Runes are the characters of the alphabet used by the Vikings and other Germanic peoples from about the second to the 15th centuries A.D. Some runes vaguely resemble letters in our own alphabet; others look more like symbols. All had meaning to the Vikings, who carved them into their so-called rune stones—large monuments that honor the memory, and the names, of Norsemen past. In this interactive, see your own name spelled out in runes, and learn the meaning of each of the 24 runic characters.
See your name spelled in runes and learn the meaning of each of the letters in the Viking alphabet.
This feature originally appeared on the site for the NOVA program The Vikings.
Nicole Sanderson is a former intern of NOVA Online.
The runic alphabet, or Futhark, gets its name from its first six letters (f, u, th, a, r, k), much like the word "alphabet" derives from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta. Each rune not only represents a phonetic sound but also has its own distinct meaning often connected with Norse mythology. Scholars believe that early Germanic and Scandinavian peoples used the runes originally as a means of communication and only later for magical purposes.
Fehu can mean cattle, gold, or wealth in general.
Uruz represents strength, speed, and good health.
Thurisaz refers to the giants of Norse mythology.
Ansuz could refer to any deity, but it was most often associated with Odin.
Likely an important rune for the Vikings, Raido signified a long journey.
Kenaz represents a torch or some other source of light.
Gebo was used to denote a sacrifice to the gods.
Wunjo can translate as comfort, joy, or glory.
Hagalaz is the rune for hail, either in terms of the weather or hailing projectiles in battle.
Nauthiz means need or necessity.
Jera translates as year or harvest.
Eithwaz is the rune for yew, a sacred tree used to make rune wands.
The meaning and/or translation of Perth remains unknown.
Algiz denoted defense, protection, or self-preservation.
Sowilo represented the sun, an important element in pagan worship.
The rune of the war god Tyr, Tiwaz was often carved on weaponry.
Berkano was associated with the birch tree, with Idun, goddess of spring, and with fertility.
Ehwaz is the rune for horse.
Mannaz means man or mankind.
Laguz is associated with water.
Ingwaz can refer either to the Danish hero Ing or to the Danes in general.
Dagaz is the rune for day or daylight.
Othila means inheritance or the passing on of property or knowledge.
All images © WGBH Educational Foundation Producer: Nicole Sanderson Designers: Anya Vinokour and Tyler Howe Developers: Molly Frey, Brenden Kootsey, and Daniel Hart
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