aftercare instructions. I would advise others to seek out a more professional and experienced tattoo artist for their Othala rune tattoos.
4. John - 2 stars
I had my Othala rune tattoo done at this tattoo parlor and I was disappointed with the overall result. The lines are not as delicate and precise as I had hoped for, and the shading is patchy and inconsistent. The artist seemed rushed and didn't take the time to ensure the quality of their work. I wish I had chosen a different tattoo parlor for my Othala rune tattoo as I now have a subpar result that doesn't match my expectations.