Runes are an ancient Germanic alphabet, used for writing, divination and magic. They were used throughout northern Europe, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Iceland from about 100 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E. and they are first and foremost seen as the writings of the Vikings.

There are more "Futharks" - alphabeths of runes - named after the first 6 letters, and they each contains different numbers of runes.
The Elder Futhark described below contains 24 runes. Each rune represents a letter, and it has also a certain meaning and is connected to one of the elements.
I will just give a brief description here, as you can find vast information on the subject on the net.

Meanings of The Elder Futhark Runes
 
 Symbol Rune Letter Meaning  Element
Fehu F Wealth Fire
Uruz U Strength Earth
Thurisaz TH Force, Giant Fire
Ansuz A God, Ancestor, Divine Breath Air
Raido R Journey, Wheel Air
Kenaz K, C, or Q Torch, Fire, Light Fire
Gifu G Gift, Partnership Air
Wunjo W or V Glory, Joy, Perfection, Wish Earth
Hagalaz H Hail, Weapon of War Ice
Nauthiz N Need, Necessity Fire
Isa I Ice, Power Ice
Jera Y or J Year, Harvest Earth
Eihwaz EI, F, AE Yew Tree, Potential Air
Pertho P Secrets, Chance Water
Algiz Z or X Protection Air
Sowulo S Sun, Salvation Air
Teiwaz T Creator, Spear, Tyr, Justice Air
Berkana B Birch Tree, Beloved Earth
Ehwaz E Horse, Friendship Earth
Mannaz M Mankind, Knowledge Air
Laguz L Water, Lake Water
Inguz NG or ing Fertility, True Love Earth
Othila O Property, Homeland, Inheritance Earth
Dagaz D Day, Good Luck Fire / Air



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