What Are Runes? The Elder Futhark Explained
Runes are the letters of the old Germanic and Norse alphabets — and for centuries they've also been used for divination. The oldest and most popular set is the Elder Futhark, with 24 symbols.
An alphabet and an oracle
Runes were everyday writing carved into stone, wood and metal, but they also carried symbolic meaning. Casting runes for guidance is a tradition that continues today.
Why 'Futhark'
The name comes from the sounds of its first six runes — F, U, Th, A, R, K — just as 'alphabet' comes from alpha and beta.
The 24 Elder Futhark runes
Each rune has a name and meaning — Fehu (wealth), Uruz (strength), Ansuz (wisdom) and so on — grouped into three sets of eight called aettir.
Start exploring
Browse all 24 rune meanings, or cast a rune to see one in action.