If you’ve ever seen or heard of Viking Runes and believe them to be mere ancient symbols – well, they’re much more than that – they are symbols of deep power, meaning, and mystery.
Viking Runes were historically used by the Norse people for writing, magic, and divination, where the runes represented both sounds and spiritual concepts.
Today, however, rune jewellery, including Viking Runes, have become a very stylish and symbolic way to connect to this centuries-old wisdom – bringing protection, guidance, and strength to the wearer.
Let’s discuss some of the meanings associated with these mysteriously alluring objects, including how you can wear them when it comes to both style and personal empowerment.
Viking Runes: What are they and what do they mean?
Runes are the letters of the Elder Futhark, the oldest known Norse-Germanic runic alphabet, used between roughly 150 and 800 AD. One honest note first: the Vikings of the Viking Age (about 793–1066 AD) actually wrote with a later, shorter 16-rune alphabet called the Younger Futhark. The 24-rune Elder Futhark shown here comes from the earlier Germanic period — but because most “Viking rune” jewellery draws on it, we’ll use its rune names throughout. Just know the two are not the same alphabet.
Runes were used above all for writing — carving names, ownership marks, memorials on stone, and everyday messages. Some inscriptions were also charged with intent (protective words like alu appear on early amulets), and the Roman writer Tacitus describes Germanic peoples casting marked lots for guidance. But the tidy one-word “meaning” attached to each rune below comes mostly from the medieval rune poems and from a much later revival — so treat them as symbolic associations to choose from, not documented Viking battle-magic.
Here’s a brief look at the historical meaning of specific runes to help you chose a Viking Rune that best resonates with you on a personal level:
Algiz (ᛉ)
Algiz is popularly known as the rune of Protection and Defence. In fairness, its original name and meaning are uncertain — scholars are split between “elk” and “protection” — and wearing it as a protective charm is largely a modern tradition rather than a documented Viking one. Even so, it’s the rune most people reach for today when they want a sense of spiritual safety.
Ansuz (ᚨ)
The rune of Wisdom and Protection, Ansuz is connected to the Norse god of wisdom and knowledge, Odin. Today, it’s worn commonly by speakers, writers, and the like, including especially those who seek inspiration.
Ehwaz (ᛖ)
Ehwaz is the rune of the Horse. Its name literally means “horse” — the animal a Norse rider trusted with their life — so it came to stand for partnership, trust, loyalty, and teamwork, along with steady forward progress and change for the better. A rune of moving ahead with someone (or something) you rely on.
Berkano (ᛒ)
The Berkano Viking Rune symbolises Creation and Fertility, which may be anything from the birth of new life and relationships to projects and business ventures. It may, however, also represent your own rebirth, especially if you are looking to embark on new beginnings or start afresh.
Fehu (ᚠ)
Fehu, the rune of Wealth and Success, represents good fortune, material success, and prosperity. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs and business owners or anyone, really, who seeks abundant sustenance in life.
Raidho (ᚱ)
Raidho is a rune associated with Journey and Destiny, representing movement, travel, and spiritual growth. This one is a very common rune among travellers, unsurprisingly, and those seeking new adventures.
Tiwaz (ᛏ)
The rune of Courage and Victory symbolises leadership, warrior strength, and justice. It’s a great choice for anyone who is facing all kinds of challenges in life and needs more determination in facing them or overcoming obstacles.
What’s the best way to wear Viking Runes today?
Ah, now we’re getting to the fun bits!
Modern Viking rune jewellery can be worn in a number of ways, depending on the desired effect you are after. For example:
Rune earrings to gain subtle empowerment
Many people today prefer a discreet way of wearing Viking Runes. If this is you, then you can wear yours in a stylish silver earring, a subtle yet brilliant way to carry a good dose of “power” wherever you go or wherever your journey may take you.
Multiple runes as bracelets for personalise meaning
When you wear a silver bracelet engraved with multiple eye-catching runes, you combine multiple energies. For instance, Raidho and Fehu combined symbolises wealth and the start of a journey towards success.
Rings that have engraved runes for strength and power
We know all too well by now that rune rings used to be worn by Vikings to symbolise power, strength, commitment, and allegiance. A Tiwaz ring, for example, might represent strength in battle (in modern times, this can translate to day-to-day struggles), while an Ansuz ring may be ideal if you seek more clarity and wisdom in life.
Rune pendants to derive daily energy and vigour
A rune pendant helps you keep the power of the chosen symbol as close to your heart as possible. So, whether you go with Fehu for prosperity, or Algiz for protection, wearing your rune charm in a silver necklace might serve as a reminder as to what your intentions or goals are.
Additionally, Viking Runes can also be worn in forms other than jewellery:
Tattoos – Runes are increasingly becoming popular as tattoos, with people often choosing to have them tattooed rather than wear as a ring or bracelet to, perhaps, represent personal heritage and/or meanings on a more profound level.
Before any rune goes on skin instead of silver, check the alphabet-and-authenticity rules in our guide to viking tattoos.
Travel – Specialised runes which you can carry with you can be used as a travel charm, with certain runes representing journeys and protection from harm while you travel.
Bindrunes – Bindrunes are a combination of runes, allowing you to create more intricate and complex symbols, representing your journey throughout life at a deeper level.
Rune cloth – Use a rune cloth to lay your runes when casting or working with them for divination, for example, or other practices. This is typically done to provide a protective surface or boundary for your runes.
Runes, and particularly Viking Runes, continue to be commonly worn as jewellery, however, where your chosen rune can be engraved onto metals like gold and silver, or worn as jewellery, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elder Futhark?
The Elder Futhark is the oldest known Norse-Germanic runic alphabet, used between roughly 150 and 800 AD. It contains 24 runes, each standing for both a sound and a name. Note that it predates the Viking Age proper — the Vikings themselves wrote with the later 16-rune Younger Futhark. Runes were used mainly for writing (memorials, ownership, messages); some inscriptions were protective, while drawing runes for divination the way it is done today is a 20th-century revival, not a documented Viking ritual.
Which Viking rune offers the strongest protection?
Algiz is the rune most associated with protection today. To be accurate, its ancient meaning is debated (it may have meant “elk” rather than “protection”), and there is no solid evidence that Norse warriors wore Algiz charms before battle — that link is a modern one. Regardless, it remains the most popular rune people choose for a sense of spiritual safety.
Can you combine multiple runes in a single piece of jewelry?
Yes. Combining runes is called creating a bindrune. For example, pairing Raidho (journey) with Fehu (wealth) on a bracelet symbolises a path toward prosperity. Bindrunes let you layer multiple energies into one symbol, and they have been used since the Viking Age for personalised protection and intention.
Which rune should I wear for career success?
Fehu is the rune most associated with material wealth, good fortune, and business success. Entrepreneurs and professionals often choose Fehu jewelry as a daily reminder of their goals. If you also want leadership energy, Tiwaz (courage and victory) pairs well with Fehu.
Does it matter what material a rune ring is made from?
Historically, runes were carved into bone, wood, and stone. For modern jewelry, sterling silver and stainless steel are the most common choices. The symbolic meaning stays the same regardless of material. Pick based on your lifestyle and preference for weight, durability, and skin sensitivity.
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Closing Thoughts on Viking Runes
Viking Runes today are no longer seen as ancient symbols. They are very powerful tools to help you make personal transformation and more.
Whether you’re drawn to their aesthetic and history, or their deep meaning, wearing different Viking Runes can be a very meaningful way to embrace the same wisdom and strength the Norse people carried with them for ages.