๐ฎ๐ธ
Old Norse / Germanic Alphabet
Elder Futhark Runes
The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet, used by Germanic tribes from approximately 150โ800 CE. It has 24 runes organized into three groups of 8 called 'aettir' (families). The name 'Futhark' comes from the first six runes. Each rune had both a phonetic value and a symbolic meaning. They were carved into wood, bone, and stone.
First Aett (Freyr's Eight)
| Character | Name | Romanization | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| แ | Fehu | f | like 'f' in 'fan' โ meaning: cattle, wealth |
| แข | Uruz | u | like 'u' in 'bull' โ meaning: aurochs, strength |
| แฆ | Thurisaz | รพ (th) | like 'th' in 'thorn' โ meaning: giant, thorn |
| แจ | Ansuz | a | like 'a' in 'father' โ meaning: god, mouth |
| แฑ | Raidho | r | like 'r' in 'ride' โ meaning: journey, wagon |
| แฒ | Kenaz | k | like 'k' in 'key' โ meaning: torch, knowledge |
| แท | Gebo | g | like 'g' in 'gift' โ meaning: gift, generosity |
| แน | Wunjo | w | like 'w' in 'joy' โ meaning: joy, harmony |
Second Aett (Hagal's Eight)
| Character | Name | Romanization | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| แบ | Hagalaz | h | like 'h' in 'hail' โ meaning: hail, disruption |
| แพ | Nauthiz | n | like 'n' in 'need' โ meaning: need, necessity |
| แ | Isa | i | like 'ee' in 'ice' โ meaning: ice, stillness |
| แ | Jera | j / y | like 'y' in 'year' โ meaning: harvest, cycle |
| แ | Eihwaz | eo | like 'eo' โ meaning: yew tree, endurance |
| แ | Perthro | p | like 'p' in 'pen' โ meaning: lot cup, mystery |
| แ | Algiz | z / R | like 'z' or 'R' โ meaning: elk, protection |
| แ | Sowilo | s | like 's' in 'sun' โ meaning: sun, success |
Third Aett (Tyr's Eight)
| Character | Name | Romanization | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| แ | Tiwaz | t | like 't' in 'top' โ meaning: Tyr (god), justice |
| แ | Berkano | b | like 'b' in 'birch' โ meaning: birch tree, growth |
| แ | Ehwaz | e | like 'e' in 'they' โ meaning: horse, partnership |
| แ | Mannaz | m | like 'm' in 'man' โ meaning: mankind, self |
| แ | Laguz | l | like 'l' in 'lake' โ meaning: water, flow |
| แ | Ingwaz | ng | like 'ng' in 'sing' โ meaning: Ing (god), fertility |
| แ | Dagaz | d | like 'd' in 'day' โ meaning: day, breakthrough |
| แ | Othalan | o | like 'o' in 'go' โ meaning: estate, heritage |