Viking runes and their meanings

The runes form an ancient writing system that was used in Northern Europe until the late Middle Ages. Although their meaning is now largely forgotten, some historical and archaeological elements can lead us along interesting paths. If we combine this with oral tradition, transmitted to us by the ancients, the meaning of the various Nordic runes will suddenly become clear.

When it comes to the Viking rune, a lot of questions can arise ...

1. Is there any magical power associated with them?
2. How real is the famous "runic magic"?
3. Do these strange symbols carry any power?

We will try together answer these questions ... But first, let's take a look at the context and look at the origins of the runes. 

MYTHOLOGICAL ORIGIN OF RUNES

In the Nordic tradition, one story explains how humans were able to access the power of the Viking runes. originally the runes were magical symbols that arose from the well of Urd, source of destiny of people and gods. Norns, three old ladies who weaved the web of the world with the threads of fate, used runes to transfer their creation through the sap of Yggdrasil and so as to be able to superimpose it on the nine worlds of Viking mythology.

God Odin decided one day to pierce his heart with his spear in order to cling to the world tree Yggdrasil. For nine days and nine nights, he remained in this pose of suffering, yes, but also a connection with the root of the universe to gain a great secret: the meaning of the Viking rune in general. This sacrifice that Odin made was not selfless. He really knew that although this venture was risky, the power of the runes was such that great wisdom and greatness was revealed to him.

There was no lack of this: Odin managed to gain gigantic strength, until he became the god of magic and esotericism in the Scandinavian pantheon.  If you are interested in a story like this, why not take a look at Viking talismans discovered by us ... Each is presented with its own story and meaning. In short, this legend teaches us two important elements that must be understood in order to understand all the wearing of Viking runes.

On the one hand, the origins of this writing system very ancient and therefore difficult to date ... Indeed, they stem more from tradition (perhaps millennia) than from an administrative decision of the authorities to impose a common script. On the other hand, unlike other peoples such as the Greeks and Romans, the Vikings gave their alphabet sacred or even magical .

Therefore, it is not uncommon to find a Viking rune engraved on a stone in memory of ancestors or on a hero's grave. Therefore, since they had an intrinsic meaning, some even said that these symbols could be used as a means of communication between the natural and the supernatural, and thus serve as a protective spell, or at least as a talisman for good luck. Despite this, it is widely believed that the meaning of the Viking runes is profound and very different from that of any other written language.

It also makes any form of translation a real challenge, as it is not just a matter of matching a rune to a word or sound, but a complex idea.

But really, why do we need a common Viking alphabet?

The answer is pretty simple.

The rapid growth of trade and economic relations , characteristic of the Viking Age, created the need for effective means of communication.

While archaeologists have found only a few hundred traces of the ancient futark, almost always used in a religious context, there have been thousands of recorded uses of the new futark, mostly in a commercial or diplomatic context. In fact, priests and seers continued to use the Viking runes of their ancestors, in while everything related to law, commerce or the organization of society used the new alphabet.

The meaning of all Runes

1. Fehu  (cattle): wealth, abundance, success, security, fertility.
2. Uruz  (bull): strength, tenacity, courage, unbridled potential, freedom.
3. Turisaz  (thorn): reaction, defense, conflict, catharsis, regeneration.
4. Ansuz  (mouth): mouth, communication, understanding, inspiration.
5. Raidho  (carriage): travel, rhythm, spontaneity, evolution, decisions.
6. Kennaz  (torch): vision, creativity, inspiration, improvement, vitality.
7. Gebo (gift): balance, exchange, partnership, generosity, relationship.
8. Wunjo  (joy): pleasure, comfort, harmony, prosperity, success.
9. Hagalaz  (hail): nature, anger, trials, overcoming obstacles.
10. Nautiz  (need): limitation, conflict, will, endurance, autonomy.
11. Isa  (ice): clarity, stagnation, challenge, introspection, observation and expectation.
12. Gera (year): cycles, completion, change, harvest, rewards for our efforts.
13. Eyvaz (yew tree): balance, enlightenment, death, peace tree.
14. Perthro (die roll): fate, chance, mystery, fate, mysteries.
15. Algiz (impulse): defense, defense, instinct, group effort, guardianship.
16. Sovilo (Sun): health, honor, resources, victory, integrity , cleansing.
17. Tivaz (god Tyr): masculinity, justice, leadership, logic, battle.
18. Berkana (birch): femininity, fertility, healing, rebirth, birth.
19. Evaz (horse): transport, movement, progress, confidence, change.
20. Mannaz (humanity): individuality, friendship, society, cooperation, help.
21. Laguz (water): intuition, emotions, flow, renewal, dreams, hopes and fears.
22. Inguz (seed): goals, growth, change, common sense, direction.
23. Othala (inheritance): origin, property, heritage, experience, value.
24. Dagaz (noon): awakening, confidence, enlightenment, completion, hope.

SO WHAT DOES THE VIKING RUNE MEAN?

Almost everyone who was interested in the issue admits that Viking runes have been used as magical symbols from antiquity to the present day . Whether it is capturing mysterious forces or figuring out what the future holds ... we have virtually no direct evidence that it all works!

As is often the case with this type of question, probably the most your personal point of view will matter ... Some people believe this and some don't. We are not here to judge, but simply to provide as much information as possible to enable you to form your own opinion.

We've raised this issue before, but yes, the Vikings themselves used runes in religious ceremonies and rituals ... Whether it was throwing carved bones into fire to produce smoke to show the outcome of a battle, or carving a Norse rune on a helmet or shield as a symbol of protection, the ancients of the Nordics firmly believed that this type of practice contained real power.

That is why we decided to add to our site this is a ring adorned with runes . I speak, Viking runes meaning as a symbol, it is primarily a mystical power arising from personal interpretation and sensitivity.