Norse Runes Meaning

 

 

Norse Runes – How to Understand These Ancient Symbols and Find a Piece of Yourself

Hello! My name is Mateusz, and today I want to take you on a long, interesting, and (I hope) engaging journey through the world of Norse runes. I’m guessing that since you stumbled upon this guide, you already know a thing or two about their existence. But do you know the history behind each of these symbols? Do you know how ancient warriors and priestesses used them in magical rituals, and how we—modern spiritual seekers—can relate them to everyday life? Or maybe you’ve heard that runes can be used for divination, to decorate talismans, or to create protective amulets?

I myself got hooked on runes not too long ago. When I first saw them as stones engraved with symbols, I immediately felt drawn to them. I started digging deeper and, in the process, dove headfirst into Norse myths and stories about Odin, Freyr, and Freya. That’s how my adventure began. Today, I want to tell you in a more informal, “laid-back” way what these runes actually are, why people use them, and what each of the 24 signs known collectively as the Elder Futhark represents (in English, the Elder Futhark).

Brew yourself some tea, settle in comfortably, because you’re about to get a solid dose of knowledge (and, I hope, a pleasant read). Ready? Let’s begin!

1. Where Did These Runes Come From?

Let’s briefly travel back to the cold regions of Scandinavia, roughly from the 2nd to the 8th century CE. During that time, the northern peoples (Germanic and Scandinavian groups) used a script called runes. Their alphabet—called the Elder Futhark—contained 24 characters. The name came from its first letters: F, U, Th, A, R, K (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kenaz).

For ancient Scandinavians, runes were not only a functional writing system (as our Latin alphabet is) but also had magical and ceremonial significance. They believed that carving runes into stone, metal, or wood invoked particular energies. If someone wanted protection, they’d carve a specific symbol on their war axe. If it was about fertility, they’d choose another rune and place it in a strategic spot at home. It wasn’t just an “alphabet”—it was a set of symbols that corresponded to nature, deities, and the forces of the universe.

2. Runes in Practice – Then and Now

Long ago, people used runes for grave inscriptions, to adorn weapons, and for divination. Priests and priestesses (called differently depending on the culture) could “read” the future by scattering bones inscribed with runic symbols. Each rune had its own “personality” and matched a different aspect of life.

Nowadays, in the 21st century, almost nobody uses runes for everyday writing (unless they’re history reenactment enthusiasts). However, the symbols themselves haven’t been forgotten—quite the opposite. Many people, myself included, turn to them as tools for self-development and spiritual reflection. Some say, “That’s just superstition!” I reply, “What’s the harm in trying, if it can boost your self-confidence or remind you that you have inner strength?” In my experience, runes work best when treated with respect but also common sense—like talismans, prayers, or affirmations. You are the driving force for change in your life; runes can simply accompany you and reinforce your intentions.

3. How to Interpret Individual Runes?

Now we get to the heart of the matter. Below you’ll find the 24 symbols of the Elder Futhark. I’ll devote some space to each—what it symbolizes, what energy it brings, and when it might be useful. Of course, runes can be interpreted in many ways, depending on tradition and teacher. I’m giving you my perspective, drawn from reading various sources and from personal practice. Remember to trust your intuition—if you sense that, for example, Fehu speaks to you differently than what I describe, that’s perfectly okay.

3.1. Fehu (ᚠ) – Abundance and Success

Basic associations: wealth, assets, financial prosperity, development.
Mythological background: in ancient times, “fehu” referred to cattle, which represented wealth for northern societies.
How I see it: Fehu says, “You have resources; use them wisely.” Whether it’s money, skills, or social connections, make the most of them. If you’re fighting a financial battle, Fehu reminds you to take action and not be afraid to demand fair pay for your work. If you see Fehu in a runic reading, it sometimes suggests that wealth—material or otherwise—could be just around the corner.

3.2. Uruz (ᚢ) – Strength and Endurance

Basic associations: aurochs (an extinct wild bovine), nature’s power, health, vitality.
Mythological background: Uruz embodies the untamed force of ancient creatures.
How I see it: Whenever I need an extra jolt of energy to keep me going, Uruz feels like a cheering friend. You can also see it as a symbol of healing—it reminds you that you have a primal regenerative power within you, which sometimes just needs permission to rise to the surface.

3.3. Thurisaz (ᚦ) – Protection and Breakthrough

Basic associations: giants (Thurs), the force of chaos, volatility.
Mythological background: in Norse myths, giants weren’t always evil but often stood in opposition to the gods. You’d have to either negotiate or battle them.
How I see it: Thurisaz can shatter old structures and release potent energy within us. It’s sometimes linked to aggression, so I use it with caution. It’s fantastic, though, as a shield and as a means of sparking rapid change in life.

3.4. Ansuz (ᚨ) – Wisdom and Communication

Basic associations: Odin, the spoken word, inspiration, esoteric knowledge.
Mythological background: this rune is directly connected to Odin, who sacrificed a great deal to learn the secret of the runes.
How I see it: Ansuz is like the creative spark that lets you suddenly see issues more clearly. It can assist with studying, writing, or developing your public speaking. Whenever I hit a creative block, I turn to Ansuz to open my mind to fresh ideas.

3.5. Raido (ᚱ) – Travel and Change

Basic associations: movement, journey, travel, as well as rhythm and harmony.
Mythological background: in many myths, a journey was a catalyst for spiritual transformation—like Odin hanging on Yggdrasil, or Sigurd questing for wisdom.
How I see it: Raido is the rune of the road. If you have a literal trip ahead or a metaphorical journey toward new goals, keep Raido close. It urges continuous growth and suggests that staying stuck in place isn’t the best option.

3.6. Kenaz (ᚲ) – Creativity and Inner Light

Basic associations: torch, flame, illumination, knowledge.
Mythological background: in Norse culture, firelight was connected to warmth and creativity.
How I see it: Kenaz lights the spark you need to create art or find innovative solutions. I view it like a torch-rune: it shines into darkness, revealing ideas you never knew you had.

3.7. Gebo (ᚷ) – Gift and Reciprocity

Basic associations: present, exchange, partnership, relationships.
Mythological background: Norse societies placed great value on reciprocity—you receive something, but you also give back.
How I see it: Gebo is the rune of harmony among people. If you’re working on a relationship—romantic, friendly, or professional—this rune reminds you that mutual generosity (material or emotional) is the key to success.

3.8. Wunjo (ᚹ) – Joy and Fulfillment

Basic associations: happiness, harmony, life’s pleasures.
Mythological background: Wunjo arrives when difficulty ends, marking a time for celebration and satisfaction.
How I see it: If Wunjo shows up, it’s a sign to pause and appreciate the good parts of daily life. Life isn’t just a race—sometimes it’s vital to fill yourself with gratitude and celebrate with loved ones.

3.9. Hagalaz (ᚺ) – Perseverance in Changes

Basic associations: hail, storm, unexpected obstacles, and also cleansing.
Mythological background: hail could destroy crops but was also viewed as a divine sign meant to shake up what needed changing.
How I see it: Hagalaz is a transforming rune. Its appearance can be unpleasant (like a sudden storm), but once it passes, the sun emerges, and what survives is often stronger. If you sense chaos in your life, Hagalaz can motivate you to face that upheaval head-on.

3.10. Nauthiz (ᚾ) – Patience and Determination

Basic associations: lack, necessity, inner discipline.
Mythological background: in the Norse language, the root referred to “need,” hence some link this rune to “a crisis that sparks creativity.”
How I see it: Nauthiz reminds us that if we’re missing something, we can turn that gap into an advantage. Do you need something? Look within to see if you can cultivate it. In tough times, Nauthiz forges resilience of character.

3.11. Isa (ᛁ) – Calmness and Composure

Basic associations: ice, stillness, immobility, focus.
Mythological background: winter ice in Scandinavia is harsh yet allows nature to rest and gather strength.
How I see it: When life gets too hectic, Isa whispers: “Pause. Cool down. Take a break from the nonstop race.” It’s a good rune for moments when everything feels overwhelming. Isa doesn’t fix issues but grants you space to gather perspective.

3.12. Jera (ᛃ) – Cyclicity and Growth

Basic associations: year, harvest, nature’s cycles, patience.
Mythological background: in old communities, farming was crucial—they waited for sowing, growing, harvesting, and resting seasons.
How I see it: Jera teaches that everything happens in its time, and you can’t rush certain processes. If a project feels never-ending, Jera offers hope that you’ll eventually reap the rewards. But, just like farming, no sowing means no harvest.

3.13. Eihwaz (ᛇ) – Balance and Transition

Basic associations: yew tree, immortality, transformation, bridging realms.
Mythological background: for Vikings, yew was a sacred tree that symbolized endurance under tough conditions.
How I see it: Eihwaz supports you in transitional moments. Once you realize something old is ending and something new is about to begin, this rune helps you remain calm through the crossing. Think of it as an inner pillar to lean on during life’s upheavals.

3.14. Perthro (ᛈ) – Mystery and Opportunities

Basic associations: fate, destiny, a secretive cup, surprise.
Mythological background: interpretations differ—some see it as the vessel of destiny, others compare it to dice rolled by the gods.
How I see it: Perthro signals that not everything in life is predictable. Sometimes you have to trust intuition or take a risk. It’s a good rune to invite a bit of magic into your life and discover new paths.

3.15. Algiz (ᛉ) – Protection and Intuition

Basic associations: elk or stag antlers, raised arms, connection with the divine.
Mythological background: a symbol like an antenna, linking you to higher powers and providing protection.
How I see it: Algiz is a shield-rune. It guards against negative influences while heightening your intuition to sense “bad vibes.” When I enter unfamiliar territory, I envision Algiz creating a protective barrier around me.

3.16. Sowelo (ᛋ) – Light and Success

Basic associations: shining sun, victory, clarity, joy of life.
Mythological background: in Norse lore, the sun is a source of warmth and energy, driving away darkness.
How I see it: Sowelo represents triumph over obstacles and a moment of enlightenment. If you’ve been struggling and Sowelo appears, it’s like winning a battle. It reminds us there’s an inner sun within each of us, waiting to be awakened.

3.17. Tiwaz (ᛏ) – Courage and Justice

Basic associations: the god Tyr, honor, the warrior, moral principles.
Mythological background: Tyr sacrificed his hand to neutralize the wolf Fenrir—a heroic and selfless act.
How I see it: Tiwaz aids anyone fighting for a just cause. It’s a rune that reminds you sometimes you must give something up to achieve a greater good. It strengthens determination and adherence to your core values.

3.18. Berkana (ᛒ) – Growth and Renewal

Basic associations: birch tree, feminine energy, life beginnings, motherhood, regeneration.
Mythological background: spring, greenery, and nature’s rebirth—often linked to fertility goddesses.
How I see it: Berkana is like the gentle spring rain that nudges dormant seeds to sprout. If you want to begin a new project, boost creativity, or bring a gentle shift into your life, Berkana will back you up.

3.19. Ehwaz (ᛖ) – Motion and Cooperation

Basic associations: horse, loyalty, speed, teamwork.
Mythological background: for Vikings, a horse was a warrior’s companion and a symbol of swift progress (and a strong bond).
How I see it: Ehwaz helps if you’re planning a move, a trip, a job switch, or if you need more cooperation with others. It reminds us that two people (or a group) can achieve more together than individually.

3.20. Mannaz (ᛗ) – Humanity and Awareness

Basic associations: the human being, collaboration, awareness of “I” and “we.”
Mythological background: the rune of humanity, often highlighting unity within a group and humanity’s role in the cosmos.
How I see it: If you want to better understand yourself in relation to others, Mannaz says, “Remember, you don’t live in a vacuum; you affect others, and they affect you.” It also provides the courage to learn about your own abilities and limits.

3.21. Laguz (ᛚ) – Flow and Intuition

Basic associations: water, river, moon, emotions, the subconscious.
Mythological background: in Norse myths, water often served as a gateway to other realms (like Mimir’s well of knowledge).
How I see it: Laguz encourages you to move with the flow of your intuition rather than forcing yourself upstream. It’s a great rune if you’re learning to meditate, interpret dreams, or listen to your inner voice. It helps you find depth in your feelings.

3.22. Ingwaz (ᛝ) – Potential and Creation

Basic associations: the god Freyr (Ing), fertility, the seed, the power of sprouting.
Mythological background: Freyr was the god of prosperity, ensuring stable growth and a good harvest.
How I see it: Ingwaz says, “You hold the seed of an idea, project, or feeling. If you nurture it, something wonderful will grow.” It supports the creative process and helps usher in a fresh chapter in life.

3.23. Othala (ᛟ) – Heritage and Safety

Basic associations: home, family, inheritance, roots, homeland.
Mythological background: Othala was associated with land ownership and ancestral identity.
How I see it: If you need a stronger connection to your lineage or a sense of belonging, Othala provides security and stability. It says, “You’re not alone—generations stand behind you, and you’re building foundations for those to come.”

3.24. Dagaz (ᛞ) – Light and Transformation

Basic associations: dawn, a new day, awakening, radical change.
Mythological background: the moment when night gives way to day, symbolizing sudden enlightenment.
How I see it: Dagaz is the rune of breakthrough. When everything seems dark, dawn appears unexpectedly and shifts your perspective. If you’re facing a big decision, Dagaz offers courage and guides you toward the light.

4. How to Work with Runes in Daily Life

You might wonder, “Okay, I know the symbolism—now what?” Here are some of my tried-and-true (and straightforward) approaches:

Choose a rune for the day
In the morning, before the daily rush hits, take a set of runes (stones, wood pieces, or cards). Draw one rune, close your eyes, and ask: “What do I need today? Which energy will support me?” Identify the symbol and keep an eye out throughout the day for how its energy manifests itself.

Amulet or talisman
You can pick a specific rune (or a two- or three-rune combo) and have it engraved on a pendant, keychain, or bracelet. I often wear Algiz when going to unfamiliar places, because it makes me feel more confident. I don’t see it as a magical spell but rather a friendly reminder: “Stay alert, but keep calm.”

Runic divination
If you enjoy a more mystical approach, lay out runes like Tarot cards: ask a question and draw a few symbols. Remember, runes don’t tell you what will definitely happen—they hint at the energies surrounding you and suggest what you can do with them.

Meditation
Just sit quietly, focus on the shape of a chosen rune, and let your thoughts flow. Imagine that the rune’s shape is speaking to you, expressing what’s on its “mind.” It may seem a bit abstract, but it’s a fun way to deepen your relationship with the runes.

Creative journaling
Consider keeping a “rune journal.” For instance, select Ingwaz, note your impressions, track what happens in your life on that day, and then see if those events resonate with the rune’s symbolism.

5. Questions and Doubts

Are runes a religion?
No, runes themselves are not a religion. They’re a tool. You can be Christian, atheist, follow Norse beliefs, or not worry about labels at all and still find runes inspiring.

Do runes work like curses or spells?
Let’s not overdramatize. In ancient times, runes could be used to cast spells, but that was more about the user’s intention than about the rune itself. A rune is a symbol, and you decide whether you’re sending out positive or negative energy.

How do I pick “my” rune?
Your intuition is key. Maybe you’re drawn to a particular shape or name. Maybe you feel that at this moment you need more strength (Uruz) or you want a fresh start (Berkana). Sometimes a simple test helps: glance through the runes and see which one grabs your attention first.

6. A Few Words From Me at the End

When I wrote this guide, my main goal was to show that runes aren’t reserved for “initiated masters of magic.” They’re a beautifully rich system of symbols where anyone can find something valuable—support in difficult times, motivation for personal growth, or simply a fascinating topic for meditation.

Many people ask me, “Mateusz, aren’t these just letters? Isn’t all this a bit over the top?” My answer is, “Have you ever wondered why some people wear a cross, while others wear an ornate letter ‘A’ on a chain? Because symbols mean something to us. Norse runes carry an ancient, mystical flavor that can spark our imagination and open us to new possibilities.”

If, while reading about runes, you felt a connection to certain ones, consider spending more time exploring them. Focus on one, read about it, dive into the myths, try to sense its presence in your daily life. Just remember: don’t expect miracles if you’re not willing to take action yourself. Runes aren’t Aladdin’s lamp. I see them more as companions on the road—reminders of courage, joy, and the desire to grow.

6.1. Conclusion

Congratulations on making it to the end of my not-so-short guide. We’ve journeyed together through the history of runes, mythological contexts, and practical tips. Going in-depth on all 24 symbols could take even longer, as each rune contains layers of meaning. But I hope these basics help you start—or deepen—your adventure with these Norse symbols.

Finally, I hope you choose a rune (or a set of runes) that will support you on your path—whatever that means for you. May Fehu bring you abundance, Uruz bring strength, Wunjo offer joy, and Algiz keep you safe. And if chaos finds you, Hagalaz will remind you that the sun always returns after the storm.

Thanks for listening to my stories. If you have questions, feel free to ask them—whether in your mind or to someone else who loves this topic. Keep an open mind and a heart ready for new experiences. Who knows, maybe the runes will reveal something within you that you never realized was there. Good luck, and see you in future explorations of ancient beliefs and spiritual paths.

Skál!—as the Vikings would say. May the runes be with you!