Lessons

The Elder Futhark

The precise origins of the pictoral runic alphabet is a matter of debate. Though the runes as we know them came into use in Europe somewhere around 500 BCE they show influence of other sources for example the prehistoric Hallristningar, rock carvings found in northern Europe. Generally however it is believed the runes are derived from the North Italic alphabet and there is some archaeological evidence to support this.

The oldest true runic alphabet is known as the Elder Futhark taking its name from the (sounds of) its first letters, ie F-U-TH-A-R-K. It is a 24 character script. There is scholarly disagreement about what the symbols, or glyphs as they are more correctly known, represent. It is generally agreed though that they are simplistic pictoral representations. For example the single vertical stroke of the Isa (Is) rune may represent an icicle which is in keeping with its meaning, though as was stated this is conjecture and different authors attribute different meanings to the shapes of the glyphs. The full alphabet is shown below:

There are a number of things to note about it. Firstly it lacks a number of letters of the modern alphabet, namely c,q,v,x and y. Secondly because it is an alphabet based on sound, it contains combinations of letters so there is a rune for the sound produced by adding the letters T and H together, and another for the sound of combining the letters N and G.

The alphabet also divides into 3 separate sections known as Aetts (because each contains 8 runes) and sacred to different gods. The first Aetts is Frey's, the second Hagal's and the third is Tyr's. These divisions and the order of the runes provoke considerable scholarly discussion. It is very clear that the ordering of the runes in the Elder Futhark is deliberate but a number of authors propose alternative arrangements. We will however be sticking in this lesson to the standard ordering. Aswynn is one of the few authors who in her book Principles of the Runes actually states what the meaning of the Aetts are and why particular runes are assigned to them. We will therefore be using her interpretation of the Aetts.

Frey's Aett

These 8 runes belong to the fertility god Frey and are runes associated with the creation of the world, its inhabitant races and the gods. Runes in this aett have the effect of starting things moving. As Aswynn puts it "For the purpose of divination therefore the runes of this aett often express the basic principles of life - such as money, health, conflict, intelligence, control, knowledge, balance and pleasure".The runes are from left to right: Fehu (Feoh), Uruz (Ur), Thurisaz (Thorn), Ansuz (Os), Raido (Rad), Kenaz (Cen), Gebo (Gyfu), and Wunjo (Wyn).

Hagal's Aett

There is some disagreement concerning the owner of this Aett. Some people link it to Hel, goddess of the Underworld known as Niflhelm, a cold unwelcoming place as reflected by the harsh nature of the first two runes. Others believe it belongs to Heimdall, the watcher god. Runes in this Aett are associated with forces beyond human influence and with cosmic understanding. These runes represent powers such as the Norns, time, Wyrd and spiritual development. Aswynn says "This is the aett of development of consciousness and magic, psychological growth and personal evolution".. From left to right the runes are: Hagalaz (Haegl), Nauthiz (Nyd), Isa (Is), Jera (Ger), Eihwaz (Eoh), Pertho (Peorth), Algiz (Eohl) and Sowelu (Sigil)

Tyr's Aett

The final Aett belongs to the god of war and justice Tyr and is associated with those experiences which mould or transform human lives. Aswynn remarks that "the third aett is concerned more with the human condition, social aspects and spiritual transformation". From left to right the runes are Tiwaz (Tir), Berkana (Beorc), Ehwaz (Eh), Mannaz, (Man), Laguz (Lagu) , Ingwaz (Ing) , Dagaz (Daeg) , Othala (Ethel)

Patterns in the Order of the Elder Futhark

According to Norse mythology, the universe came into being when the forces of Fire and Ice were united. The Fehu (Feoh) rune which begins Frey's Aett is associated with Fire, Hagalaz (Haegl) which begins Hagal's Aett is associated with hail and ice. The Tiwaz (Tir) rune which starts Tyr's Aett is associated with law, order and structure. Hence in the first runes of each of the Aetts we have an equation for the creation of the Universe

Fire + Ice = Order

Many writers see in the Elder Futhark a pattern and progression. For example we begin with Fehu (Feoh) a rune associated with creation moving through Frey's Aett which is heavily linked with the gods, ending up in Tyr's Aett which is associated with more earthly matters such as pregnancy, motherhood, intuition etc and finally closing on Othala (Ethel), a rune associated with the family and home. We have thus moved from the cosmic and the divine down to the mortal and the individual. Moreover Othala (Ethel) is associated with heritage and inheritance. Thus the runes start with the birth of the universe and end with the death of men.

It should be noted that some authors reverse the order of the last two runes so the Futhark ends with Dagaz (Daeg). This however does not change the identified trends. Though it returns things to a cosmic level it is through the transformation and enlightenment of the individual.

As should now be becoming clear, the position of individual runes within the Elder Futhark is not the result of accident but of design. Each rune is related in various ways to the runes around it. Another way to divide up the Futhark is into pairs. If we take the first two runes Fehu (Feoh) and Uruz (Ur)

Both these runes relate to cattle. Fehu (Feoh) symbolizes domesticated cattle from which we get milk. Uruz (Ur) represents the Auroch a (now extinct) fierce and untamable breed of oxen. The first rune symbolizes the spirit tamed and harnessed whereas the second represents the resilient unquenchable pioneer spirit.

This type of pair-patterning can be seen through the whole of the Futhark though some pairs need more explanation than others. To illustrate a few more.

Naudhiz (Nyd) and Hagalaz (Haegl). This pair of runes deal with affliction. Hagalaz (Haegl) is a natural force of destruction and disruption whereas Naudhiz (Nyd) is a rune of suffering and endurance giving the strength to survive the effects of its partner rune.

Eihwaz (Eoh) and Pertho (Peorth). Both these runes represent mysterious forces beyond human control. Eihwaz (Eoh) is change and Death, whilst Pertho (Peorth) represents Wyrd. At a symbolic level Pertho (Peorth) links with the creative power of the womb as embodied in the goddesses Frigga and Freya. Freya representing fertility and Frigga, being both mother and "the silent seeress" reflecting the mysterious and predictive powers of the rune. Hence there is a rune of death and one of birth side by side. This is also typical of the way rune patterning works, not all partner runes are similar, some are opposites.

Runic Half Months

Many of the patterns we find within the Elder Futhark were undoubtedly known to the ancients, but this is not always the case. There is a link with the calender which is a modern invention and has no basis in the ancient lore. Hence many traditionalists will dismiss it entirely, we should however remain open to the possibility of modern runic discoveries. Whilst inevitably the majority of rune research should be devoted to seeking to rediscover the ways of the Viking/Saxon runemasters, we should not assume they knew all the secrets of the runes and that there is nothing new to be revealed.

In astrological terms each rune is considered as ruling a period of one half month.Runic half months are the creation of Nigel Pennick and the table below is based on his chart but we have simplified it so that only one rune rules any given day. Particular account of the half month may be taken account of in magical rune working, depending on the beliefs and preferences of the magician.Some rune readers use the half month to determine a Significator for a reading.

 There is a clear pattern and development in this arrangement. We will draw your attention to just two examples. Christmas, a time of feasting, enjoying the produce stored earlier, is governed by Jera (Ger), a rune of harvest and plenty. The coming of Spring falls under Berkana (Beorc), rune of birth/new growth.

Conclusion

We have seen in this lesson that the arrangement of the runes is far from random, and that where individual runes are positioned in the Futhark can be highly significant. However we have only touched upon a few of the patterns available and as your understanding of the runes increases, you will probably find more for yourself. In order to advance this awareness in the next lesson we will start to look at rune meanings.

You have completed the lesson. Read it as many times as you need to in order to feel you understand it. Then return here for:
Lesson 7 - Comprehension Tests, Reading and Further Exercises

Please ensure you complete these exercises before moving on to the next lesson.