Page Under Construction
Rune interpretations from other individuals will be added as received.
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)
| 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. General meaning: 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. |
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)
| Ferret Loki's Friend
Ur applied to Loki: Here we are told of magnificent powerful beasts. Among his children Loki has some of the strongest and most impressive animals of the myths, Sleipnir the fastest of all horses, Fenris the wolf who will bring down Odin and Jormungand, the serpent that surrounds Midgard. They all have attributes to admire, aspire to, and respect. General Meaning: A magnificent beast. To me this is all things big and beautiful and powerful. Consequently I use it to refer to cars, bikes and buildings as well as strength and animals. |
| Olwen Thor's Friend
Ur applied to Thor: Ur represents the invunerable strength of Midgard's defender and is the rune of his hammer Mjolnir. Ur is the bull skybellower that Thor used as bait when he fished for the World Serpent. Ur is the eagle symbolising Thor's shamanic might which can strike like lightning. Strength without wisdom is no matter for pride. |
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)
Ferret Loki's Friend Thorn applied to Loki : Well this rune could be referring to Thor as a defender of common folk and it is certainly often taken that way but perhaps we're missing the point (pun intended). Who exactly is the thorn in the side of the Gods? Who has sharp wit and will apply it to anyone and everyone? Who is a nightmare for those he lives among. This has to be Loki. Loki at his most cunning and devious. Whilst his sharp wit will often get you out of trouble, play with it for fun and you'll lose. General meaning: A strong defence. For me this talks of protection and a certain amount of integrity and honesty. So to me this is very Thor. For me it has a lot of his atributes. I might use it to mean a defence or as a request for Thor to be involved. |
Olwen Thor's Friend
Thorn applied to Thor: Thorn is the sheild raised to defend home and kin, defences both physical and spiritual. Thorn is Thor's warding of Earth against all that would do us harm. Thorn is the sacred tree which keeps Thor's fire away from honest folk. Thorn is not aggressive and harms none who live in frith, nor forces its way on others. Those consumed with hate win no friends.Artwork, 'Thorn' by Jim Kirkwood. |
Latin Symbol: O.
A god is the origin of all speech.
Wisdom's prop and wise men's comfort,
and for every man a blessing and a joy. (xiv)
Summary: Communication. Wisdom.
Latin Symbol: R.
Riding in the hall is very pleasant but
for the warrior sitting on a strong horse
covering the mile-paths it is very hard. (xiv)
Summary: Travel, transition, discomfort.
Latin Symbol: C.
Torch to all living creatures is clear by its fire.
Shiny and bright it burns most often
where leaders choose to rest. (xiv)
Summary: Light, guidance, leadership, wealth.
Latin Symbol: G.
Giving is for men glory and acclaim,
support and honour, and for the needy
a help and sustenance that is otherwise lacking. (xiv)
Summary: Gift, charity, kindness.
Latin Symbol: W.
Joyful is he who has little want,
soreness and sorrow, and has for himself
plenty and bliss and a comfortable dwelling. (xiv)
Summary: Joy, comfort.
Latin Symbol: F.
Hail is the whitest of grains.
It descends from heaven's air and swirls in the wind.
Soon it returns to water. (xiv)
Summary: Change, purity, movement.
TO BE CONTINUED
(xiv) Anglo-Saxon Mythology, Migration and Magic, Tony Linsell, Anglo-Saxon Books. 1992