Norse runes are ancient symbols used in the Norse and Germanic cultures as a form of writing and divination. There are 24 different runes, each with its own unique shape and meaning. Some of the most common runes include Ansuz, which signifies communication and wisdom, and Mannaz, which represents humanity and the self. The origins of the Norse runes can be traced back to the 2nd century AD. They were used in various contexts, including inscriptions on weapons, tools, and jewelry. The symbols were also used for divination purposes, as they were believed to possess magical and mystical properties.
In any case Othila reversed indicates a problem that not even money or an inherited position can solve.
Hagal teaches us that it s time to face problems and recognize them so that we are not unprepared for sudden events and find the strength to continue on the path. The Viking Age is generally agreed by historians to have ended with the successful invasion of England by William the Conqueror who was a Norman of Viking descent ironically , specifically the decisive Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The symbols were also used for divination purposes, as they were believed to possess magical and mystical properties. Each rune has a specific meaning and interpretation. For example, the rune Fehu represents wealth and prosperity, while Uruz symbolizes strength and power.
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.
The continuity of life, development and progress. This rune can be compared to the DNA chain that contains all the information necessary for the creation of a new life. It heralds the completion of a favorable period and the beginning of another better.
The runic alphabet, known as the Futhark, was often carved into wood or stone, and the symbols were used to convey messages or invoke certain energies. In addition to their use as a writing system, the Norse runes were also used for divination. This practice involved casting the runes onto a cloth or a special casting board and interpreting their positions and combinations. The runes were believed to offer guidance and insight into various aspects of life, such as love, career, and health. Today, Norse runes continue to be studied and used by individuals interested in Norse mythology, magic, and spirituality. They have become popular symbols in modern culture, appearing in tattoos, artwork, and jewelry. Many people also use the runes for meditation and self-reflection, drawing on their ancient wisdom and symbolism. Overall, Norse runes are a fascinating and ancient form of communication and divination. The symbols hold deep meaning and significance, providing a connection to the rich mythology and history of the Norse and Germanic cultures. Whether used for writing, divination, or personal reflection, the runes continue to capture the imagination and intrigue of people around the world..
Reviews for "The Viking Age and the Role of Runes in Northern Europe"
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Norse runes symbols and explanations". The symbols were poorly explained, and I had a hard time understanding their meaning. The explanations were vague and lacked depth, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and money. I would not recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Norse runes.
- Mark - 2 stars - I expected a comprehensive guide to Norse runes, but this book fell short. The symbols were described in a very basic and simplistic manner, without delving into their historical or cultural significance. The explanations were brief and lacked the depth I was looking for. For someone who is genuinely interested in understanding Norse runes, I would recommend finding a more comprehensive and detailed resource.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Norse runes symbols and explanations". The book lacked clear organization and structure, making it difficult to follow. The explanations were shallow and failed to provide a thorough understanding of the symbols. Additionally, I found some of the descriptions to be contradictory and confusing. Overall, I would not recommend this book to those seeking a comprehensive and accurate guide to Norse runes.
- Andrew - 1 star - I found "Norse runes symbols and explanations" to be severely lacking in substance and accuracy. The explanations provided were vague and lacked any real depth or historical context. It felt more like a superficial overview rather than a meaningful exploration of Norse runes. I was left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a truly informative resource on Norse runes.