A chart illustrating rune symbols and their explanations can be a useful tool for those interested in the study of runes and their meanings. Runes, which are ancient Germanic symbols, were traditionally used for divination and communication. Each rune symbol has its unique name and meaning, making it essential to understand their representations for accurate interpretation. The chart would typically include a column for the rune symbol, followed by columns for the name and meaning of each symbol. For example, the first row might have the rune symbol for "Fehu," which represents wealth and abundance. The corresponding columns would then have the name "Fehu" and the meaning "material possessions and well-being.
Each rune is a letter in the Old Norse alphabet, and as such they all represent a sound similar to the Roman/Latin letters we use in the western world today. However, they also carried names that can sometimes be construed as a separate meaning associated with the rune, which runologist Victoria Symons explains in her book Runes and Roman Letters in Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts as she compares runes to Roman letters:
Each rune is a letter in the Old Norse alphabet, and as such they all represent a sound similar to the Roman Latin letters we use in the western world today. However, they also carried names that can sometimes be construed as a separate meaning associated with the rune, which runologist Victoria Symons explains in her book Runes and Roman Letters in Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts as she compares runes to Roman letters.
The corresponding columns would then have the name "Fehu" and the meaning "material possessions and well-being." Continuing down the chart, other rune symbols and their explanations would be displayed. These could include "Uruz" representing strength and vitality, "Thurisaz" representing protection and defense, and "Ansuz" representing wisdom and communication.
Old Nordic Symbols: Norse Runes & Viking Ornaments (Meanings & Examples)
Old Norse mythology is filled with fascinating symbolism, and the runic alphabets of Germanic Europe have told numerous tales of heroic deeds and tragic deaths over the years. Having worked with graphic design for most of my adult life, I’m a huge fan of typography and symbolism, and also a huge history nerd. So I’ve spent a lot of time studying and appreciating the Viking symbols left behind on runestones, jewelry, weapons, armor, and other items from the Viking Age.
But the world of Norse symbols is not without its controversies and misconceptions; from extremist groups trying to hijack the symbols to serve their agendas, to magical sigils with questionable historical accuracy spreading like wildfire among millennials (I’m looking at you Vegvisir).
So let’s clear some things up and go through the facts and myths surrounding Norse runes and symbols, how they look, and what we know about their meaning.
Hopefully, you’ll find this as fascinating as I did, and learn a thing or two along the way.
ℹ️ For the past 10 years, I’ve studied Nordic symbolism of all kinds, with a specific focus on the Norse world during the Viking age. In this article, I’ve listed Norse runes and symbols that have been found in Scandinavia and dated back to the Viking age. I’ve specified the source of each symbol, such as a specific runestone or piece of jewelry, so you can look into it further if you feel like digging deeper.
For the sake of clearing up common misconceptions regarding Viking symbols, I’ve also included some symbols that are commonly and mistakenly thought to be connected to the Vikings, and explained why these symbols have not been found to be linked to the Norse people or culture.
- Germanic and Norse Runes in Scandinavia: A Timeline
- Elder Futhark Runic Alphabet (the Germanic Runes)
- Younger Futhark Runic Alphabet (the Viking Runes)
- Medieval Runic Alphabet
- Dalecarlian Runic Alphabet
- Meanings and Explanations of the Viking Runes (Old Norse Alphabet to English)
- What Do Upside-Down Runes Mean?
- The Meanings Attached to Elder Futhark Runes
- The Medieval Runic Alphabet: Futhork
- Dalecarlian Runes (late 1500s to 1900s)
- The Real Viking Symbols: Authentic Norse symbols dating back to the Viking Age
- The False Viking Symbols: Nordic Symbols Commonly (But Likely Mistakenly) Linked to Norse Mythology
- More Ahistorical Symbols: Rudolphs Koch's Symbols in The Book of Signs
Let’s start by looking at the Runes, the letters of the Old Norse language the Vikings spoke, after which we will look at some of the symbols from the Viking Age specifically.
Each symbol would be accompanied by its name and a concise description of the symbolism it carries. The main purpose of such a chart is to provide a quick reference for individuals learning about runes or who wish to consult them for divination purposes. By having a visual representation of the rune symbols and their explanations, users can easily find the rune they are looking for and understand its meaning without needing to refer to extensive written texts or resources. Additionally, a chart illustrating rune symbols and their explanations can serve as a starting point for further exploration and study. Experienced practitioners can use it as a foundation for developing a deeper understanding of each symbol's nuances and connections to other aspects of rune lore. In conclusion, a chart illustrating rune symbols and their explanations is a valuable resource for rune enthusiasts and practitioners. It offers a convenient and concise way to reference and understand the meanings behind each rune symbol. Whether used for personal study or divination purposes, such a chart can enhance the understanding and interpretation of runes..
Reviews for "The Art of Rune Casting: Using Symbolisms for Guidance and Insight"
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with this chart. The illustrations were poorly done and it felt like they were just slapped together without any thought or care. On top of that, the explanations of the rune symbols were vague and confusing. I was hoping to learn more about the meanings behind these symbols, but the explanations provided were lacking in depth and clarity. Overall, I would not recommend this chart to anyone looking to gain a better understanding of rune symbols.
- Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I found this chart to be a complete waste of money. The illustrations were barely recognizable as the actual rune symbols and the explanations were so brief and lacking in detail that they were practically useless. I could have easily found more accurate and informative explanations online for free. Save your money and skip this chart, it's not worth it.
- Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - As someone who is fairly new to the study of rune symbols, I was hoping this chart would provide a helpful and comprehensive guide. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The illustrations were not clear and didn't accurately represent the symbols, making it difficult to identify them. Additionally, the explanations provided were brief and didn't go into enough detail to provide a meaningful understanding. I would recommend looking for a more thorough and well-illustrated resource if you're interested in learning about rune symbols.
A Journey Through Time: Understanding the Historical Context of Rune Symbols