Viking Blog
Elder Futhark Rune Meanings and Correspondences
Mar
The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic system, consisting of 24 symbols used by early Germanic peoples. Unlike the modern Latin alphabet, runes were not merely letters for writing, but also carried deep symbolic and cultural meanings. Each rune represents both a phonetic sound and a concept, often connected to aspects of life such as nature, human experience, and spiritual beliefs.
The table below presents the Elder Futhark runes alongside their approximate Latin equivalents and commonly accepted meanings. It is important to note that these Latin correspondences are phonetic approximations rather than exact matches, and the meanings are interpretative, derived from historical sources such as rune poems and later traditions. Therefore, this table should be understood as a practical and interpretive guide rather than a strictly fixed linguistic system.
Elder Futhark Rune β Latin Equivalent β Meaning
| Rune | Latin Equivalent | Rune Meaning |
| α (Fehu) | F | Wealth, prosperity, possessions |
| α’ (Uruz) | U | Strength, vitality, primal power |
| α¦ (Thurisaz) | TH | Protection, defense, reactive force |
| α¨ (Ansuz) | A | Divine wisdom, communication, inspiration |
| α± (Raidho) | R | Journey, movement, order |
| α² (Kenaz) | K / C / Q | Knowledge, illumination, creativity |
| α· (Gebo) | G | Gift, exchange, partnership |
| αΉ (Wunjo) | W / V | Joy, harmony, success |
| αΊ (Hagalaz) | H | Disruption, chaos, transformation |
| αΎ (Nauthiz) | N | Need, hardship, survival |
| α (Isa) | I | Ice, stillness, control |
| α (Jera) | J / Y | Cycle, harvest, reward |
| α (Eihwaz) | EI / Y | Protection, endurance, stability |
| α (Perthro) | P | Mystery, fate, the unknown |
| α (Algiz) | Z (or R*) | Protection, higher awareness, shielding |
| α (Sowilo) | S | Sun, success, life force |
| α (Tiwaz) | T | Justice, honor, warrior spirit |
| α (Berkano) | B | Growth, family, healing |
| α (Ehwaz) | E | Movement, trust, progress |
| α (Mannaz) | M | Humanity, self, community |
| α (Laguz) | L | Water, intuition, emotion |
| α (Ingwaz) | NG | Fertility, potential, new beginnings |
| α (Dagaz) | D | Awakening, breakthrough, transformation |
| α (Othala) | O | Heritage, home, inheritance |
π Notes
- The βLatin equivalentβ is phonetic approximation, not a strict 1:1 match
- Many runes carry symbolic meanings beyond language
- Example:
- Algiz (α) = not just βZβ, but a strong protection symbol
- Thurisaz (α¦) = βTHβ, which requires two Latin letters
