A very brief history of the runic alphabets
Runes are the characters that form the runic alphabets, also known as futhark or fuþark – a word derived from the first 6 letters (ᚠᚢᚦᚨᚱᚲ). The origin of runes is unknown, but it’s believed that the word “rune” comes from the Norse rún which means “secret” or “mystery”, so this could indicate that the runic alphabet was created for esoteric purposes.
They were used by Germanic and Scandinavian tribes, evolving over time. The first we know is called the Elder Futhark alphabet and it consists of 24 letters. Later, it morphed into the Younger Futhark and runes were introduced in Britain as well, deriving in the Anglo-Saxon runes or futhorc (We will cover these alphabets in the future, so stay tuned!)
Elder Futhark Runes Translation and Meanings
Learn more about the Viking runes and their meanings with this handy Elder Futhark Rune Chart. You will see each rune’s translation and a brief approximation to their literal and magical meanings:
| RUNE | NAME | TRANSLATION | MEANING |
| ᚠ | Fehu | F | Cattle, prosperity, gain of some sort, fulfilment |
| ᚢ | Uruz | U | Wild ox, strength, life force, determination |
| ᚦ | Thurisaz | Th | Giants, Thor, brutal force, unexpected change |
| ᚨ | Ansuz | A | Mouth, Odin, communication, transmission of knowledge |
| ᚱ | Raido | R | Wagon, travel, movement, introspective journey |
| ᚲ | Kaunaz | C/K | Fire, warmth, energy, power, positive attitude |
| ᚷ | Gebo | G | Gift, fortuitous outcome, partnership, commitment |
| ᚹ | Wunjo | W | Joy, success, lasting emotional happiness |
| ᚺ | Hagalaz | H | Hail, limitations, delays, forces outside your control, disruption |
| ᚾ | Nauthiz | N | Patience, passing through a difficult learning situation, hardship, need |
| ᛁ | Isa | I | Ice, plans on hold, frustrations |
| ᛃ | Jera | J/Y | Harvest, reaping of rewards for past efforts, justice |
| ᛇ | Eihwaz | E | Yew, Yggdrassil, endurance, ability to achieve goals with resilience |
| ᛈ | Pertho | P | Mystery, occult knowledge, randomness, coincidence, secrets uncovered |
| ᛉ | Algiz | Z | Elk, protection, support, wisdom of the Universe |
| ᛊ | Sowulo | S | Sun, victory, awareness, energy |
| ᛏ | Teiwaz | T | Tyr, success in a competition, warrior strengh |
| ᛒ | Berkana | B | Birth, new beginnings, fertility, true home |
| ᛖ | Ehwaz | E | Horse, movement, steady progress, physical shift |
| ᛗ | Mannaz | M | Humankind, interdependence, collective potential |
| ᛚ | Laguz | L | Water, evolution, cleansing, female figure |
| ᛜ | Ingwaz | Ng | Successful conclusion, relief, personal development |
| ᛟ | Othala | O | Heritage, possessions, ancestral wisdom, home |
| ᛞ | Dagaz | D | Day, increase, steady growth, awakening |
A little word of advice before you leave…
Please, be aware that this is a very short guide to help you with your studies. Runes are very complex and it can take many years to fully understand them, so don’t stop here! There are many beginner-friendly books to learn how to read the elder futhark runes and infinite online resources available.
And whenever you feel ready to do your first rune casting… don’t forget to have a look at our quick guide on how to make your own rune set!
Further Reading
