Elder Futhark – Name to Runes
How we map letters → runes
- Digraphs:
th → ᚦ,ng → ᛜ(ingwaz) - Basic: a ᚨ, b ᛒ, c/k/q ᚲ, d ᛞ, e ᛖ, f ᚠ, g ᚷ, h ᚺ, i ᛁ, j/y ᛃ, l ᛚ, m ᛗ, n ᚾ, o ᛟ, p ᛈ, r ᚱ, s ᛊ, t ᛏ, u ᚢ, v/w ᚹ, x ᚲᛊ, z ᛉ
- Umlauts: ä→a, ö→o, ü→u, ß→ss
History and Meaning of the Runes – Elder Futhark fully explained
Runes are more than writing: For the ancient Germanic tribes they were sacred symbols – used for communication, protection, and divination. The oldest complete system is the Elder Futhark with 24 characters (approx. 2nd–8th century). Each character carries its own power, sound, and symbolism. Today when one speaks of runes, they are immediately connected with the world of the Vikings, Norse mythology, and mystical magic.
The 24 Runes of the Elder Futhark
Overview with name, sound and traditional meaning:
| Rune | Name | Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ᚠ | Fehu | F | Wealth, property, abundance |
| ᚢ | Uruz | U | Primal force, strength, aurochs |
| ᚦ | Thurisaz | Th | Protection, defense, challenge |
| ᚨ | Ansuz | A | Deity, Odin, inspiration |
| ᚱ | Raido | R | Journey, movement, life path |
| ᚲ | Kenaz | K / C | Torch, knowledge, success |
| ᚷ | Gebo | G | Gift, partnership, community |
| ᚹ | Wunjo | W | Joy, harmony, fulfillment |
| ᚺ | Hagalaz | H | Hail, chaos, natural force |
| ᚾ | Naudhiz | N | Need, constraint, endurance |
| ᛁ | Isa | I | Ice, stillness, focus |
| ᛃ | Jera | J / Y | Year, harvest, cycle |
| ᛇ | Eihwaz | Ei | Yggdrasil, transformation |
| ᛈ | Perthro | P | Fate, mystery, lot |
| ᛉ | Algiz | Z | Protection, defense |
| ᛊ | Sowilo | S | Sun, victory, strength |
| ᛏ | Tiwaz | T | Tyr, courage, justice |
| ᛒ | Berkano | B | Birch, new beginning |
| ᛖ | Ehwaz | E | Horse, trust |
| ᛗ | Mannaz | M | Human, self |
| ᛚ | Laguz | L | Water, intuition |
| ᛜ | Ingwaz | Ng | Fertility, potential |
| ᛞ | Dagaz | D | Day, clarity |
| ᛟ | Othala | O | Heritage, homeland |
Runes in everyday life of the Germanic tribes
Runes were carved on stones, weapons, jewelry, and amulets. They were considered protective symbols, oracles, and visible power. A rune on the shield meant: protection. A rune on the ring meant: loyalty.
Why runes still have power today
Archaic, raw, mystical – runes are timeless. Whether as tattoo, amulet, or jewelry: Whoever wears them connects to an ancient tradition of courage, discipline, and clarity.
NORDSKULLS Conclusion
The 24 characters of the Elder Futhark are not a simple alphabet, but a legacy – for all who walk their own path through storm and shadow.
