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Is the Elder Futhark?

This is the oldest true runic alphabet, a 24 character script, which takes its name from the (sounds of) its first letters, ie F-U-TH-A-R-K. It was in use in Northern Europe between approximately 200 BCE and 800 CE. It is the Elder Futhark which most people mean when they refer to the runes.

Is the Saxon Futhorc?

This is a modification of the Elder Futhark made by the Anglo-Saxons and which was in use around 800 - 900 CE. They increased the number of characters to 33. Like the Furthark this alphabet takes its name from its initial letters (F-U-TH-O-R-C). The Futhorc is detailed in the Saxon Rune Poem though there are still doubts about the names and meanings of some of its runes

Is the Younger Futhark?

This is a later Norse runic alphabet consisting of 16 characters and which was developed and in use between about 600 - 800 CE. There were several different versions of the Younger Futhark but all had 16 runes.

Is the Uthark?

This is a modern invention of the Swedish Professor Sigurd Agrell which has been popularised by author Kenneth Meadows who claims that it, rather than the traditional order of the Elder Futhark represents traditional runic practice. Agrell and Meadows both believe that the Elder Futhark starts in the wrong place pointing to the incongruity of a rune of fulfillment (Fehu/Feoh) being followed by a rune of questing (Uruz/Ur). They thus argue the runes should start with Uruz (Ur) and end with Fehu (Feoh).

Are the Armanen Runes?

These are a 20th century set of runes which was created by Guido Von List after he saw them in a vision. There are 18 runes in this set. List was a German nationalist and his work proved an influence on the NAZIs.

Are the Witches Runes?

Another 20th century invention. This is a set of 13 runes specially designed for the use of witches by Susan Sheppard. Though it is possible to see some continuity in meaning with some runes in the Elder Futhark, overall these runes are highly original and not popular with traditionalists therefore, many of whom see the Witches Runes as a separate divination system.

Note that the Susan Sheppard Witches Runes should not be confused with the recently renamed and repackaged Witches Runes from Silver Ravenwolf and Nigel Jackson. These are conventional rune cards using the Elder Futhark

Are Tent/Branch/Tree/Hook Runes?

Tent runes are a form of runic cipher which is based upon strokes added to an "X" shape in order to indicate particular runes. The first stroke indicate(s) the aett the rune is found in, and the next set indicates its position within that aett. So 3:1 is Tiwaz (Tir) for example. These strokes are read clockwise and so each "X" can represent two runes.

Branch runes are a similar cipher to tent runes except the strokes curve vertically upwards and are added to a vertical line rather than an "X". Strokes on the left indicate aett and those on the right indicate position. Other rune ciphers which are variants of this one include tree and hook runes. In hook runes the strokes curve vertically downwards and in tree runes the strokes are downward diagonals.

This way of disguising which runes were used is found on a number of ancient runestones including one from Orkney. Edred Thorsson suggests this may have been done to increase the magical potency.