Introduction
The runic alphabets are called “futharks” after the first six runes (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kaunan)
Traditionally, runes were carved onto stone, wood, bone, metal or similarly hard surfaces rather than drawn with ink and parchment.
Runes
The accent is on the first syllable. The table uses the runic alphabet of Elder Futhark.
| Rune | Name | Phoneme | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fehu | F - Feh-hoo | Wealth, cattle | |
 | Uruz | U - Oo-rooz | Strength of will, wild ox, power | |
 | Thurisaz | Th - Thor-eh-saws | Danger, suffering | |
 | Ansuz | A - Ah-nn-soos | Prosperity, vitality | |
 | Raidho | R - Rrr-aye-tho | Movement, work, growth | |
 | Kaunan | K - Kay-n-ahz | Mortality, pain | |
 | Gebo | G - Heh-bo (back of throat like clearing) | Generosity | |
 | Wunjo | W - Woo-n-yo | Joy, ecstasy | |
 | Hagalaz | H - Hawg-ga-laz | Destruction, chaos | |
 | Naudhiz | N - Now-these | need, unfulfilled desire | |
 | Isaz | I - Ee-san | ??? | |
 | Jera | J - Yay-era | Harvest, reward | |
 | Eihwaz | I - Aegh-waz | Strength, stability | |
 | Peor | P - Pear-th-rrrow | ??? | |
 | Algiz | Z - El-haz | Protection, defense | |
 | Sowilo | S - So-el-oh | Success, solace | |
 | Tiwaz | T - Tee-waz | Victory, honor | |
 | Berkanan | B - Bear-can-oh | Fertility, growth, sustenance | |
 | Ehwaz | E - Eh-waz | Trust, faith, companionship | |
 | Mannaz | M - Man-az | Augmentation, support | |
 | Laguz | L - Log-ooze | Formlessness, chaos, potentiality, the unknown | |
 | Ingwaz | Ng - ing-waz | Fertilization, beginning of something, actualization of potential | |
 | Dagaz | O - Dog-ahz | Hope, happiness | |
 | Othalan | D - Oh-th-eh-la | Inheritance, heritage, tradition, nobility |
Can be studied online Flashcards Need to do practice writing of lines while making the sounds and recalling the meaning
Reading
History
Runes first came about through the tale of Odin hanging upon the world tree, Yggdrasil, having sacrificed himself to himself. As he hung, below him lay Urd’s well of wisdom and knowledge. After 7 days he glimpsed words of power that the Norn’s use in shaping fate itself. These words of power are now known as the Nordic Runic alphabet.
In Norse mythology and culture, words carry weight and inherently bear immense power. Thought isn’t made tangible until spoken, it is yours until it is cast out into the universe, words spoken cannot be taken back, they have the power to create and destroy all the same.