The Elder Futhark Runes: the mystical Nordic alphabet

By Thais O.

Reading time: 7 min

Futhark is the set of 24 characters used by the ancient peoples of Scandinavia. Over the years, this set has undergone changes giving rise to other alphabets. The Elder Futhark Runes is the most studied and it is about it that we will talk about today.

The Elder Futhark Runes: the origins

The whole creation of the runes is linked to the Norse mysticism. Legend has it that the origin of this alphabet came from Odin, the greatest of the Vikings Gods. His name means “wind” and in one of his greatest trials, when hung upside down for nine days and nine nights, he saw what would be the runes.

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The place where everything happened was known as Asgard, more precisely in a tree named Yggdrasill. People considered this tree of colossal proportions as the axis of the world for all the knowledge it contained.

Odin was hanged wounded by his own sword, and when he was hungry, thirsty and in great pain, he fell from the tree. But before he fell he glimpsed the runes and managed to catch them.

After this episode, Odin offered the runes to humans so that we would have access to the same knowledge he had at the time. In this way, people have set up an alphabet with the intention of communicating between themselves and with the Gods. Everything happened even in the Paleolithic era and the alphabet was used until the Viking era in 750 AC.

The Elder Futhark Runes

This form of writing spread throughout Europe and other alphabets were created as traditions blended. However, the Elder Futhark Runes remains the favorite of scholars not only because it is the original, but because it is easier to understand because of its number of runes. The Anglo-Saxon, for example, has 5 more runes.

The alphabet is called Futhark by gathering the first five rune letters. Each rune has a magical meaning and hidden powers. That means people still use the Elder Futhark Runes as an oracle to this day. In addition to divination, it is also possible to write codified texts and magical texts.

The 24 symbols refer to the symbols of nature and human self-knowledge, being divided into three groups of 8 runes: the group of Fehu, Hagal and Tyr.

The Elder Futhark Runes: the alphabet

The first group (1 to 8) rules the beginning of everything. God Freyr is the patron of this group and sends energy to creation, fertility and prosperity. This groups also tells us about the achievements in the physical plane.

The second group (9 to 16) rules the learning through difficult times. These runes are intimately linked to the elements and variations of nature. They represent mental and emotional achievements.

The third and last group (17 to 24) has God Tyr as a patron. He helps us to clarify paths to walk in our life and reach spiritual achievements. It is a group related to wisdom and justice.

GROUP 1

Rune 1 – FEHU (Cattle)

The first rune represents success and all the winnings you deserved to receive through hard work. It gives you the reward that you were looking for after all your efforts.

Rune 2 – URUZ (Aurochs)

This rune predicts that good health and physical condition is coming. You must feel stronger from now on and this inner strength needs to be released. It is time to live with courage and vitality.

Rune 3 – THURISAZ (Giant)

Thor, the God of Thunder, rules this rune. Although he offers protection, Thor asks for caution. Some important matters will emerge but you might need to wait for the right moment before making a decision.

Rune 4 – ANSUZ (Divinity)

The fourth rune tells us that we should spend more time with older and wiser people, paying attention to their important advices. Ansuz represents the spoken communication and what we learn from others.

Rune 5 – RAIDHO (Chariot)

This rune relates to changes and travels. Raidho teaches you that you are in a constant evolution throughout journey. In order to achieve your goals, you must know all the small steps you need to follow.

Rune 6 – KENAZ (Torch)

This rune tells us that sometimes we forget we have a powerful guide within us: our intuition. Kenaz helps us with that and give us clarity to deal with complicated situations. From now on, you can have hope and believe that soon you will find a solution.

Rune 7 – GEBO (Present)

Gebo represents the harmony we need to cultivate to live in peace with ourselves, so we can live the same with others. It also reminds us that we should always give in order to receive it back.

Rune 8 – WUNJO (Joy)

The eighth rune represents happiness, satisfaction and well being. This rune predicts a period of calm and peace, so you can enjoy the basic pleasures of life.

GROUP 2

Rune 9 – HAGALAZ (Hail)

It can be scary, but Halagaz is a symbol of catastrophe and confusion. But these aspects are not always bad. You can face it thinking of letting bad old habits die, so you can move to healthier ones.

Rune 10 – NAUDHIZ (Necessity)

Naudhiz is a symbol of patience and courage. It asks you to wait with your eyes wide open for what is coming. You might have been passing through difficult times lately and now is when you should pay more attention to what is happening.

Rune 11 – ISA (Ice)

This rune is also a symbol of patience but a different kind of one. This period can seem warm and dead and you might not see a lot of progress. Take this time to practice patience and wait before making important decisions.

Rune 12 – JERA (Harvest)

Jera represents karma and law of return. This rune is a symbol of what you have been planting to now see in the harvest. The reward is about to come and you can feel happy and motivated, even if there is a delay.

Rune 13 –EIHWAZ (Ye)

You might have been passing through tough times and now it is not the time to quit. This rune asks you to stay strong white it offers protection for your fights.

Rune 14 – PERTHRO (Glass)

Perthro represents secrets, revelations and mysteries. You might have some surprises as hidden matters emerge.

Rune 15 – ALGIZ (Protection)

Algiz offers you protection. This rune has good predictions about happy times, but reminds that you need to be aware of any evil the might appear.

Rune 16 – SOWILO (Sun)

Sowilo is a symbol of good health and success. It asks you to relax and not to worry too much, otherwise your health will be compromised by the tension.

GROUP 3

Rune 17 – TIWAZ (God Tyr)

This rune represents the competitors, success, victory and romance. Tiwaz motivates us to fight for what we want because the chances of getting it are high.

Rune 18 – BERKANO (Birch)

Berkano represents family and a strong feminine presence. It offers protection to family events such as weddings and births. Everything that relates to new beginnings has a good chance to grow healthy.

Rune 19 – EHWAZ (Horse)

Ehwaz is a symbol of movement and changes. It relates to travels, new jobs and new homes. This rune gives you faith that the change is for the best and the future will be bright.

Rune 20 – MANNAZ (Man)

Mannaz coordinates teamwork. This rune shows that you will receive help and support from others. Focus on building partnerships and expanding your contacts.

Rune 21 – LAGUZ (Water)

Laguz is a feminine rune that relates to our intuition and imagination. You will easily feel the Divine inspiration, being able to handle anything.

Rune 22 – INGWAZ (The hero Yngvi)

Ingwaz is very important because symbolizes conclusion. This rune tells that you are ready for a closure and to move on a new direction.

Rune 23 – DAEG (Day)

Daeg relates to rising and constant growing. A new and strong time will come, full of hope and optimism. You can trust the changes will be for the best.

Rune 24 – OTHALA (Property)

The last rune is a symbol of material goods and heritage. The heritage can be physical or personality traits. Look for advice from old people and old friends.

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