Runes, an ancient form of writing dating back to the Germanic and Nordic 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 runic scripts and explore the meaning behind each letter.
The Original Runic Script
The oldest runic inscriptions (that we have found so far) date from the 2nd century AD. The oldest and best known runic script is the Old Germanic 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.
Old Germanic Futhark (AD 150-800)
The Old Germanic Futhark was the oldest runic script and was used by Germanic tribes in the period from about 150 to 800 AD. It consisted of 24 characters spread over three rows of eight runes, known as a "futhark". This script was mainly used in the Germanic area, which spanned parts of Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands and England. The Old Germanic 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
Younger Futhark (AD 800-1200)
The Younger Futhark, also known as the Viking Futhark, developed from the Old Germanic Futhark and was mainly used during the Viking Age, from about 800 to 1200 AD. The Younger Futhark consisted of 16 characters and was therefore simplified compared to the older script. This script was mainly used in Scandinavia and influenced the early Norwegian, Swedish and Danish languages. Younger Futhark contains the letters:
ᚠ - Fe
ᚢ - Úr
ᚦ - Þurs
ᚬ - Áss
ᚱ - Reið
ᚴ - Kaun
ᚼ - Hagall
ᚾ - Nauðr
ᛁ - Iss
ᛅ - Ar
ᛋ - Sol
ᛏ - Tyr
ᛒ - Bjarkan
ᛘ - Maðr
ᛚ - Logr
ᛦ - Jr
Meaning and Symbolism of Some Runes
Let's explore some of the most prominent runes in Old Germanic Futhark and 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): Represents enlightenment, transformation and inner firepower.
Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (AD 400-1100)
The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc was a variant of the Old Germanic Futhark and was used by the Anglo-Saxon people of England from the 5th to the 11th century AD. This script differed in some characters and the sound values of some runes from 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 - uh
ᛗ - man
ᛚ - lagu
ᛝ - ing
ᛟ - eo
ᛞ - bye
Runes and magic
Runic script played an important role in both Germanic and Viking religion. It was used for a variety of 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:
Oracles and prophecies
Runes were often used as a means of understanding the future and obtaining answers to important questions. They were consulted by divine messengers or by shamans and fortune tellers who knew how to interpret the runes.
Amulets and protection
The runic script was also used on amulets and talismans to provide protection against evil and misfortune. The runes served as symbols of strength and were seen as a way to ward off evil spirits.
Religious Inscriptions
Runes were engraved on stones, weapons, jewelry and other objects used in religious rituals. These inscriptions could contain prayers, blessings or songs of praise in praise of the gods.
Epitaphs
Runes were often used in funerals to inscribe the names of the deceased on tombstones, along with symbols associated with the transition to the afterlife. These inscriptions served as a tribute to the deceased and as a means of remembering them.
Sacrificial and Shrine Inscriptions
Runes were sometimes used in marking places of religious importance, such as shrines and places of sacrifice. They acted as a kind of guide for those who visited these places and could also contain messages to the gods.
End of the Rune Age
The use of runic writing gradually declined after the conversion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples to Christianity. The Latin alphabet was increasingly used for written communication.
Example of runic texts
When you read runic texts, it seems as if you are taking a trip to the time of the Germanic peoples and Vikings. Take a look at what people thought worth engraving in runes at the time.
Era: Roman Iron Age (2nd-3rd century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic Text: ᛞᚨᚷᛟᚾᚨᚱᚲᛊᛏᚺᛟᛞᚨᚲᛊᚺᛖᛗᚺᛖᛋᛟᛗᚾᚨᛚᚲᚨᛏᚺᛁᛋᛚᛇ
Translation: "dagunarhcoðancsþodacsemeðesomnalkat hisli"
Context: An inscription likely indicating the name of the owner or a cry of arms.
Meldorf fibula (Germany):
Runes: ᛗᚨᚱᚾᛁᚷᛅᛚᚢ (Marnigalu)
Context: This fibula (brooch) dates from the 2nd century AD and is decorated with the name "Marnigalu", possibly a personal name. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Vimose inscription (Denmark):
Runes: ᚺᚨᛚᚢᚱᚨᛞᛏᛁᚾᛋ (Halurdins)
Context: This inscription on a wooden plank dates from the 3rd century AD. The meaning of "Halurdins" is not exactly known, but it may be a personal name. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Kylver Stone (Gotland, Sweden):
Runes: ᛖᚲ ᛖᚱᛁᛚᚨᛉ ᚨᛚᚢ (Ek Erilaz Alu)
Context: This inscription is found on the Kylver Stone, a stone with runes and images of gods. It can be seen as a protective message from the creator of the inscription. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Einang Stone (Norway):
Runes: ᚱᛖᚲᛁᚨ ᛟ ᚷᛟᛏᚨᛁᚲᛁ (Rekia O Gotaiki)
Context: This inscription on the Einang Stone is dedicated to the gods. It indicates that the stone was erected by someone named Rekia as an offering or tribute to the gods. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Sparlösa Runestone (Sweden):
Runes: ᛒᛅᚾᚨ ᛁᛏᛚ ᚦᚭᛋᛁ (Bana Itl Þausi)
Context: This inscription on the Sparlösa Runestone refers to a prohibition against damaging the stone. It can be seen as a warning or a religious rule. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Järsberg Runestone (Sweden):
Runes: ᚦᚢᛁᛦ ᚴᚢᚾᛁᚴᛦ ᚴᚢᚦᚢᚱᛅᚾᛁᛦ (Þuir Kunukʀ KuþuraniR)
Context: This inscription on the Järsberg Runestone mentions the king's name and can serve as a marker or tombstone for an important person. The Proto-Norse Futhark script was used.
Goldenhorn or Gallehus (Denmark):
Runes: ᚹᛁᚦᚢᛊᛁᛅᛚᚢ (Wiþusialu)
Context: This inscription on the Golden Horn of Gallehus may refer to a ritual object or magical meaning. It was used in a ceremonial or religious context. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Stentoften Runestone (Sweden):
Runes: ᚠᚢᛋᛁ ᚼᛅᛚᚢᚱᛏᛁᚾ (Fusi Hauluntin)
Context: This inscription on the Stentoften Runestone mentions the name "Fusi Hauluntin" and can serve as a memorial to an individual or a marker stone for a specific location. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Kvinneby amulet (Sweden):
Runes: ᚠᚢᛊᛁ (Fusi)
Context: This runic inscription is found on an amulet and bears the name "Fusi". The amulet may have had a protective function, worn by someone named Fusi. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Stentoften fragment (Sweden):
Runes: ᚠᚢᛊᛁᛊ (Fusis)
Context: This fragment of a runic inscription bears the name "Fusis" and may have been part of a larger inscription on a monument or artifact. The Elder Futhark script was used.
Kylver Stone (Sweden)
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic Text: ᚠᚢᚦᚨᚱᚲᚷᚹᚺᚾᛁᛃᛇᛈᛉ
Translation: "fuþarkgwhnijipzs"
Context: The oldest known runic sequence, possibly used to remember the runic alphabet.
Einang Stone (Norway):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛅᛚᚢᛏᛅᚾᛁᛋᛏᚢ
Translation: "alutaniþu"
Context: Probably a personal name or marker inscription.
Ribe Fibula (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᚺᚨᚾᛏᛁᚲᚨᛏᛁᛚᛁᚷᚨᚱᛉ
Translation: "hantikatiligarz"
Context: Possibly the owner's name or a meaningless inscription.
Lindholm Amulet (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᛅᚠᛏᛦᛁᛋᛁᚾ
Translation: "saftirisin"
Context: A personal name or possibly a spell.
Skarpåker Stone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᚺᛅᛦᛒᚨᚾᛅᛁᚴᛦ
Translation: "sharbanaikr"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Snoldelev Stone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛏᛚᛁᛦᚨᛉ
Translation: "tliaraz"
Context: A personal name or possibly a marking inscription.
Bryggen Inscription (Norway):
Era: Middle Ages (13th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚢᚱᚢᚾᛋᛁᛚ
Translation: "kurunsil"
Context: Possibly a personal name or an indication of ownership.
Stentoften Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᚼᚢᚾᛅᚱᛅᚾᛁᛅᛋᛏᛁᛚ
Translation: "hunaraniastil"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Einarr's Comb (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛅᛁᚾᚨᚱᛋᚢᛚᛏ
Translation: "ainarsult"
Context: Possibly the owner's name or a decorative inscription.
Thorsberg Chape (Germany):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚢᛒᛏᛁᛦᛋᛏᚢᛁᚾᛅᚢᚴ
Translation: "kuptrstuinauk"
Context: Possibly a magical inscription or a meaningless sequence of runes.
Sparlösa Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᛁᚾᛏᛅᚢᛋᛁ
Translation: "sintausi"
Context: Possibly a personal name or an indication of ownership.
Eggja Stone (Norway):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᛁᚱᛅᛏᛏᛅᚾᛁᛅᚱᛁᚴᛁᚦᛅᛦᚢ
Translation: "irataniarikizaru"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Ledberg Stone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚴᚢᚱᚾᛁᚴᛁᚦᛅᚱ
Translation: "kurnikar"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a marking inscription.
Gørlev Stone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚦᚢᛁᚴᛋᛅᛒᚱᛅ
Translation: "huiksabra"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Kragehul Spearhead (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚱᚨᚷᛁᚦᛏᚢᚾᚨᚴᛏᚱᛁᚴ
Translation: "kragitunaktrik"
Context: Possibly a personal name or an indication of ownership.
Rällinge Amulet (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᛏᚢᚾᛅᚾᛏᚢ
Translation: "stunantu"
Context: A personal name or possibly a spell.
Skåäng Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚱᚨᛋᛏᛁᛚᛁᚴᛅᛋᛁᛅ
Translation: "rastilikiasia"
Context: A personal name or possibly a meaningless inscription.
Hogganvik Runestone (Norway):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚴᚢᚱᚢᚴᚱᛁᛚᛏᛅᚿᛁ
Translation: "kurukrilltaini"
Context: A personal name or possibly an indication of ownership.
Skarpåker Comb (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛚᛁᚢᛏᚨᚾᛁᚴᚨᛏᚢᚾ
Translation: "liutanikatun"
Context: A personal name or possibly a marking inscription.
Sanda Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚼᚢᚦᚢᚴᛁᚱᛁᛅᚴᚾᛅᛋ
Translation: "huthukiriaknas"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Skog tapestry (Norway):
Era: Viking Age (9th-10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚢᚾᛁᚴᛅᚱᛋᛁᛋᛏᛁᛚ
Translation: "kunikarsistil"
Context: A personal name or possibly a decorative inscription.
Kirkby Stephen Stone (England):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚾᚢᛒᛅᛁᚠᛁᚾᚷᚢᛏᚢ
Translation: "nubaifingutu"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Stentoften Brooch (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚴᚢᚾᛁᛁᛋᛏᚢᚾᛁ
Translation: "kuniistuni"
Context: A personal name or possibly an indication of ownership.
Glavendrup Stone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚠᛚᛅᚢᚴᚱᛁᚦᛅᚢᚴᚠᚢᚱᚦᚱ
Translation: "flaugriþaukfurþr"
Context: A personal name or possibly a meaningless inscription.
Sparlösa Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᛁᛋᛅᛚᛁᚠᚢᛁ
Translation: "isalifuþi"
Context: A personal name or possibly an indication of ownership.
Bramham Moor Ring (England):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚠᛁᚦᚨᚱᚴᛁᛁᚴ
Translation: "fiþarkiik"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Djulafors Runestone (Sweden)
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᛅᚾᚴᚱᚨᛋᛏᛁᚴᛦᚢᛅᚴ
Translation: "ankrastikrak"
Context: A personal name or possibly an indication of ownership.
Snoldelev Stone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (9th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᛁᚾᛅᛚᛒᚨᚾᛁᚴᛦ
Translation: "sinalbanikr"
Context: A personal name or possibly a marking inscription.
Stentoften Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚼᚢᚾᛅᚱᛅᚾᛁᛅᛋᛏᛁᛚ
Translation: "hunaraniastil"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Sønder Kirkeby Runestone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚦᚢᛅᚾᛅᛏᛁᚦᚢᚾ
Translation: "þuatithun"
Context: A personal name or possibly an indication of ownership.
Ramsund Carving (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚴᚢᛒᛏᛦᛋᛏᚢᛁᚾᛅᚢᚴ
Translation: "kuptrstuinauk"
Context: Possibly a magical inscription or a meaningless sequence of runes.
Einarr's Comb (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (8th-11th century)
Runic script: Elder Futhark
Runic text: ᛅᛁᚾᚨᚱᛋᚢᛚᛏ
Translation: "ainarsult"
Context: Possibly the owner's name or a decorative inscription.
Thorsberg Chape (Germany):
Ramsund Carving (Sweden)
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚢᛒᛏᛁᛦᛋᛏᚢᛁᚾᛅᚢᚴ
Translation: "kuptrstuinauk"
Context: Possibly a magical inscription or a meaningless sequence of runes.
Sparlösa Runestone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᛋᛁᚾᛏᛅᚢᛋᛁ
Translation: "sintausi"
Context: Possibly a personal name or an indication of ownership.
Eggja Stone (Norway):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᛁᚱᛅᛏᛏᛅᚾᛁᛅᚱᛁᚴᛁᚦᛅᛦᚢ
Translation: "irataniarikizaru"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Ledberg Stone (Sweden):
Era: Viking Age (11th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic text: ᚴᚢᚱᚾᛁᚴᛁᚦᛅᚱ
Translation: "kurnikar"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a marking inscription.
Gørlev Stone (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚦᚢᛁᚴᛋᛅᛒᚱᛅ
Translation: "huiksabra"
Context: Possibly a personal name or a meaningless inscription.
Kragehul Spearhead (Denmark):
Era: Viking Age (10th century)
Runic script: Younger Futhark
Runic Text: ᚴᚱᚨᚷᛁᚦᛏᚢᚾᚨᚴᛏᚱᛁᚴ
Translation: "kragitunaktrik"
Context: Possibly a personal name or an indication of ownership.
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