Runes are ancient symbols that were used by various Germanic and Norse peoples as a writing system. They originated around the 1st century AD and were primarily used in Northern Europe. Each rune represents a specific sound and has its own unique meaning. The runic alphabet, known as the Elder Futhark, consists of 24 letters. These letters were primarily used for both practical and mystical purposes. They were carved on various objects such as weapons, jewelry, and tools, and were also used for divination and magical purposes.
It is believed that there are around 50 ‘rune stones’ dating from around the 4 th and 5 th centuries in both Sweden and Norway.
Legend says that the runes were the original source of fate and emerged from the Well of Urd beneath Yggdrasil the Tree of Life and made their way up the trunk and along the branches of the tree to spread into the Nine Worlds Link to norse-mythology. Legend says that the runes were the original source of fate and emerged from the Well of Urd beneath Yggdrasil the Tree of Life and made their way up the trunk and along the branches of the tree to spread into the Nine Worlds Link to norse-mythology.
They were carved on various objects such as weapons, jewelry, and tools, and were also used for divination and magical purposes. Each rune has its own individual meaning and interpretation. For example, the rune "Fehu" represents wealth and abundance, while "Uruz" symbolizes strength and vitality.
Viking and Norse Runes and Their Meanings
We know from interactions with our customers in store, and followers on our Social Media channels, that there are a wide variety of reasons why people are interested in Viking history and mythology. One thing that is pretty much guaranteed to generate comments and questions is anything we post that relates to The Runes. These apparently simple symbols are a source of intrigue and mystery and there are many theories around their origin, use, and meaning.
Legend says that the runes were the original source of fate and emerged from the Well of Urd beneath Yggdrasil the ‘Tree of Life’ and made their way up the trunk and along the branches of the tree to spread into the ‘Nine Worlds’ ( Link to norse-mythology.net for more info )
Such was the fascination and desire to understand the Runes that the God Odin himself hung on the tree for nine days and nights in the belief that he could gain immense wisdom and power if he could unlock the mystery and meaning of the runes. It is widely believed that the runes convey a deep meaning that makes them different to other early examples of written language. This also makes any form of ‘translation’ a challenge as it is not merely a case of matching runes to a corresponding letter of the alphabet we use today as can be done with Greek or Cyrillic alphabets for example.
Rather than being used merely as ‘letters’, runes were used in messages of great importance, on statues of heroes, or on graves of revered ancestors for example. It was widely believed that the ability of the runes to convey deeper meanings facilitated communications between the worlds of the living and of those who had passed. The fact that these messages were usually carved into bone, stone or wood is widely believed to a key reason why their style remained angular and did not evolve into the more rounded appearance of the Roman alphabet we use today.
FUTHARKS
In the same way that the word ‘alphabet’ is derived from the first letters of ancient Greek (alpha and beta), scholars coined the phrase of ‘Futharks’ to describe the Runic alphabet from its initial symbols which are believed to roughly correspond to our sounds of F, U, Th, A, R and K. ‘Elder Futhark’ runes are so named for the amazingly original reason that they are the oldest runic system discovered in Sweden somewhere around the year 400 carved in the ‘Kylver Stone’. (see image below).
It is believed that there are around 50 ‘rune stones’ dating from around the 4 th and 5 th centuries in both Sweden and Norway.
Elder Futhark is the most widely known rune system consisting of 24 runes. By the time we reach the ‘Viking Age’ (approximately793 – 1066), this system gradually declined in use and the equally aptly named ‘Younger Futhark’ system came into use with a smaller set of only 16 runes.
As the runic systems were becoming more widely used throughout Europe, this new set of fewer runes was being used in a different and more flexible way to be able to differentiate between Norse tongues and those of other Germanic and European tongues.
There were also different styles of Younger Futhark including ‘long branch’ (generally used in Denmark) and ‘short twig’ (more common in Sweden and Norway).
As the levels of trade between nations and peoples increased through the Viking age, the need for writing systems also increased which is believed to be one of the key reasons why there are many thousands of examples of Younger Futhark inscriptions as opposed to a few hundred in Elder Futhark.
Reading the Runes
As mentioned already, for those wishing to use or interpret the runes, things are not always as simple as they seem, but for those who wish to simply transliterate their names or simple epitaphs, the charts below give a basic overview of the most likely and commonly used phonetic translations and interpretations. So, you if you are looking to translate English to ‘Viking’, these are as good a starting point as any.
Although less commonly used in the Viking era, most designs seen on modern day jewelry inspired by the runes use Elder Futhark simply because there is a cleaner and easier translation to English equivalent letters.
CLICK HERE to have a look at some of our popular Rune inspired designs in store.
- There is no runic symbol corresponding to the letter "X" in the traditional Elder Futhark runic alphabet.
Other runes such as "Ansuz" stands for communication and divine inspiration, and "Raidho" represents journeys and travel. Runes were often used in divination practices, with individuals casting or drawing runes to gain insight or guidance. The placement and position of the runes when cast would determine the interpretation and meaning. This practice was often performed by rune masters or seers who were skilled in interpreting the messages of the runes. In addition to their practical and mystical purposes, runes were also associated with a deep sense of spirituality and connection to nature. They were believed to possess a certain magical power and could bring about desired outcomes or protection. Today, runes are still used by some individuals as a form of divination or as a way to connect with Norse or Germanic spirituality. They are also seen in various forms of artwork and jewelry, as their aesthetic appeal continues to captivate many people. Overall, runes hold a rich history and cultural significance. They represent not only a writing system but also a means of communication, guidance, and connection to ancient traditions and beliefs..
Reviews for "Runes in Modern Times: How the Ancient Script Continues to Inspire and Intrigue"
1. John - 2 stars - I bought "Runes and Their Meaning" hoping to gain insight into the ancient symbols, but I was sorely disappointed. The book is poorly organized and lacks clear explanations. The author dives right into the meanings of runes without providing any historical context or their origins. Additionally, the information provided is rather basic and can easily be found in a quick internet search. Overall, this book did not meet my expectations and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking in-depth knowledge about runes.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As someone who has an avid interest in spirituality and divination, I was excited to read "Runes and Their Meaning." However, I found the book to be extremely lacking in substance. The explanations of the runes were superficial at best and lacked any depth or nuance. Furthermore, there were no practical examples or suggestions on how to incorporate runes into one's daily life or divination practice. The book felt more like a rushed compilation of generic information rather than a comprehensive guide. I was highly disappointed and would not recommend it to serious rune enthusiasts.
3. David - 2 stars - "Runes and Their Meaning" left me unsatisfied as it failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The explanations were quite vague and lacked concrete examples or real-life applications. It felt like the author was simply listing the meanings of the runes without delving into their symbolic significance or how they can be used for personal growth and insight. I would have appreciated more in-depth explanations and practical exercises to engage with the runes on a deeper level. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of runes.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Runes and Their Meaning" to be a rather underwhelming read. The explanations of the runes felt shallow and generic, lacking the depth and complexity I was hoping for. The author's writing style also didn't resonate with me, as it felt dry and repetitive. I wish the book had explored the historical and cultural context of the runes more extensively, as it would have added a layer of richness and understanding to the subject. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would recommend looking for more in-depth resources on runes.