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Latin Symbol: F.
Wealth is a comfort to all men.
Yet each must give freely
to win glory in heaven. (xiv)
Summary: comfort, charity, greed.
The heathen folk of Scandinavia and England had no currency as we know it today, they measured wealth in precious objects, gold and silver ingots or jewellery, cattle, corn, hides and fabrics. Thus wealth was literally a comfort, a strong roomy hall, well made and warm clothing, plentiful food and luxurious hangings and bed clothes.
The last line is undoubtedly a Christian comment, but charity was equally important in the heathen period. If the farmer's labourers were not supplied with food in the winter months they would stave, and a warrior rewarded with a precious ring would be doubly loyal. Settlements were isolated and a generous master could greatly increase the efficiency of his followers, if his resources were used wisely.
The hidden comment in the rune poem - misers lose in friends and opportunities - is as valid today as it was then.
Gods: (for wealth) Frey, Freyja, Njord, Hnoss, Odin.
Plants: Corn. Animals: Magpie (negative aspect)
Latin Symbol: U
The Aurochs is determined and armed above.
Fierce and bold it fights with horns.
Monster moor-stepper, it is a mighty creature. (xiv)
Summary: Strength, aggression, determination.
The aurochs was one of the largest and mightiest animals known to the Anglo-Saxons, the poet's admiration for this impressive beast is clear. The aurochs symbolises pure strength and power, the emphasis on its horns underlines the aggressive potential of this primeval bull.
The aurochs shows the positive attributes of strength, confidence, determination and deserved pride.
Gods: Thor, Frey, Magni.
Animals: Aurochs, bull, stag, wildcat.
Plants: (The oak represents strength but not aggression)
Latin symbol: Th
Summary: Pain, obstacle, strong defences.
Thorn is very sharp for all men.
Struggling with them is painful for any warrior.
They are severe to those who live among them. (xiv)
In Anglo-Saxon times, thorns would have been found on wild rose trees, brambles, blackthorn, hawthorn trees and prickerly shrubs such as gorse or gooseberry. The rune poem gives little doubt that they hurt as much 1000 years ago as they do today. As symbolism the thorn represents passive defence, thorn bushes rarely hurt anyone who isn't climbing over them or pruning them back.
They can also symbolise a protective barrier, not just for the plant but also for the farmer who deliberately hedges his land with thorn bearing plants. The magical thorn barrier in the tale of Sleeping Beauty is a good image to bear in mind. Thorny plants also have their plus side, most produce beautiful blossoms, especially the rose and the 'may' of the hawthorn. They are also important sources of wild foods, blackberries, rosehips, sloes and haws would all have been gathered to supplement the food reserves of the early Anglo-Saxons.
Plants: Rose, Bramble, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Holly, Nettle.
Animals: Hedgehog.
Gods: (in desperation Frey and Thor as the defenders of the farming community - though there is no strong link here)
(xiv) Anglo-Saxon Mythology, Migration and Magic, Tony Linsell, Anglo-Saxon Books. 1992