Runes are a mystical written language that was inherited from the ancient Scandinavian and Viking peoples. The runic alphabet is still known as "Futhark", which consists of 24 characters. In this article, we have collected a detailed interpretation of each symbol and also selected many great tattoo ideas.
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Rune tattoos and their meaning
The oldest runes are almost 2,000 years old and form a series of 24 symbols. The word "Futhark" consists of the sounds of the first six runes. Since the peoples attributed magical abilities to the symbols, they served not only as writing, but were also used in various rituals. In ancient times, people carved symbols in stone or wood to use as talismans and divination elements. According to mythology, the god Odin hanged himself on the Yggdrasil tree to recognize the meaning of the runes. He sacrificed himself to give them to the people.
Fehu
Fehu is the first rune of the Old Futhark, which literally means "cattle". Since in the old days, cattle were often used as a means of payment, Fehu was considered a symbol of wealth, profit, and prosperity.
First of all, Fehu symbolizes movable property, protects people's property, has the meaning of a new beginning. You say goodbye to the past and make room for something unknown and beautiful.
Uruz
Uruz means Bison, which was a powerful totem animal in Scandinavian folk belief, symbolizing power. Uruz rune tattoos are a symbol of strength, they denote courage, perseverance, vitality and power.
The rune's magical powers help the user survive serious illnesses or prevent them from developing at all: they strengthen both the body like the psyche of people. Another meaning of Uruz is knowledge and wisdom.
Turisaz
Turisaz means "giant", that is, inner strength. The symbol is associated with the god Thor. It represents the ability to passively resist unwanted conflicts.
This is a safety symbol intended to inform the owner of potential changes that would otherwise occur without notice. Additionally, Turisaz has the ability to regenerate and can help with mental health issues.
Ansuz
Ansuz means "connection with the old gods" and is one of the most powerful runes. It carries the meaning of inspiration, communication, enthusiasm, wisdom, harmony and truth.
This rune tattoo should strengthen the wearer's personal strength, provide a free and sharp mind. Ansuz encourages people to "go through life" with careful and carefully consider all decisions.
Frayed
The fifth Scandinavian rune translates to "ride" or "drive." Therefore, it denotes travel, both in a practical and spiritual sense.
kenaz
Kenaz means "fire" and is the personification of knowledge, understanding, learning and teaching. It allows people to see the situation more clearly than usual. Fire is considered a symbol of creation, therefore Kenaz embodies the ability and desire to achieve something in life. Also, the inner fire can heal old wounds and free you from problems.
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Gebo
Gebo means "gift" and always remember the balance between giving and receiving.
Vunyo
These rune tattoos carry the meaning of peace, joy, comfort, harmony, and partnership. Vunyo avoids alienation in both love relationships and friendships. In addition, it helps a person to live in peace with himself and find balance in everything.
Hagalaz
Hagalaz translates into Russian as "wet snow" or "hail." It represents bad weather. This is a transformation rune tattoo, which reminds us that sooner or later everything will end, and we will not be able to influence this.
Nautiz
Nautiz represents destiny and overcoming difficulties and suffering. This is a symbol that teaches you to live your destiny, be it positive or negative.
It's a
The eleventh rune of the Old Futhark, that is, its meaning "ice" symbolizes "I". The symbol represents reflection, self-control, clarity, and self-preservation.
Hyera
Hyera «year» – is a symbol of the cycle of life and nature. This is mainly related to the season and should help the owner to recognize the good and the bad in any situation.
eyvaz
Eyvaz is a very strong protective rune and symbolizes the connection of the underworld with the world of people. It stands for dependability, strength, trust and dependability.
Perth
Perth symbolizes the cup, which can be seen as the source of destiny. It also says that we can control destiny based on our own decisions.
Algiz
Algiz means "moose" and is a very powerful protective rune. If you choose this tattoo motif, protect yourself from all dangers and attacks in life. The moose is considered a highly sensitive animal and denotes a susceptibility to both positive and negative events.
The symbol shows your energy correctly and safely and helps you open your heart to something new. It serves as a reminder to always trust and follow your instincts.
soulou
Soulu means "sun," a symbol of thirst for life, energy, and consciousness. Like the light of the sun, the symbol should banish the darkness from your life and guide you on the path of truth.
Tivaz
This rune personifies the power of the god Tyrus and represents law, world order and justice. As a tattoo, it should show the wearer the right path. It helps you accept your own weaknesses and turn them into strengths.
berkana
Berkana "birch", like a tree that is reborn from a seed planted in the ground, represents the emergence and growth of new life. Berkana is the wife of Odin and the goddess Vanen and, first of all, she is associated with motherhood and fertility.
This is a great rune tattoo idea for women – it protects everything you care about: family, friends, as well as your dreams and goals.
evas
Evas means horse and is a strong protective rune that represents the vertical axis of the world. In Scandinavian folk belief, the horse is a sacred animal.
The rune gives people a clear idea of life, represents harmony, trust and cooperation. Since she is a symbol of a harmonious relationship between a man and a woman, she is ideal for a beautiful couple tattoo.
mannaz
Mannaz "man" is a rune that symbolizes "I" and the human race in general. It gives the owner the strength to say goodbye to the past, to welcome love and new emotions again.
The Mannaz tattoo will remind the wearer to enjoy life and cherish every moment.
Laguz (Lelya) translates as "water" and means peace, vital energy, a new beginning, as well as dreams and imagination. This is the perfect rune tattoo for those who enjoy every moment of life to the fullest! You should always listen to your inner voice and never ignore your dreams.
ingvaz
Rune Ingvaz literally translates as "here and now". Instead of living in the past, all you have to do is focus on the present and believe in a happy future.
It is also a symbol of male fertility and means care, home and family cohesion. This is the perfect rune tattoo idea for men.
Dagaz
Dagaz "light" is the rune with the most positive meaning. It is considered a symbol of awakening and is said to bring light into darkness. Therefore, it gives us clarity and shows us the right path.
This Viking symbol means good luck, hope and safety.
Odal
Odal personifies "home". This is the best rune tattoo for women as it symbolizes an auspicious atmosphere, spiritual heritage, and family cohesion.
Rune tattoos: sketches, diagrams, explanation, meanings through images
If you want to become the owner of a sketch with a deeper meaning, you can add an inscription of a rune tattoo. Encrypted messages look great on toes or feet.
The meaning of the rune tattoo
As already mentioned, rune tattoos mainly act as talismans. Drawings are applied to the body to protect against dark forces, troubles and to help find the path of life. Most often, the runes are applied in combination with a portrait of a close and dear person; this gives you protection, acts as a talisman. Each runic sign has its own special meaning:
Peace is the call of protection and patronage of the gods. It is believed that by performing this symbol on the body, a person will be insured against evil deeds, revenge for the ill received.
Chernobog will help you forget your negative past, be it a bad relationship or unpleasant situations. This symbol can help you find a way out of even a vicious circle. The rainbow will show you the right path to achieve your goals.The rune will help not only to find the right path, but also to make it as short as possible when reaching the goal.
Alatyr - this tattoo is considered one of the most common runic drawings. TO
latyr guarantees a balance between good and evil, light and shadow, as well as all living things.
Treba - helps to overcome obstacles and difficulties in life. Also, this sign increases the strength of the spirit and gives confidence. Need is a fire that burns in the chest of its owner and quickly tries to burst. The wind is a creative storm, the power of the winds that inspires creativity. It is worth noting that the misuse of a mystical symbol can contribute to a real storm that can completely destroy your entire life.
Bereginya is the most common type of runic tattoos, which is especially popular among girls. This symbol implies strong family ties, well-being, peace and tranquility in the home. Bereginya is also a symbol of fertility. Strength is a symbol that allows you to gain faith in yourself, get rid of everything superfluous that interferes with life. It is not only physical strength, but also moral. With this symbol on the body, you can find your true path and purpose.
Dazhdbog attracts material wealth and good luck. Such a rune is suitable exclusively for hardworking people with pure thoughts.
Crada contributes to the generation of leadership qualities in a person.
Rune Tattoo Photo Gallery
Below are the best rune tattoos for women and men.