Algiz Rune Nazi: The Algiz rune, also known as the Elhaz rune, is an ancient symbol that has been used in various cultures throughout history. In Norse mythology, it is associated with the god Heimdallr, who is often depicted holding a horn and standing on a rainbow bridge. The rune itself resembles a diamond shape with two horizontal lines intersecting in the middle. However, in recent years, the Algiz rune has been appropriated by various far-right and neo-Nazi groups. They have adopted this symbol as a means of promoting their ideologies of white supremacy, racism, and intolerance. These groups have distorted the original meaning of the Algiz rune, using it as a symbol of hate and oppression.
Life Rune
The “life rune” is also known as the Algiz or Elhaz rune. There is another variation of this symbol called the Mannaz rune.
The “life rune” is the fifteenth letter of the Futhark alphabet, an ancient Germanic script mainly found in Scandinavia and the British Isles. The Algiz variation means "moose,” while the Mannaz variation means “man” or “person.”
The symbol denotes the sounds [z] or [ks] in runic writing. Modern neo-pagans who have no connection to Nazism or other far-right ideologies also use it.
Guido von List — an Austrian occultist in the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth century, who had a significant influence on the development of occultism within Nazism — founded an esoteric, occult ideological movement called Armanism. Von List included a symbol he described as the “life rune” in his version of the Futhark alphabet, along with an inverted version, interpreted as the “death rune.”
List’s teachings were followed in Nazi Germany, where this rune was used widely to denote life, as well as health, family life, and the birth of children. It was included in the emblems of several organizations in Nazi Germany, including the National Socialist Women's League, the Lebensborn (an SS unit tasked with increasing the birth rate of "racially pure Aryan" children and later abducting children for "Aryanization"), and various other women's and medical groups.
Use as a hate symbol:
Among modern neo-Nazis this rune symbolizes "life" and the so-called "life force of the nation." It is one of the most common neo-Nazi symbols and is used widely by members of the Far Right in various countries as a marker of Nazi, neo-Nazi, and racist views. It is often paired with the “death rune” as an opposing symbol of birth (for example, in obituaries, biographies, epitaphs, etc.). However, it can be used separately as a symbol of the so-called “life force.”
The “life rune” is used widely in Ukraine to demonstrate Nazi views, often without being affiliated with a specific organization or structure. It is often used as a symbol of birth, as well.
This symbol is almost never used mistakenly. However, neo-pagans sometimes use it to symbolize birth. To determine if it is being employed as a hate symbol, one must pay attention to who is using — a number of pagan groups that use the “life rune” do in fact adhere to racist ideology, but not all of them.
Since there are some visual images that resemble the “life rune,” it’s important to examine the context in which it appears to determine whether or not it is actually being used as a hate symbol. If it appears alongside other runes or hate symbols, it is likely being used for its far-right symbolism.
Death Rune
This rune is the fifteenth letter of the Futhark runic alphabet, an ancient Germanic script mostly found in Scandinavia and the British Isles (in another version of the Futhark alphabet, it appears as the sixteenth rune). It is written as an inverted version of the Algiz rune, otherwise known as the “life rune.”
This symbol denotes the sound [R] in runic writing, which is similar to the Ukrainian sound [з]. Modern neo-pagans who have no connection to Nazism or other far-right ideologies also use it.
Guido von List — an Austrian occultist in the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth century, who had a major influence on the development of occultism within Nazism — founded an esoteric, occult ideological movement called Armanism. Von List included an inverted “life rune” in his version of the Futhark alphabet, which he called the “death rune.”
In Nazi Germany, this rune (taken from von List) symbolized death. It was used to glorify fallen members of the paramilitary organization the SS (the Schutzstaffeln) and replaced the Christian cross in obituaries and on tombstones.
Use as a hate symbol:
For modern neo-Nazis, this rune symbolizes death. It is one of the most common neo-Nazi symbols and is used widely by members of the Far Right in various countries as a marker of Nazi, neo-Nazi, and racist views.
Supporters of far-right ideologies almost always use the “death rune” in place of a cross in obituaries, biographies, epitaphs, and other memorial materials.
The “death rune” is used widely in Ukraine to demonstrate Nazi and racist views, often without any connection to a specific organization. Supporters of far-right ideologies almost always use it to symbolize death, most commonly in conjunction with the “life rune.”
This rune is almost never mistakenly used. However, some neo-pagans also use it as a symbol of death. To determine if it is being employed as a hate symbol, one must pay attention to who is using it — a number of neo-pagan sects that use the “death rune” do in fact adhere to racist ideology, but not all of them.
There are also images that visually resemble the “death rune,” so it is important to determine whether it is actually being used as a hate symbol. If it appears alongside other runes or hate symbols, it is likely being used for its far-right symbolism.
Norse Rune Symbols and the Third Reich
Some of the symbols treated in this article may be interpreted as pointing to Nazi ideology in certain contexts. Their use in the present article has nothing to do with it . Any such connotations are a recent development as compared to the long history of the most of these signs. Below both their original meaning in the Norse Viking culture and their use in Nazi Germany is treated, in order to demonstrate that the earlier, original tradition is much older. It should be observed that the interest towards runology so characteristic for early 20th century German Nazi circles was heated by the works of Guido von List, occult runic revivalist. Von List created his own version of the Futhark known as Armanen runes, allegedly revealed to his “inner eye”. Later Karl Maria Willigut was responsible for their use during the Third Reich. Armanen Futhark derives from historic runes but does not belong to the Norse runelore. Note that a few of these symbols are included into the list of symbols forbidden in Germany. However, Norse symbols are not hate symbols.
These groups have distorted the original meaning of the Algiz rune, using it as a symbol of hate and oppression. It is important to recognize that the Algiz rune, in its traditional context, has a completely different meaning. It symbolizes protection, strength, and divine connection.
Tyr (Tiwaz, Teiwaz) Rune
Týr is the Norse god of war, portrayed as one-handed warrior. Týr’s symbol is sword. Once he played a very important role in the Germanic pantheon. Tuesday is actually Týr’s day (Anglo-Saxons called him Tiw). By the Viking Age Týr was somewhat overshadowed by Thor and Odin. The Icelandic rune poem associates the rune with the god of the same name: God with one hand and leavings of the wolf and prince of temples. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem explains the meaning of the rune tir using the imagery of a star that had the same name (probably the North Star): Tiw is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes; it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails. In Nazi Germany the Tyr rune was also known as Kampf-Rune (Battle rune) or Pfeil-Rune (Arrow rune) and was symbolic of leadership in battle. It was widely used by various young people organizations after World War I, and later by Hitlerjugend and SA. Worn on the upper left arm, it indicated the graduation from the SA-Reichsführerschule. It was also used as the badge of the SS Recruiting and Training Department, as well as the emblem of the Waffen-SS division “30 Januar”. The Tyr rune also marked the graves of SS men, thus replacing the Christian cross.
It is a symbol of warding off evil and providing spiritual guidance. To see this symbol hijacked by hate groups is deeply troubling and goes against the values it originally represented. It is crucial to distinguish between the original meaning of the Algiz rune and its distorted use by Nazi and white supremacist groups. Education and awareness are essential tools in combating the misuse of symbols and preventing the spread of hate. By understanding the true meaning of the Algiz rune and its historical significance, we can work towards reclaiming it from those who seek to pervert its symbolism. In conclusion, the Algiz rune's association with Nazi and far-right ideologies is a clear example of the appropriation and misuse of ancient symbols. We must remain vigilant in challenging the narratives promoted by hate groups and strive to promote understanding and inclusivity. It is only through education and the recognition of the true meaning of these symbols that we can reclaim them from those intent on spreading hate and division..
Reviews for "The Algiz Rune and its Use in Nazi Recruitment and Indoctrination"
1. Amanda - 1 star - I was disgusted to see the Algiz rune being associated with Nazi symbolism in this product. The Algiz rune is an ancient symbol with deep spiritual and historical significance, and it is disrespectful and offensive to see it used in such a manner. I certainly do not recommend this product to anyone who values cultural and historical sensitivity.
2. John - 2 stars - As an avid rune enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Algiz rune necklace. However, I was deeply disappointed to find out that it was being marketed with Nazi connotations. The Algiz rune has a rich history in Norse mythology and symbolizes protection and spirituality. It is a shame to see it being associated with hate and discrimination. I strongly advise against purchasing this product and supporting such offensive associations.
3. Sarah - 1 star - This Algiz rune pendant claims to be a representation of ancient Nordic culture, but it is alarming to see it being used in a Nazi context. The Nazis appropriated many symbols, including runes, to promote their ideology of hatred and racism. By associating this symbol with Nazi connotations, this product disrespects the true essence and historical significance of the Algiz rune. I was deeply disappointed and would strongly discourage others from purchasing it.
4. Michael - 2 stars - The Algiz rune has deep spiritual meaning in ancient Norse traditions, representing protection and connection with higher powers. I was interested in buying a piece of jewelry that would reflect these beliefs. Unfortunately, this Algiz rune pendant links the symbol with Nazi ideology, which completely distorts its original meaning. It is important to acknowledge the historical context and significance of symbols before using them inappropriately. I would not recommend this product to anyone seeking a genuine and respectful representation of the Algiz rune.