As these two writing systems evolved, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc runes emerged among the Germanic tribes that had migrated toward what is now modern-day England. Next came the Younger Futhark runes, which lasted from 800-1100 AD. The 3rd aett is ruled by Tyr and Ziza.Įlder Futhark runes were used until about 800 AD. The 2nd aett is ruled by Mordgud and Hagalaz (Heimdall). The first aett is ruled by twins Freyr and Freya. The 24 runes are divided into 3 groups of 8 known as aetts.Īett is Old Norse for “family.” Each family of runes is attributed to gods. The Elder Futhark runic alphabet has 24 symbols, each with its own meaning. What are Elder Futhark Runes?Įlder Futhark runes are the first known rune-writing system. It is believed that Odin revealed runes to the first human rune-master. Their meaning remained a mystery in Norse mythology until Odin’s ritual sacrifice of his own life revealed their meaning to him. In the Viking age, warriors would carve runes into their weapons in hopes of making them more powerful and accurate.Įven the world tree Yggdrasil had runes engraved in its trunk. Runes held magical powers, including making Odin’s spear Gungnir hit its mark every time, no matter who threw it. In Old Norse Mythology, runes were so important that Odin hung himself from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights just to learn their secrets. Outside of the literal translation, the meaning could be intuited by a rune-master based on the context and placement of the rune.įor example, Fehu (ᚠ) means “cattle.” This symbol could also be interpreted as wealth or abundance since having cattle was a sign of wealth during the Viking age. Like hieroglyphics, pictographs, and even the Native American petroglyphs, the runic alphabet represented specific elements, animals, or gods. Since the runic symbols represented things such as a horse, water, or a Norse god, their meaning was universal in Scandinavia. While the runic alphabet remained pretty similar for centuries, each Germanic tribe that used the runes did so in their native language.

Old Norse runes were written in the Proto-Norse language. What language are Viking runes (Old Norse runes) written in? On stone, long-branch was often preferred, while short-twig was best for wood carvings. The writing medium also influenced which style was used. Sweden and Norway tended to stick with shorter lines, called short-twig form. In Denmark, runic symbols were written with longer lines, known as long-branch form. As the use of the runic alphabet spread, their written form was adapted. Runes are the earliest known writing system of the Germanic people’s language. The Kylver runestone from Gotland, Sweden

Elements of elder futhark runes