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Alphabet Old Norse / Germanic
Elder Futhark Runes
The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet, used by Germanic tribes from approximately 150–800 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)
| Caractère | Nom | Romanisation | Prononciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ᚠ | Fehu | f | like 'f' in 'fan' — meaning: cattle, wealth |
| ᚢ | Uruz | u | like 'u' in 'bull' — meaning: aurochs, strength |
| ᚦ | Thurisaz | þ (th) | like 'th' in 'thorn' — meaning: giant, thorn |
| ᚨ | Ansuz | a | like 'a' in 'father' — meaning: god, mouth |
| ᚱ | Raidho | r | like 'r' in 'ride' — meaning: journey, wagon |
| ᚲ | Kenaz | k | like 'k' in 'key' — meaning: torch, knowledge |
| ᚷ | Gebo | g | like 'g' in 'gift' — meaning: gift, generosity |
| ᚹ | Wunjo | w | like 'w' in 'joy' — meaning: joy, harmony |
Second Aett (Hagal's Eight)
| Caractère | Nom | Romanisation | Prononciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ᚺ | Hagalaz | h | like 'h' in 'hail' — meaning: hail, disruption |
| ᚾ | Nauthiz | n | like 'n' in 'need' — meaning: need, necessity |
| ᛁ | Isa | i | like 'ee' in 'ice' — meaning: ice, stillness |
| ᛃ | Jera | j / y | like 'y' in 'year' — meaning: harvest, cycle |
| ᛇ | Eihwaz | eo | like 'eo' — meaning: yew tree, endurance |
| ᛈ | Perthro | p | like 'p' in 'pen' — meaning: lot cup, mystery |
| ᛉ | Algiz | z / R | like 'z' or 'R' — meaning: elk, protection |
| ᛊ | Sowilo | s | like 's' in 'sun' — meaning: sun, success |
Third Aett (Tyr's Eight)
| Caractère | Nom | Romanisation | Prononciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ᛏ | Tiwaz | t | like 't' in 'top' — meaning: Tyr (god), justice |
| ᛒ | Berkano | b | like 'b' in 'birch' — meaning: birch tree, growth |
| ᛖ | Ehwaz | e | like 'e' in 'they' — meaning: horse, partnership |
| ᛗ | Mannaz | m | like 'm' in 'man' — meaning: mankind, self |
| ᛚ | Laguz | l | like 'l' in 'lake' — meaning: water, flow |
| ᛜ | Ingwaz | ng | like 'ng' in 'sing' — meaning: Ing (god), fertility |
| ᛞ | Dagaz | d | like 'd' in 'day' — meaning: day, breakthrough |
| ᛟ | Othalan | o | like 'o' in 'go' — meaning: estate, heritage |