Elder Futhark Runes

The Elder Futhark is the oldest form of the runic alphabet, used by Germanic peoples from around the 2nd to 8th centuries CE. It consists of 24 runes, often arranged in three groups called ætts. The script was primarily used for Northwest Germanic dialects during the Migration Period and appeared on artifacts like jewelry, amulets, tools, weapons, and runestones.

The origins of the Elder Futhark Runes are somewhat mysterious, but scholars believe it may have been influenced by Old Italic, Greek, or Latin alphabets. The earliest known inscription dates back to c. 160 CE on the Vimose comb from Denmark. Over time, the Elder Futhark evolved into the Younger Futhark in Scandinavia and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc in England and Frisia.

Elder Futhark Runes were not just a writing system—they were also believed to hold magical and divinatory significance. Their meanings were deeply tied to spirituality, nature, and fate, making them an essential part of Germanic and Norse traditions.

Elder Futhark Rune Meanings

Freyr’s Ætt (Material & Physical World)

ᚠ – Fehu – Wealth, prosperity, new beginnings

ᚢ – Uruz – Strength, endurance, primal energy

ᚦ – Thurisaz – Protection, conflict, transformation

ᚨ – Ansuz – Wisdom, communication, divine inspiration

ᚱ – Raidho – Journey, movement, life path

ᚲ – Kenaz – Knowledge, creativity, illumination

ᚷ – Gebo – Gift, partnership, balance

ᚹ – Wunjo – Joy, harmony, success

Heimdall’s Ætt (Change & Transformation)

ᚺ – Hagalaz – Chaos, disruption, necessary change

ᚾ – Nauthiz – Constraint, resistance, personal growth

ᛁ – Isa – Stillness, patience, introspection

ᛃ – Jera – Harvest, cycles, rewards for effort

ᛇ – Eihwaz – Endurance, death & rebirth, resilience

ᛈ – Perthro – Mystery, fate, hidden knowledge

ᛉ – Algiz – Protection, higher self, spiritual guidance

ᛋ – Sowilo – Success, vitality, personal power

Tyr’s Ætt (Spiritual & Social World)

ᛏ – Tiwaz – Justice, leadership, honor

ᛒ – Berkano – Growth, fertility, healing

ᛖ – Ehwaz – Movement, progress, trust

ᛗ – Mannaz – Humanity, relationships, self-awareness

ᛚ – Laguz – Intuition, emotions, flow

ᛝ – Ingwaz – Potential, inner strength, transformation

ᛞ – Dagaz – Breakthrough, enlightenment, new beginnings

ᛟ – Othala – Heritage, legacy, ancestral wisdom