Rune peom translated by Tony Linsell and Math Jones, Academic introduction by Thorskegga and Math Jones, heathen interpretations by Thorunn, Ferret, Savrin and Olwen. Artwork by Thorskegga and Jim Kirkwood.
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)
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Math Jones:
Feoh byth frofur fira gewhylcum sceal theah manna gewhylc miclun hyt dælan gif he wile for drightne domes hleotan
Feoh - fee, cattle, riches - is a comfort to any man though each man should deal it out greatly if he will before his drighten be alloted dooms...
Feoh - taking a wider meaning of wealth, ie. gold, coin, pennies, from its original meaning of cattle - is described as a consolation or refuge as well as a help (frofur ). The verse then says that it should be dealt out freely if he wishes to thought well of by his lord (or God?). Dom, or doom, has meanings beyond our 'doomed to die' - of a judgement, an evaluation of a man's worth or life, a reflection and assessment of what has been; while drighten is a leader of a warband, but is also often used for Christ (we might similarly used it for Woden, for Ingwi-Frey or others... ). Hleotan means to obtain by lot, to casts lots - so is there a reference to the casting of runes done by the head of the hall, the drighten ? A time for dealing out. |
| Thorunn Freyrsfriend
Feoh The Vanir being not only fertility deities but also associated with wealth (and the cattle that this rune refers to being one primary sources of portable wealth and food sustenance for communities) this rune represents the fertility, nuturing and weath represented by the deities Freyr and Freyja. A General Meaning: Increase in your fortune or continuing favour from the gods. Maybe an encouragement to be more forthcoming with the 'wealth'with which you have been favoured. |
| Ferret Loki's Friend
Feoh applied to Loki: Much of the wealth of the gods of Asgard came from Loki. He provided Thor with Mjollnir, and Sif her hair (OK so he was responsible for her needing it in the first place, but the new hair was better). His generosity was significant in persuading the other Gods to forgive his indiscretions, and allowing him to stay among them. He could have used his persuasive abilities to build wealth for himself but felt it better placed in providing for others. Your wealth is not just the material goods you own but also the value you give to your community, be that skills knowledge or goods. |
| Savlin Loki's
Friend:
Wealth, something of value, possibly a person rather than an object, but always valuable. I often use it when there isn't a better rune that could cover the same thing. In short I find it a bit vague for most applications but YMMV. |
 Olwen Thor's Friend
Feoh applied to Thor: Jord's son blesses the crops to ensure the wellbeing of his people. Wealth should be used wisely, iron costs dear and cannot be both a sword and a ploughshare. Friendship and kind words cost nothing but are worth more than gold. The lord who does not share with his folk will not be welcome in Bilskirnir.Artwork, 'Feoh' by Jim Kirkwood. |