For instance, “Fehu” symbolizes wealth, but it’s not just material wealth – it can also signify spiritual richness or luck. The meaning of each rune is broad and multifaceted. This makes the study of Elder Futhark runes as much an exploration of ancient lore as it is a linguistic endeavor. Each rune’s significance transcends its literal meaning and delves into the realm of mythological symbolism and spiritual insights. Interpreting the Elder Futhark runes meanings is an exercise in historical and cultural understanding. Conversely, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc expanded to as many as 33 runes, reflecting the complexity of the Old English phonetic system. The Younger Futhark has fewer runes (16 in total), reflecting linguistic changes in Old Norse.

Around the 8th century, the Elder Futhark gave way to two distinct runic systems – the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. The runes evolved over time, undergoing changes as they spread across regions and tribes.

Some believe that they were influenced by Old Italic scripts such as Etruscan or Latin due to their similar linear letter forms. The Elder Futhark runes have their origins in the 2nd century AD, though the specific source of these characters remains a subject of debate among scholars. The Origin and Evolution of Elder Futhark Runes

They offer us a unique window into the past, letting us understand the beliefs, values, and worldviews of the people who used them. These runes were commonly etched onto stones, jewelry, weapons, and other artifacts, serving various purposes from mundane communication to religious and magical rituals. The name ‘Futhark’, much like the term ‘alphabet’, is derived from the initial few symbols in the sequence – “Fehu”, “Uruz”, “Þursaz”, “Ansuz”, “Raidō”, and “Kaunan. It consists of 24 characters, each carrying not just a phonetic sound but a unique symbol with a specific meaning and energy. The Elder Futhark, known as the earliest form of the runic alphabets, holds great significance in the historical and cultural landscape of the ancient Germanic tribes.

Elder futhark branch runes