The Nordic rune for strength, known as "Uruz" or "Ur", is a powerful symbol that represents physical and mental strength, resilience, endurance, and vitality. The Uruz rune is the second rune in the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet used by the Norse and Germanic peoples. The shape of the Uruz rune resembles the letter "U" or a pair of upward-pointing horns. Its name translates to "aurochs," which were ancient wild oxen that symbolized power and vitality. The rune embodies the energy and primal force of these mighty creatures, depicting the qualities of strength and assertiveness. The Uruz rune is associated with the Norse god Thor, the god of thunder and strength.
Viking and Norse Runes and Their Meanings
We know from interactions with our customers in store, and followers on our Social Media channels, that there are a wide variety of reasons why people are interested in Viking history and mythology. One thing that is pretty much guaranteed to generate comments and questions is anything we post that relates to The Runes. These apparently simple symbols are a source of intrigue and mystery and there are many theories around their origin, use, and meaning.
Legend says that the runes were the original source of fate and emerged from the Well of Urd beneath Yggdrasil the ‘Tree of Life’ and made their way up the trunk and along the branches of the tree to spread into the ‘Nine Worlds’ ( Link to norse-mythology.net for more info )
Such was the fascination and desire to understand the Runes that the God Odin himself hung on the tree for nine days and nights in the belief that he could gain immense wisdom and power if he could unlock the mystery and meaning of the runes. It is widely believed that the runes convey a deep meaning that makes them different to other early examples of written language. This also makes any form of ‘translation’ a challenge as it is not merely a case of matching runes to a corresponding letter of the alphabet we use today as can be done with Greek or Cyrillic alphabets for example.
Rather than being used merely as ‘letters’, runes were used in messages of great importance, on statues of heroes, or on graves of revered ancestors for example. It was widely believed that the ability of the runes to convey deeper meanings facilitated communications between the worlds of the living and of those who had passed. The fact that these messages were usually carved into bone, stone or wood is widely believed to a key reason why their style remained angular and did not evolve into the more rounded appearance of the Roman alphabet we use today.
FUTHARKS
In the same way that the word ‘alphabet’ is derived from the first letters of ancient Greek (alpha and beta), scholars coined the phrase of ‘Futharks’ to describe the Runic alphabet from its initial symbols which are believed to roughly correspond to our sounds of F, U, Th, A, R and K. ‘Elder Futhark’ runes are so named for the amazingly original reason that they are the oldest runic system discovered in Sweden somewhere around the year 400 carved in the ‘Kylver Stone’. (see image below).
It is believed that there are around 50 ‘rune stones’ dating from around the 4 th and 5 th centuries in both Sweden and Norway.
Elder Futhark is the most widely known rune system consisting of 24 runes. By the time we reach the ‘Viking Age’ (approximately793 – 1066), this system gradually declined in use and the equally aptly named ‘Younger Futhark’ system came into use with a smaller set of only 16 runes.
As the runic systems were becoming more widely used throughout Europe, this new set of fewer runes was being used in a different and more flexible way to be able to differentiate between Norse tongues and those of other Germanic and European tongues.
There were also different styles of Younger Futhark including ‘long branch’ (generally used in Denmark) and ‘short twig’ (more common in Sweden and Norway).
As the levels of trade between nations and peoples increased through the Viking age, the need for writing systems also increased which is believed to be one of the key reasons why there are many thousands of examples of Younger Futhark inscriptions as opposed to a few hundred in Elder Futhark.
Reading the Runes
As mentioned already, for those wishing to use or interpret the runes, things are not always as simple as they seem, but for those who wish to simply transliterate their names or simple epitaphs, the charts below give a basic overview of the most likely and commonly used phonetic translations and interpretations. So, you if you are looking to translate English to ‘Viking’, these are as good a starting point as any.
Although less commonly used in the Viking era, most designs seen on modern day jewelry inspired by the runes use Elder Futhark simply because there is a cleaner and easier translation to English equivalent letters.
CLICK HERE to have a look at some of our popular Rune inspired designs in store.
What are Viking Norse Runes and what is their Meaning?
The alphabet of the Viking age, Norse runes were used for writing, sorcery and divination. Some still believe they hold magical or mystical powers. So, how did they develop and what did rune symbols really mean?
3 January 2023In the simplest terms, runes are the characters of ancient Germanic alphabets. There were many variations of runes amongst different Germanic peoples and these variations also changed over time. However, when most people think of runes, it is Norse runes they have in mind, and specifically, the rune symbols of the Viking age.
Mostly dating from the late 8th to the early 12th centuries, these symbols represent some of the most important clues as to the history of the Nordic people. Perhaps the best known examples from the time are viking rune stones. However, later medieval examples from the 14th century onwards were carved into graves, weapons, jewellery and any number of everyday items.
So, what were the Nordic runes? What did the rune symbols mean? And what messages did they leave behind? Read on as we decipher the facts.
The Origins of Rune Stones
Old Germanic runes (Photo: HalliHuberts via Getty Images)
The exact origins of the runic alphabet are not known, but it’s generally accepted that it derived from the early Mediterranean scripts around the first century AD. For example, there are similarities to the Phoenician alphabet with its angular letter shapes. These became the trademark of the Nordic runes. The development of the script may also have been influenced from early Germanic sacred symbols found in northern European rock carvings.
Norse Symbols: A Changing Alphabet
Elder Futhark Runes engraved on stones (Photo: KatyaSuresh via Getty Images)
The Norse runes are the alphabet of the Old Norse language. That alphabet was called futhark. As far as we know, it originated in around the 1st century AD, varying by region and evolving over time.
In general terms, there were two main types of Norse runes: the earlier and more complex Elder Futhark, and the subsequent Younger Futhark. It is Younger Futhark that is associated with the Viking Age. Its rune symbols were far simpler and easier to carve, consisting of 16 characters or “staves”.
The Multiple Meanings of Nordic Runes
Nordic symbolism (Photo: Marco Klaue via iStock)
There are clear similarities between futhark and our modern alphabet. Like the letters we use today, each character represented sound values, like consonants and vowels. However, Norse runes were slightly more complex than our ABC. They were also ideographs, meaning they were used to represent concepts. Modern examples of ideographs include emojis and street signs.
Translating Norse Symbols
Viking runic inscription (Photo: DEA / G. DAGLI ORTI via Getty Images)
For almost two thousand years, the meaning of Norse symbols has been discussed, deliberated and debated by experts. They have been used in a number of different ways by different communities and cultures so it’s only natural that names and meanings will vary.
Here is the most widely accepted list of letters and meanings of the famous Norse runes –
A | Ansuz
Sound – aa, as in far | Meaning – truth, wisdom, god, communication, inspiration
B | Berkan/Berkanan
Sound – be, as in bee | Meaning – birch tree, fertility, birth, growth, new start
C | Cen/Caunan/Kenaz
Sound – kay, as in okay | Meaning – torch, illumination, creativity, fire, transformation
D | Dagaz
Sound – dee, as in melody | Meaning – day, new dawn, awakening, awareness, breakthrough
E | Ehwaz\Eihwaz
Sound – short e, as in bend | Meaning – cooperation, discovery, trust, teamwork
F | Fehu
Sound – eff, as in frank | Meaning – achievement, wealth, money earned, luck
G | Gebo
Sound – hard gee, as in great | Meaning – exchanging gifts, love, partnership
H | Hagalaz
Sound – aitch, as in hurry | Meaning – destruction, radical change, loss, transformation
I | Isa/Isaz
Sound – short i, as in limp | Meaning – inertia, stasis, self-control, concentration
J | Jera
Sound – soft j/y as in year | Meaning – cycles, time, peace, rewards, prosperity
K | Kaun|Kenaz
Sound – hard c/k, as in click | Meaning – illumination, fire, transformation, regeneration
L | Laguz
Sound – ell, as in lemon | Meaning – dreams, emotion, the unconscious mind, fantasy
M | Mannaz
Sound – emm, as in minute | Meaning – humankind, collective effort, connectivity
N | Naudiz/Nauthiz
Sound – enn as in none | Meaning – survival, basic human needs, endurance, hardship
O | Othila\Othala
Sound – short oh, as in drop | Meaning – inheritance, ancestors, home, legacy
P | Perthro\Peorth
Sound – pee, as in penny | Meaning – fate, destiny, mystery, uncertainty, secrets
R | Raido
Sound – arr, as in rope | Meaning – personal direction, journeys, wheels, travel
S | Sowilo\Sowulo
Sound – ess, as in soup | Meaning – health, energy, success, wholeness
T | Tiwaz
Sound – tee, as in tiny | Meaning – righting of wrongs, justice, honour, victory
TH | Thuriaz/Thurisaz
Sound – th, as in third | Meaning – breaking barriers, solving problems, protection
U | Uruz
Sound – ooh, as in brood | Meaning – ultimate strength, power, courage, endurance
W | Wunjo
Sound – w, as in wind | Meaning – joy, friendship, celebration, fellowship
Z | Algiz
Sound – zed, as in zoo | Meaning – courage, divine protection, self-defence
NG | Ingwaz
Sound – ng, as in sing | Meaning – concentrated energy, unity, agreement, harmony
Famous Runes and Viking Rune Stones
Monument erected by King Harald honouring his parents (Photo: DE AGOSTINI PICTURE LIBRARY / via Getty Images)
The earliest runic inscriptions are potentially from around 50 AD on what is known as the Meldorf brooch. It is a beautifully jewelled brooch typically used for fastening clothes at the right shoulder and is thought to have come from a cremation grave site. Found close to the Danish border in the German town of Meldorf, experts to this day remain split as to whether the inscription is Roman script or rune symbols.
The Vimose Comb dating from around 160 AD, literally a small hair comb found in the town of Vimose on the Danish island of Funen, is the earliest unambiguous representation of runic symbols and is carved with the word ‘harja’. Dating from around the same time, an iron spearhead found at the Øvre Stabu farm in Oppland, Norway, is inscribed with Norse runes from the Elder Futhark alphabet.
As for viking rune stones, some of the most famous have been found in the Danish town of Jelling. In particular, the two large 10th century stones, the first erected by King Gorm the Old commemorating his wife and the second by his son, Harald Bluetooth, in memory of his father.
Rune Symbols Today
A beautifully decorated Viking runestone ( Photo: Lars Johansson / EyeEm via Getty Images)
Rune symbols continued to be used in Scandinavia for centuries after the end of the viking age, with some reportedly as late as the 19th century. And viking rune stones remain popular today both in the study of ancient languages and in fantasy games.
Viking Amber Rune Symbolize Strength
The Uruz rune is one of the most popular runes, and it is also one of the most versatile. This rune can symbolize strength, power, virility, energy, health, and success. It is also associated with courage, determination, and perseverance. In some traditions, the Uruz rune is also associated with fertility and abundance. The name “Uruz” is a debated topic among historians, but the most common interpretation is that it comes from the word “Aurochs” the name for an ancient species of European buffalo, the ancestor of the modern cow. This rune can be used for protection, healing, and PSI work. It is also helpful for increasing strength and stamina. The Uruz rune is a powerful symbol of strength and power, and it can be a potent tool for manifesting your desires.
Amber Gemstone specially selected for their size to fit in the hand.
Special Offer. We can drill a hole and make a Amulet Free of charge you can choose at checkout.
Size approx. 55mm X 35mm X 11mm.
Weight 11g Unique Only One available.
**It has a natural positive energy that brings a sense of calm.
**Use as a self care aid to ease anxiety and stress and aid restful sleep.
**Ideal for use in meditation and mindfulness, as a gift to help ease stress.
**Aid for grounding, balance and calmness
**Each is packaged with a card explaining how it is to be used and the benefits so it makes a perfect gift for a family member going through a stressful time.
Chosen to fit in the palm of the hand. They are not a perfect shape but each is unique and a little quirky, natural and comforting.
The Uruz rune is associated with the Norse god Thor, the god of thunder and strength. As the embodiment of raw power, Thor wielded Mjölnir, his mighty hammer, to protect the gods and humanity from evil forces. The Uruz rune invokes the strength and determination of Thor, enhancing one's physical abilities and personal power.
In Norse mythology, Uruz also represents a connection to nature and the animal kingdom. It symbolizes the wild and untamed energy found in the natural world, reminding us of our primal roots and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the natural environment. When used as a talisman or symbol, the Uruz rune is believed to enhance physical strength, vitality, and overall well-being. It can be worn as jewelry, carved into wood or stone, or drawn as a tattoo to serve as a reminder of one's inner strength and resilience. The Uruz rune is not only associated with physical strength but also with mental fortitude. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles, face challenges head-on, and persevere through adversity. It serves as a source of inspiration to push through difficult times and embrace personal growth and transformation. In conclusion, the Nordic rune for strength, Uruz, is a symbol that embodies physical and mental strength, vitality, and resilience. It carries the energy of the ancient wild oxen and the Norse god Thor, invoking power and assertiveness. By embracing the Uruz rune, one can tap into their inner strength and endurance while connecting with the wild forces of nature..
Reviews for "Harnessing Your Personal Power with the Nordic Rune for Strength"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to try out the Nordic rune for strength necklace, but unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with my purchase. Firstly, the quality of the necklace was not up to par. The pendant felt flimsy and cheap, and the chain kept getting tangled. Additionally, the rune symbol itself was barely visible on the pendant, making it difficult to appreciate its significance. Overall, I found this necklace to be subpar in terms of both quality and design.
2. James - 3 out of 5 stars - While I appreciate the idea behind the Nordic rune for strength necklace, I wasn't entirely satisfied with the product. The pendant itself was fine, with a decent weight and a sturdy chain. However, I felt that the design could have been better executed. The rune symbol was too simplistic, and the overall aesthetic lacked a certain finesse. I believe there are better options available for those seeking a meaningful and visually appealing piece of jewelry.
3. Emma - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for the Nordic rune for strength necklace, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pendant arrived scratched and tarnished, which was disappointing as I had hoped for a polished and pristine piece. Additionally, the necklace felt uncomfortable to wear, with the chain digging into my skin. The rune symbol itself was also not as intricate as I had hoped, lacking the finer details that would have made it more visually appealing. Overall, I would not recommend this necklace to others based on my experience.