Runes are the characters of the alphabet used by the Vikings and other Germanic peoples from about the second to the 15th centuries A.D.
Some runes vaguely resemble letters in our own alphabet; others look more like symbols. All had meaning to the Vikings, who carved them into their so-called rune stones-large monuments that honor the memory, and the names, of Norsemen past.
Fehu - Fehu can mean cattle, gold, or wealth in general.
Uruz - Uruz represents strength, speed, and good health.
Thurisaz - Thurisaz refers to the giants of Norse mythology.
Ansuz - Ansuz could refer to any deity, but it was most often associated with Odin.
Raido - Likely an important rune for the Vikings, Raido signified a long journey.
Kenaz - Kenaz represents a torch or some other source of light.
Gebo - Gebo was used to denote a sacrifice to the gods.
Wunjo - Wunjo can translate as comfort, joy, or glory.
Hagalaz - Hagalaz is the rune for hail, either in terms of the weather or hailing projectiles in battle.
Nauthiz - Nauthiz means need or necessity.
Isa - Isa means ice.
Jera - Jera translates as year or harvest.
Eithwaz - Eithwaz is the rune for yew, a sacred tree used to make rune wands.
Perth - The meaning and/or translation of Perth remains unknown.
Algiz - Algiz denoted defense, protection, or self-preservation.
Sowilo - Sowilo represented the sun, an important element in pagan worship.
Tiwaz - The rune of the war god Tyr, Tiwaz was often carved on weaponry.
Berkano - Berkano was associated with the birch tree, with Idun, goddess of spring, and with fertility.
Ehwaz - Ehwaz is the rune for horse.
Mannaz - Mannaz means man or mankind.
Laguz - Laguz is associated with water.
Ingwaz - Ingwaz can refer either to the Danish hero Ing or to the Danes in general.
Dagaz - Dagaz is the rune for day or daylight.
Othila - Othila means inheritance or the passing on of property or knowledge.
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