Elder Futhark Runes: The Complete Guide to Norse Rune Tattoos

A Cornerstone Article of the Nordic Tattoo Master Series

There is so much to be said about the Elder Futhark runes. Songs have been written of them, stones have been carved with them, and countless lives have been guided by their symbols for over a thousand years. For many, runes carry deep personal meaning—markers of identity, intention, ancestry, and transformation. For others, they appear mysterious or foreign, their true purpose lost beneath modern misconceptions and surface-level interpretations. What often gets missed is that these symbols were never meant to be aesthetic decorations alone—they were language, prayer, oath, and story combined into form.

This article exists to dig beneath the surface of the runes and reconnect them to their historical roots and living power. Rather than offering shallow lists or trendy symbolism, the goal here is to explore what the runes truly were, how they were used, and why they still resonate so strongly today—especially in tattooing. Whether you’re drawn to a single rune, a protective bindrune, or a deeply personal Norse composition, understanding their authentic meanings adds intention and integrity to the art you carry on your skin.

The Stentoften Runestone, an example of runes carved in stone.

Where do the Elder Futhark Runes come from?

In Norse mythology, the runes were not invented by humans… they were found.

According to the Hávamál, Odin sacrifices himself on the World Tree, hanging for nine nights “wounded with a spear, given to Odin, myself to myself.” In this trance between life and death, he glimpses the runes in the depths below, seizes them with a scream, and rises back to the world with the secrets of writing, magic, and meaning. In the mythic worldview, runes are gifts of insight pulled from the fabric of the universe — symbols of wisdom earned through sacrifice, suffering, and deep personal transformation. That’s why so many people today connect to runes not as simple letters, but as signs tied to resilience, shadow work, and awakening.

Historically, the story is different, but no less interesting.

The Elder Futhark appears across Northern Europe between the 2nd and 8th centuries CE, likely evolving from early Italic or Mediterranean alphabets adapted by Germanic tribes into their own symbolic system. Over time, runes shifted from a writing method to tools of meaning-making, ritual, memorial stones, personal identity, and magical practice. Archaeologists have found them carved into combs, weapons, amulets, jewelry, and stones from Denmark to Germany to Sweden — each inscription offering a tiny window into the culture and mindset of early Germanic peoples. So whether you look at runes through the lens of mythology or archaeology, both roads lead to the same truth: runes have always been more than markings. They are symbols of identity, intention, power, and connection — which is why they remain such powerful tattoo motifs today.

Introduction: Why Rune Tattoos Matter

Among all Norse symbols, the Elder Futhark runes remain the most frequently requested and the most misunderstood in tattoo culture. Their power, mystique, and cultural weight have inspired people for centuries—and today they are among the most personal and symbolically loaded Nordic tattoo motifs.

But the problem most clients face is this:

“What do the runes really mean? What are their true historical interpretations? And how do I avoid something inauthentic or incorrect?”

This guide answers all of that and more.

As part of the Nordic Tattoo Master Series, this article goes deeper than typical online rune lists. It is built from historical sources, archaeological references, linguistic research, and real-world tattoo experience at Ancient Marks, where clients travel nationally for custom Norse and rune-based work.

If you want a rune tattoo—whether a single rune, a protective stave, or a custom bindrune—this guide gives you a foundation built on accuracy and intention.

This guide won’t make the bindrune for you, but can serve as a guide when you bring your intentions to your artist to create a lasting personalized bindrune for you.

Various Sigils and Bindrunes with random designs… These are part of a FLASH set and available to you.

This artwork is ©2025 ANCIENT MARKS, LLC.

What Are the Elder Futhark Runes?

The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet, used roughly from 150–800 CE across Scandinavia and Germanic Europe.

It contains 24 runes, divided into three families called Aetts:

1. Freyr’s Aett — Growth, vitality, expansion
   
   

2. Heimdall’s (or Hagal’s) Aett — Challenge, trials, transformation
   
   

3. Tyr’s Aett — Strength, order, justice, the warrior’s path
   
   
   

Each rune holds:

• A phonetic value (sound)
  
  

• A literal meaning (object or concept)
  
  

• A symbolic meaning (spiritual or archetypal)
  
  

• A historical context (as seen on stones and artifacts)
  
  

The runes are NOT:

• A language you can “write English words” with
  
  

• A direct translation system
  
  

• A modern Wiccan symbol set
  
  

• A simple decoration
  
  

They are an ancient writing + symbolic system that carried meaning on multiple levels. in fact, it is said that the god Oden gave his eye for the knowledge of these runes. But more on that in another blog post.

The 24 Elder Futhark Runes - Meanings & Tattoo Significance

Below is the complete set, with accurate interpretations drawn from sources such as:

• The Poetic Edda

• The Hávamál (Rune Poem sections)

• The Kylver Stone inscription

• Scholarly works by H.R. Ellis Davidson, Rudolf Simek, and Neil Price
  
  
  
  

Freyr’s Aett - Runes of Vitality, Wealth & New Beginnings

1. Fehu (ᚠ)

Literal: Cattle, wealth

Symbolic: Prosperity, success, fulfilling goals

Tattoo Meaning: Achievement, self-made success, building a life of abundance

Notes: One of the most common runes for entrepreneurs, creators, or self-starters.

2. Uruz (ᚢ)

Literal: Ancient aurochs (wild bull)

Symbolic: Strength, endurance, raw primal energy

Tattoo Meaning: Inner strength, overcoming illness, personal resilience

Notes: Powerful when paired with a protection stave.

3. Thurisaz (ᚦ)

Literal: Thorn or giant (Jötunn)

Symbolic: Defense, conflict, controlled chaos

Tattoo Meaning: Setting boundaries, facing adversity, protection

Notes: Not a “negative” rune—just potent and sharp.

4. Ansuz (ᚨ)

Literal: Odin, divine breath

Symbolic: Wisdom, communication, inspiration

Tattoo Meaning: Insight, creativity, spiritual calling

Notes: Popular for writers, teachers, and spiritual practitioners.

5. Raidho (ᚱ)

Literal: Riding, journey

Symbolic: Traveling, moving forward, life’s path

Tattoo Meaning: Momentum, life transition, spiritual pilgrimage

Notes: Strong on the forearm due to linear flow.

6. Kenaz (ᚲ)

Literal: Torch

Symbolic: Knowledge, illumination, skill

Tattoo Meaning: The spark of creation, healing, clarity

Notes: Excellent for artists, craftsmen, creators.

7. Gebo (ᚷ)

Literal: Gift

Symbolic: Generosity, partnership, exchange

Tattoo Meaning: Love, marriage, equal partnership

Notes: One of the most used runes in relationship bindrunes.

8. Wunjo (ᚹ)

Literal: Joy

Symbolic: Harmony, belonging, bliss

Tattoo Meaning: Peace, gratitude, emotional fulfillment

Notes: Works beautifully above the heart or sternum.

Heimdall’s Aett - Runes of Trials, Transformation & Challenge

9. Hagalaz (ᚺ)

Literal: Hail**

Symbolic: Disruption, cleansing, necessary destruction

Tattoo Meaning: A storm overcome; a trauma survived

Notes: Powerful transformative energy.

10. Nauthiz (ᚾ)

Literal: Need, deprivation

Symbolic: Friction, endurance, resilience

Tattoo Meaning: Strength developed under constraint

Notes: Popular for those who’ve overcome addiction or hardship.

11. Isa (ᛁ)

Literal: Ice

Symbolic: Stillness, clarity, boundaries

Tattoo Meaning: Pause, reflection, emotional control

Notes: Pairs well with meditation themes or inner stillness.

12. Jera (ᛃ)

Literal: Year, harvest

Symbolic: Cycles, reward, natural timing

Tattoo Meaning: Long-term goals, patience and payoff

Notes: Perfect for sleeve fillers with knotwork.

13. Eihwaz (ᛇ)

Literal: Yew tree

Symbolic: Death, rebirth, endurance

Tattoo Meaning: Transformation, spiritual strength

Notes: Often mistaken for “negative,” but deeply powerful.

14. Perthro (ᛈ)

Literal: Dice cup (fate, chance)

Symbolic: Mystery, destiny, hidden forces

Tattoo Meaning: Embracing the unknown, trusting fate

Notes: Popular among gamblers, seekers, and mystics.

15. Algiz (ᛉ)

Literal: Elk

Symbolic: Protection, sanctuary, divine shielding

Tattoo Meaning: Safety, guardianship, spiritual defense

Notes: One of the most popular tattoo runes of all time.

16. Sowilo (ᛋ)

Literal: Sun

Symbolic: Success, vitality, guidance

Tattoo Meaning: Triumph, healing, personal power

Notes: Often placed along the spine or sternum.

Tyr’s Aett - Runes of Strength, Justice & Purpose

17. Tiwaz (ᛏ)

Literal: Tyr, the warrior god

Symbolic: Honor, justice, self-sacrifice

Tattoo Meaning: Courage, integrity, overcoming obstacles

Notes: A favorite for police, military, athletes, or anyone fighting a battle.

18. Berkano (ᛒ)

Literal: Birch tree

Symbolic: Birth, renewal, feminine energy

Tattoo Meaning: New beginnings, motherhood, growth

Notes: Ideal for family-based bindrunes.

19. Ehwaz (ᛖ)

Literal: Horse

Symbolic: Partnership, trust, movement

Tattoo Meaning: Teamwork, loyalty, bonded relationships

Notes: Often mirrored for symmetry in tattoos.

20. Mannaz (ᛗ)

Literal: Human

Symbolic: The self, community, intelligence

Tattoo Meaning: Self-development, identity, overcoming ego

Notes: A grounding rune.

21. Laguz (ᛚ)

Literal: Water

Symbolic: Flow, emotion, intuition

Tattoo Meaning: Healing, emotional journey, adaptability

Notes: Great for fluid tattoo compositions.

22. Ingwaz (ᛜ)

Literal: Ing (fertility god)

Symbolic: Stored energy, gestation, creation

Tattoo Meaning: Creation, fertility, potential

Notes: A powerful “manifestation” rune.

23. Dagaz (ᛞ)

Literal: Day

Symbolic: Breakthrough, awakening

Tattoo Meaning: Personal transformation, enlightenment

Notes: Excellent in recovery-themed tattoos.

24. Othala (ᛟ)

Literal: Ancestral property

Symbolic: Heritage, roots, home

Tattoo Meaning: Family lineage, cultural identity

Notes: Very popular among people honoring Scandinavian ancestry.

Are Rune Tattoos “Dangerous” or Cursed?

A common myth (mostly online) claims certain runes are “dangerous,” “evil,” or “should never be tattooed.”

Nothing in the historical record supports this. hundreds of thousands of us that have runes tattooed on our skin can attest to the fact that they are infact quite save, and to the contrary, bring out the intended meanings into being by tattooing them on the skin,

Runes were tools—like letters, concepts, archetypes.

The “danger” comes only from ignorance or misuse.

Tattooing them with knowledge and intention is respectful and safe. And can have tremendous benefits.

The Power of BindRunes (Custom Personal Sigils)

A BindRune is a combination of two or more runes merged into a single sigil.

This tradition is historically supported, although the exact methods varied. Today, BindRunes in tattoos allow clients to combine personal meanings such as:

• Strength + protection
  

• Love + partnership
  

• Healing + growth
  

• Journey + self-discovery
  

• Ancestry + purpose
  
  
  

At Ancient Marks, bindrunes are:

• Custom drawn
  

• Balanced for aesthetic flow
  

• Energetically aligned to the client
  

• Integrated into larger Nordic tattoo designs
  
  
  
  

If you want a highly personal Nordic tattoo, a bindrune is one of the strongest paths, and can easily be added to, or can be used to fill a space.

Tattoo Placement & Design Considerations

Composition matters, Authenticity matters, but flow matters most of all.

Runes can integrate beautifully on:

• Fingers

• Forearms

• Ribs

• Spine

• Wrist

• Behind ear

• Sternum

• Part of larger Norse sleeves

• Individually, or repeated nside knotwork or other Lattice work on a larger piece

• Included in armor-style designs

• As the center of a symbol or Sigil (Vegvísir, Helm of Awe)

• As part of a Jörmungandr - Sleeve or Back Piece
  
  

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Author Bio - Jon Poulson, Ancient Marks

Jon Poulson is the founder of Ancient Marks, and one of the few tattoo artists in North America specializing in historically grounded Norse, Celtic, and ancestral tattoo styles. With over 20 years of experience in this style, Jon creates custom story-driven designs rooted in authentic symbolism, cultural respect, and artistic excellence. Clients travel nationally for Nordic-inspired work, bind-runes, and large-scale, geometric inspired and Tribal style tattoos.