The runes are a mystical written language that was passed down by the ancient Nordic peoples of the Germanic tribes. They carved the symbols into stone or wood to use them as talismans and divination signs. The runic alphabet is still known as “Futhark” and includes a total of 24 runes. Even today, the mysterious symbols enjoy great popularity and exert an incredible fascination. Are you thinking about getting a rune tattoo or are you interested in history and would like to find out more about their origin and meaning? Then read on - in this article we have put together a detailed explanation of each individual rune as well as many wonderful tattoo ideas for you!
Rune tattoo – origin of mystical symbols
The oldest runes are almost 2000 years old and form a series of 24 characters. The word “Futhark” is composed of the sounds of the first six runes. Since the peoples attributed magical powers to the symbols, they not only served as characters, but also had a function as oracles. According to mythology, the god Odin hanged himself on the world tree Yggdrasil to recognize the meaning of the runes. He sacrificed himself so that he could give her as a gift to people.
Fehu Runen Tattoo
Fehu is the first rune from ancient Futhark and literally translated means “cattle”. Since livestock was more often used as a means of payment in ancient times, Fehu is considered the rune of fulfillment, gain and profit. First and foremost, Fehu symbolizes movable property - it makes people aware of what they have already acquired and achieved in life and protects their property. It also represents a new beginning or a new start in life - you say goodbye to the past and make room for something new and more beautiful. A Fehu rune tattoo would be the perfect choice for anyone dealing with a crisis - it gives the wearer strength to overcome any problems.
Uruz
The second rune stands for Ur - the aurochs, which was a powerful totem animal in Nordic folk belief and stood for power and strength. Uruz is a symbol of power and represents courage and tenacity or vitality and strength. The magical powers of the rune help the wearer to survive serious illnesses or prevent them from occurring in the first place - it strengthens both the body and the psyche of people. It also symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. A very interesting fact is that the horseshoe as a symbol of good luck was derived from Uruz.
Thurisaz Wikinger
Thurisaz is the third rune of the ancient Futhark and means “giant”. It stands for the inner strength with which you can face everything in life that crosses your path. The symbol is also associated with the god Thor. It represents the ability to passively resist unwanted conflict. It is a protective symbol intended to inform the wearer of possible changes that would otherwise have occurred without warning. In addition, Thurisaz has a regenerating ability and can help with psychological problems.
Ansuz
Ansuz means “link to the old gods” and is one of the most powerful runes. It stands for inspiration, communication and enthusiasm but also for wisdom, harmony and truth. This tattoo is intended to strengthen the wearer's personal powers and ensures a free spirit and sharp mind. Ansuz encourages people to go through life mindfully and to think carefully about all decisions.
Raidho
The fifth Nordic rune means “riding” or “driving” and therefore represents travel in both a practical and spiritual sense. It also symbolizes new perspectives and a new path in life - it helps the wearer find the right direction. Raidho also encourages people and makes them understand that even if something doesn't go so smoothly, everything will be okay in the end.
Viking Runes Tattoo – Kenaz
Kenaz means “fire” and is a rune of knowledge, understanding, learning and teaching. It allows people to see situations more clearly than they normally would. Fire is considered a symbol of creation. Therefore, Kenaz embodies the ability and desire to achieve something in life. In addition, the inner fire can heal old wounds and free you from your problems. Kenaz also stands for creativity, life energy and inspiration.
Gebo
Gebo means gift or offering to God and should always remind us of the balance between giving and receiving.With this Viking symbolIt is primarily about keeping promises and harmony between people. A Gebo partner tattoo can also symbolize loyalty and eternal love.
Wunjo – The lucky charm rune
This rune represents peace, joy, comfort, harmony and partnership. It prevents estrangement in both a romantic relationship and a friendship. In addition, it is intended to help the wearer live in peace with themselves and find balance. Wunjo can also symbolize success, prosperity and wealth.
Hagalaz
Hagalaz literally means “sleet” or “hail” and represents bad weather. It is considered the rune of transformation and reminds us that sooner or later everything comes to an end and we cannot influence or prevent it. But the symbol gives us the strength to accept these changes more easily and ensures our inner harmony.
Naudhiz Wikinger
Naudhiz is considered the rune of fate and stands for fate and the overcoming of hardship and suffering. It is a symbol that you have to accept your fate, whether positive or negative, and live with it. Naudhiz teaches us that grief and hardship are part of life and that one should not fear the future - after all, everything happens for a reason.
Jesus Wickinger Rune
The eleventh rune of the ancient Futhark means “ice” and symbolizes the “I”. It also represents reflection, self-control, clarity and self-preservation. It reminds us that we should first finish what we have already started before we plunge into something new and unknown.
List
Jera means “year” and is a symbol of the circle of life and nature. It is primarily about the seasons and is intended to help the wearer recognize the good and evil in all times and situations. It also represents wisdom and patience - if you have worked hard, you will be richly rewarded in the end.
Perth rune meaning
This rune symbolizes a dice cup, which can be seen as the source of fate. It also says that you can take control of your destiny based on your own decisions. Pertho means personal development and continues to represent fertility, female knowledge and partnership.
Reasonable
The eighteenth rune means “birch” and just like the tree that comes to life from a seed planted in the earth, it represents the emergence and growth of a new life. Berkana is the wife of Odin and the goddess of the Vanen and is primarily associated with motherhood and fertility. It protects everything you love - your family, friends but also your dreams and goals.
Ehwaz Rune Meaning
Ehwaz means horse and is a very powerful protection rune that represents the vertical axis of the world. In Nordic folk belief, the horse is a sacred animal and symbolizes the relationship between animals and humans. The rune gives people a clear view of life and represents harmony, trust and cooperation. Since it is also the symbol of the perfect relationship between a man and a woman, it is perfect for a beautiful partner tattoo!
Mannaz Rune
Mannaz means “human” and is a rune that symbolizes one’s “self” and the human race as a whole. This means it gives the wearer the strength to say goodbye to the past and welcome love and new emotions anew. A Mannaz tattoo is meant to constantly remind the wearer to enjoy and love life and all moments. It still stands for foresight, intelligence, creativity and social order.
Laguz rune meaning
Translated, Laguz means “water” and stands for peace, life energy and new beginnings, but also for dreams and imagination. It is the perfect rune tattoo for everyone who lives and enjoys every moment in life to the fullest! You always have to listen to your inner voice and under no circumstances ignore your dreams - the rune reminds us that we should remain unconditionally true to ourselves.
Ingwaz
The rune Ingwaz, also known as Inguz, is about two very important things. On the one hand, it’s about the “here and now”. Instead of living in the past, you just have to focus on the present and believe in the happy future. This is the rune of the god Freyr, who represents peace, growth, harvest and prosperity. In addition, it is also considered a symbol of male fertility and means care, home and family cohesion.
Dagaz
Dagaz means “light” and is probably the rune with the most positive meaning. It is considered a symbol of awakening and is intended to bring light into the darkness. In this way it gives us clarity and shows us the right path. Are you looking for answers to questions that still remain unanswered? Then a Dagaz rune tattoo is right for you. The Viking symbol also stands for luck, hope and security.
