The Runes and their meaning

This is one of the most asked questions by our customers and fans (mostly when they get the Viking axe or some piece of jewelry with the Runes engraved on it); they ask us about the meaning of the Runes on their treasures.

So let's get straight to the point and start explaining the meaning of each of the Runes.

Runes are full of powerful and magical history, and so they were highly venerated and used with extreme caution. In the Norse cultures and across other Northern Europeans, it was believed that they held strong divinatory powers and as such were taken very seriously.

P.S. The word "Runes" here refers to the Elder Futhark which are the most popular.

Fehu ᚠ - “Cattle/Wealth”

Fehu represents Livestock. It symbolizes Wealth, Abundance, Success, Security, Fertility.

Uruz ᚢ - “Ox”

Uruz represents a Bull. It symbolizes Strength, Tenacity, Courage, Untamed Potential, Freedom.

Thurisaz ᚦ - “Mallet/Giant”

Thurisaz represents a Thorn. It symbolizes Reaction, Defense, Conflict, Catharsis, Regeneration.

Ansuz ᚫ - “Message”

Ansuz represents an Estuary. It symbolizes the Mouth, Communication, Understanding, Inspiration.

Raidho ᚱ - “Journey”

Raidho represents a Wagon. It symbolizes Travel, Rhythm, Spontaneity, Evolution, Decisions.

Kenaz ᚲ - “Torch”

Kenaz represents a Torch. It symbolizes Vision, Creativity, Inspiration, Improvement, Vitality.

Gebo ᚷ - “Gift”

Gebo represents a Gift. It symbolizes Balance, Exchange, Partnership, Generosity, Relationships.

Wunjo ᚹ - “Joy”

Wunjo represents Joy. It symbolizes Pleasure, Comfort, Harmony, Prosperity, Reward, Success.

Hagalaz ᚺ - “Hail”

Hagalaz represents Hail. It symbolizes Nature, Wrath, Being Tested, Overcoming Obstacles.

Nauthiz ᚾ - “Needs”

Nauthiz represents Need. It symbolizes Restriction, Conflict, Willpower, Endurance, Self-Reliance.

Isa ᛁ - “Ice”

Isa represents Ice. It symbolizes Clarity, Stasis, Challenges, Introspection, Watching & Waiting.

Jera ᛃ - “Harvest”

Jera represents the Year. It symbolizes Cycles, Completion, Changes, Harvest, Reaping Rewards.

Eihwaz ᛇ - “Yew”

Eihwaz represents a Yew Tree. It symbolizes Balance, Enlightenment, Death, The World Tree.

Perthro ᛈ - “Destiny”

Perthro represents a Dice Cup. It symbolizes Fate, Chance, Mystery, Destiny, Secrets.

Algiz ᛉ - “Elk”

Algiz represents an Elk. It symbolizes Protection, Defense, Instinct, Group Effort, Guardianship.

Sowilo ᛋ - “Sun”

Sowilo represents the Sun. It symbolizes Health, Honor, Resources, Victory, Wholeness, Cleansing.

Tiwaz ᛏ - “Victory”

Tiwaz represents the god Tyr. It symbolizes Masculinity, Justice, Leadership, Logic, Battle.

Berkana ᛒ - “Birch'”

Berkana represents a Birch Tree. It symbolizes Femininity, Fertility, Healing, Regeneration, Birth.

Ehwaz ᛖ - “Horse'”

Ehwaz represents a Horse. It symbolizes Transportation, Movement, Progress, Trust, Change.

Mannaz ᛗ - “Man”

Mannaz represents Humanity. It symbolizes Individuality, Friendship, Society, Cooperation, Help.

Laguz ᛚ - “Lake”

Laguz represents Water. It symbolizes Intuition, Emotions, Flow, Renewal, Dreams, Hopes & Fears.

Ingwaz ᛝ - “Fertility”

Ingwaz represents a Seed. It symbolizes Goals, Growth, Change, Common Sense, The Hearth (Home).

Othala ᛟ - “Heritage”

Othala represents Inheritance. It symbolizes Ancestry, Possessions, Heritage, Experience, Value.

Dagaz ᛞ - “Dawn”

Dagaz represents Dawn. It symbolizes Awakening, Certainty, Illumination, Completion, Hope.