Elder Futhark
Elder Futhark is the oldest and most widely used runic alphabet. Used by Germanic peoples from 2nd-8th centuries CE. Consists of 24 runes divided into three groups of eight (aetts). Named from the sounds of the first six runes: F-U-Þ-A-R-K.
What is Elder Futhark?
Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, used by Germanic peoples from roughly the 2nd to the 8th century CE. It has 24 runes and takes its name from the sounds of the first six: F, U, Þ (th), A, R, K. The runes fall into three groups of eight, called aettir in Old Norse and traditionally named after Freyr, Hagal and Tyr. Each rune has a sound and a name: Fehu means cattle and wealth, Ansuz a god, and Tiwaz the war god Tyr. Used for short inscriptions in stone, metal and wood, the alphabet gave way in Scandinavia around the 8th century to the 16-rune Younger Futhark, while England developed the expanded Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. Most rune reading today uses the Elder Futhark. A common misconception is that the blank rune, known as Wyrd, belongs to the historical alphabet; it is a 20th-century addition. You can see how the Elder Futhark runes are read for your question with a rune reading on Faltastik.
Related Terms
Aett (Group of Eight)
The division of Elder Futhark into three groups of eight. Freya's Aett (1-8), Heimdall's Aett (9-16), and Tyr's Aett (17-24). Each aett represents a different level of consciousness and life area.
Wyrd (Blank Rune)
A modern addition, not in traditional sets. Represents destiny, the unknown, and universal mysteries. Some readers use it, but its historical validity is debated.
Reversed Rune (Merkstave)
Drawing a rune upside down. Indicates blockage, delay, or the shadow side of the energy. Some runes (like Gebo, Isa, Jera) cannot be reversed.
Galdr (Rune Chant)
Vibrationally chanting or singing rune names or sounds. A type of vocal magic. Used for meditation, ritual, and rune activation.
Bind Rune
Combining two or more runes into a single symbol. Used for creating purpose-focused talismans. The combined runes' energies amplify each other.
Odin and the Runes
According to Norse mythology, Odin sacrificed himself by hanging upside down on Yggdrasil (World Tree) for nine nights to gain the runes' wisdom. This sacrifice symbolizes the sacred origin of rune knowledge.