Elder Futhark 

Rune Meanings

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Literal Meaning: Cattle

1

Fehu is the rune of material wealth, prosperity, fulfilment and overcoming opposition.

Literal Meaning: Ox

2

Uruz is the rune of primordial and wild energy, brute force, good health and strengh.

Literal Meaning: Giants

3

Thurisaz is the rune of the god Thor and its hammer: Mjölnir. It represents a reactive force, defense or dangers coming your way.

Literal Meaning: Mouth

4

Ansuz is the rune of the god Odin. It represents the spoken word, communication, knowledge and the transmission of intelligence.

Literal Meaning: Wagon

5

Raidho is the rune of travel: a literal journey to another place or spiritual growth. It's telling you that this is the perfect time to move forward and take action.

Literal Meaning: Torch

6

Kenaz represents the controlled flame and the warmth of the hearth fire. It's also the rune of new ideas, arts and crafts and illumination.

Literal Meaning: Gift

7

Gebo is the rune of exchanges, partnership in which all parts are in balance and generosity. 

Literal Meaning: Joy

8

Wunjo is the rune of inner harmony, satisfaction and contenment with one's life. It also represents the inner child.

Literal Meaning: Hail

9

Hagalaz represents all the forces outside our control, elemental disruption and the destruction before rebirth.

Literal Meaning: Need

10

Nauthiz represents the journey through the dark, learning from a difficult experience and delays.

Literal Meaning: Ice

11

Isa represents a period of stillness and cessation of all activities. The ice kills all that is weak, in order to make room for new and stronger growth.

Literal Meaning: Year

12

Jera is the rune of life's cycles and the reaping of rewards for past efforts. Success is not a goal, but a turning point.

Literal Meaning: Yew

13

Eihwaz is the rune of Death, in the sense of a life-changing event. This sudden change is necessary for one's growth.

Literal Meaning: Unknown

14

Perthro is the rune of mystery and occult knowledge. It also represents randomness and coincidence.

Literal Meaning: Elk

15

Algiz is the rune of defense and protection. Commonly carved into shields and weapons to protect warriors.

Literal Meaning: Sun

16

Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, energy, motivation, fertility and good fortune.

Literal Meaning: Tyr

17

Tiwaz represents justice and victory after a personal sacrifice. 

Literal Meaning: Birth

18

Berkana is the rune of new beginnings, fertility and true home.

Literal Meaning: Horse

19

Ehwaz represents physical shifts, cooperation and steady progress. Remember to stay humble on your road to success.

Literal Meaning: Humankind

20

Mannaz is the rune of interdependence, community and the shared experiences. Our actions have effects in the people around us.

Literal Meaning: Lake

21

Laguz represents the power and fluidity of water. It's the rune of intuitive knowledge and psychic abilities too.

Literal Meaning: Yngvi

22

Ingwaz it's the rune of the god Yngvi. It represents the seed of creation and the beginning or end of major milestones in your life.

Literal Meaning: Heritage

23

Othala is the rune of our ancestors and what we inherit from them. It also represents prosperity and material things.

Literal Meaning: Day

24

Dagaz is the rune of daylight, renewal and growth. It represents the Spring coming after a dark Winter.

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