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Norse Runes of Elder Futhark Trivia Quiz
Elder Futhark is an ancient runic alphabet used by Germanic peoples. It consists of 24 characters and holds symbolic meanings. See if you can match the name of the character with the character itself. Good luck! This is a renovated/adopted version of an old quiz by author aria
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Matching the name of the rune to its symbol may be easier than you think. Remember that Old Norse was a major influence on English and some of these characters transitioned from language to language.
The "Fehu" rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "F" sound and is associated with wealth, abundance, and prosperity. Its shape resembles a vertical line with two branches veering off of it to the right, somewhat resembling the letter "F" in the Roman alphabet, but with the vertical stroke extended upward.
In Norse mythology, Fehu is often associated with the concept of cattle and livestock. These were symbols of wealth and prosperity in ancient societies. Fehu symbolizes both material and financial abundance as well as the potential for growth and prosperity through hard work, diligence, and wise stewardship of resources.
2. Uruz
The Uruz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the sound "U" and is associated with strength, power, and vitality. Its shape resembles two vertical lines, the one on the left being the taller, and a diagonal line connecting the tops. This gives it a shape similar to the letter "het" in the Hebrew alphabet, but with a longer vertical stroke on the left.
In Norse mythology, Uruz is often linked with the primal force of the wild ox, representing raw physical strength, endurance, and the untamed forces of nature. It symbolizes the ability to overcome obstacles through inner strength and resilience, or maybe just some plain old stubbornness. Uruz can also signify the beginning of a new phase or a period of growth and transformation, as the ox represents fertility and the power of creation.
3. Kenaz
The Kenaz rune, also called Kaunan or Kauna, represents the "K" or hard "C" sound and is associated with knowledge, creativity, and illumination. Its shape has a diagonal line from top right to the middle-left, then back down to the bottom right, like an angular Latin "C" or a 'less than' symbol.
In Norse mythology, Kenaz is often linked with the hearth, fire, and the transformative power of illumination. It symbolizes the light of knowledge and the creative spark that ignites new ideas and innovation. Kenaz is associated with learning, insight, and inspiration, as well as the ability to bring warmth and enlightenment to oneself and others.
4. Jera
The Jera rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "J" or "Y" sound and is associated with harvest, cycles, and fruition. Its shape looks like two opposite symbols offset from each other that look like angled brackets, like the 'less than' and 'greater than' symbols that are facing each other but with the 'less than' slightly higher.
In Norse mythology, Jera is closely linked with the concept of time and the cyclical nature of life. It symbolizes the passage of seasons, the steadiness of the agricultural year, and the cycles of growth, fruition, and harvest. Jera represents patience, diligence, and the rewards that come from consistent effort over time. It reminds us that all things in life have their seasons and that we must work in harmony with the natural cycles to achieve the abundance and prosperity that we seek.
5. Ansuz
The Ansuz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "A" sound and is associated with communication, divine inspiration, and wisdom. Its shape resembles half of an upward-pointing arrow with a horizontal line crossing it near the top, somewhat resembling the letter "F" in the Roman alphabet, but with the horizontal strokes angled downward.
In Norse mythology, Ansuz is often associated with Odin, the chief god of the Norse pantheon. He is considered the god of wisdom, poetry, and eloquence. Ansuz symbolizes the power of spoken and written word, as well as divine inspiration and the transmission of knowledge. It represents the ability to communicate effectively, express oneself clearly, and listen to constructive criticism from higher sources.
6. Tiwaz
The Tiwaz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "T" sound and is associated with honor, justice, and victory. Its shape typically resembles an upward-pointing arrow with wide angles for the branches on top. This resembles the Latin letter "T".
In Norse mythology, Tiwaz is often associated with Tyr, the Norse god of war and justice. Tyr is known for his bravery, self-sacrifice, and commitment to upholding oaths and agreements. Tiwaz symbolizes courage, determination, and the willingness to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. It is also associated with victory, particularly in battles of honor and integrity.
7. Berkana
The Berkana rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "B" sound and is associated with growth, fertility, and nurturing. Its shape resembles an an angular Latin letter "B".
In Norse mythology, Berkana is often associated with the goddess Freyja, who is linked with love, fertility, and the cycle of life. Berkana symbolizes the nurturing and protective aspects of feminine energy, as well as the cycles of growth, renewal, and regeneration found in nature. It represents fertility, abundance, and the potential for new beginnings and growth.
8. Dagaz
The Dagaz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "D" sound and is associated with dawn, breakthrough, and transformation. Its shape resembles an "X" with its left and right sides closed off with vertical lines, basically, two triangles meeting in the center.
In Norse mythology, Dagaz is often associated with the dawn, representing the transition from darkness to light and the promise of a new day. It symbolizes clarity, enlightenment, and the moment of realization or insight that leads to a breakthrough. Dagaz signifies a turning point, a moment of clarity or understanding that brings about positive change and transformation.
9. Mannaz
The Mannaz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "M" sound and is associated with humanity, community, and self-awareness. Its shape resembles a stylized Latin "M", but with both of the diagonals extending to the opposite vertical line.
In Norse mythology, Mannaz symbolizes the human race and the interconnectedness of all people. It represents the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual support in achieving common goals. Mannaz signifies self-awareness, personal growth, and the development of one's potential within the context of society.
10. Hagalaz
The Hagalaz rune in the Elder Futhark runic alphabet represents the "H" sound and is commonly associated with the concept of hail. The shape of the rune itself resembles an "H" or two parallel lines, often with a connecting line crossing them diagonally.
Symbolically, Hagalaz carries both positive and negative meanings. On one hand, it can signify destruction, chaos, and uncontrollable forces of nature, much like the destructive power of hailstorms. However, it's also seen as a rune of transformation and necessary change. Like the harsh impact of hail breaking things apart, Hagalaz can represent the breaking down of old structures and patterns to make way for new growth and renewal.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor trident before going online.
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