The Old Norse Spell Book

Your Guide to the Elder Futhark, Norse

Folklore, Runes, Paganism, Divination, and
Magic
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alda Dagny
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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
PRONUNCIATION
CHAPTER 1:  NORSE PAGANISM
What is Norse Paganism?
Beliefs
Polytheism
Animism
Pluralism
Cosmology
Ancestors
Afterlife
Paths
Asatru
Vanatru
Rokkatru
Thursatru
Others
CHAPTER 2:  FOLKLORE
Sources of Folklore
Poetic Edda
Prose Edda
Yggdrasil and the Nine Realms
Yggdrasil
Innangard and Utangard
Midgard
Asgard
Vanaheim
Jotunheim
Niflheim
 Muspelheim
Alfheim
Nidavellir/Svartalfheim
Hel
Ragnarok
The Tale of Ragnarok
Well of Urd and the Three Norns
The Aesir
Odin
Thor
Frigg
Tyr
Loki
Baldur
Heimdall
Idun
Bragi
The Vanir
Freya
Freyr
Njord
Jotun
Ymir
Fenrir
Skadi
Hel
Jormungand
CHAPTER 3:  RUNES
History
The Runic Alphabet
Runestones
CHAPTER 4:  THE ELDER FUTHARK
The Elder Futhark
Freyr’s Aett
 The God Behind the Rune
Fehu
Uruz
Thurisaz
Ansuz
Raidho
Kenaz
Gebo
Wunjo
Hagal or Heimdell’s Aett
The God Behind the Rune
Hagalaz
Nauthiz
Isa
Jera
Eihwaz
Perthro
Algiz
Sowilo
Tyr’s Aett
The God Behind the Rune
Tiwaz
Berkana
Ehwaz
Mannaz
Laguz
Inguz
Dagaz
Othala
CHAPTER 5:  MAGIC
Inscriptions
Talisman
Creating a Talisman
Rune Scripts
Bind Runes
 Stadhagaldr
CHAPTER 6:  DIVINATION
Casting Runes
Rune Spreads
One Rune Spread
Three
Five
Nine
Seidr
Galdr
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES


Introduction

Do you feel a spiritual connection to the world and its inhabitants?

Maybe you can feel the earth in ways that your family doesn’t. Or
perhaps you have an interest in history and folklore. Does the idea of
magic excite you while giving you a sense of unity with the world? If
any of the above sound like you, try learning about Old Norse
mythology and customs.
What is Old Norse?
The Norse are a Germanic group that derive from the present
Scandinavian regions. The history predates Christianity, and it has a
language that is ancient, even older than Latin! Their written
language is unlike anything we’ve ever known. In fact, it’s made up
of runes.
What are runes?
Runes are ancient symbols or letters that make up an alphabet
known as the Futhark. Named after its first six letters, the Futhark
has three types of alphabets that stem from it; though this book will
only focus on the original: The Elder Futhark.
What makes runes special compared to the letters of the English
alphabet?
Well, for starters, runes are more than just letters. Runes are
symbols that represent letters, sounds, and meanings. For example,
Fehu—the first runic letter in the alphabet—translates to ‘cattle.’ The
rune can also symbolize wealth, fertility, and an assortment of other
meanings. It’s compared to the letter F in the English alphabet (and
is the F in Futhark). It’s also based on the god, Freyr. See how just
one runic letter can hold so much meaning?
As if that wasn’t enough, the runes can also invoke magic; even the
ancient Norse gods would use runes for magic. Whether you’re
carving a runic symbol on a talisman or writing your name in a piece
of wood, you can invoke the magic that the rune symbolizes.
However, runes aren’t the only source of magic for the Norse.
There’s also: Seidr and Galdr magic, incantations and spells,
divination, and magic of fate.
Possibly the most interesting of all is the beings that enrich the
folklore. Old Norse mythology is filled with terrifyingly brilliant
creatures, including the gods, who make up a majority of the folklore.
Unlike traditional gods in religion, these gods can be just as cunning
and dangerous as the giants they slay.
“There are giants?” you ask. Of course there are! These giants make
up both enemies and lovers of the gods. They are also ferocious
beings that can shapeshift and rule over realms with strength equal
to the gods. Possibly the most interesting character among the gods
and giants is the well-known trickster god, Loki. His children are
interestingly dangerous characters, as well.
If gods and giants aren’t enough for your mythologically-craved
mind, then how about elves? That’s right, there are elves, too. And
dwarves. The dwarves are master craftsmen who create some of the
most important magical weapons used by the gods, like Thor’s
hammer, Mjolnir.
Ancient Norse culture is filled with creatures, like a giant serpent who
circles the ocean surrounding the human world or the dog that
guards the underworld.
Within this book, we’ll travel the nine realms of the Norse universe
while learning about the history and folklore that surrounds it. Let it
lead you to the modern age where you can learn how to follow and
worship the gods in this day and age.
Pronunciation

Aesir—ice-ir
Alfheim—alf-hame
Asgard—ass-gard
Baldur—bald-er
Bragi—brag-ee
Fenrir—fen-rear
Freya—fray-uh
Freyr—frey-ur
Heimdall—hame-doll
Idun—IH-dune
Innangard—INN-ann-gard
Jotun—jow-tune
Jotunheim—yo-tun-hame
Loki—loak-ee
Mjolnir—me-yol-neer
Muspelheim—mu-spell-hame
Nidavellir—NID-uh-yell-ir
Niflheim—ni-vel-hame
Njord—nee-yord
Odin—OH-din
Seidr—say-der
Skadi—skahd-ee
Sleipnir—slayp-nir
Svartalvheim—SVART-alf-hame
Thjazi—thyaht-see
Tyr—like English word ‘tier’
Utangard—OOT-ann-gard
Vanaheim—van-uh-hame
Vanir—vuh-neer
Yggdrasil—eeg-drah-seal
Ymir—ee-mir
Chapter 1:

Norse Paganism

What is Norse Paganism?

Heathenry is a type of Neopaganism (new Paganism) that stems
from the pre-Christian beliefs of the Germanic people. Among
Heathenry is the branch of Norse Paganism.
Norse Paganism is a path of Paganism based on the religious
movement of the ancient Scandinavian people. This predates the
existence of Christianity and before Christianization threatened to
wipe out any remaining Norse religion.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many sources for the Nordic religion
because in that time, there was no printing press, and everything
was spread orally. For that reason, word of mouth was the only way
to transmit the stories and beliefs of Old Norse mythology.
One way that it could be written was through runic inscriptions on
caves, rocks, and boulders. But how can we be so certain about
what they mean? We have a general idea of what each rune
represents, but without concrete evidence or scripture, a part of it is
merely a guessing game.
Not to mention, Christianization could’ve heavily influenced much of
what we know today about the Norse religion. In the beginning
stages of Christianization, many rulers converted to Christianity due
to concern for their military and economy. It was dangerous to follow
the path of anything but Christianity in that time. Some people
decided to expand their Pagan views with Christian views, as well.
This caused a blend of beliefs, but kept the Norse religion alive, even
if today it’s a sliver of what it used to be.
Most of what we know about this ancient Nordic religion came from
the anonymous Poetic Edda, and later on the Prose Edda, by Snorri
Sturluson, the Havamal, and a few other Icelandic sagas.
Beliefs
Polytheism
Norse Paganism follows polytheism—the belief in more than one
god. Unlike other religions that have a central godly deity who is all-
knowing and wholly pure, the Norse gods are like humans with
supreme abilities; they have both good attributes and flaws. They are
sometimes driven by emotion and have their own moments of cruelty
that one doesn’t generally associate with a god.
Among the divine, there are three groups they fall into:
★       The Aesir
★       The Vanir
★       The Jotun
The Aesir are a group of gods of basic needs and principles, such as
justice, wisdom, or strength. They reside in Asgard, which is a
heavenly atmosphere where the land is more fertile and beautiful
than any other. They have the biggest and most well-known group of
gods, including Odin (the father of the gods), Thor, and occasionally
Loki. If you’ve seen the Marvel movies, you’re probably already
familiar with some of these names.
The Vanir are a smaller group of gods based on fertility and magic.
The most well-known of this bunch is the twin duo Freya and Freyr,
whose divine power is fertility. The Vanir live in the Vanaheim realm.
The Aesir and the Vanir are longstanding enemies at war for
centuries. The war does eventually come to an end and to make
peace, several Vanir deities travel to Asgard to stay.
The Jotun are giants that represent chaos and destruction. They
aren’t seen as allies by either the Vanir or the Aesir, though love
affairs and marriage do often happen between the three groups.
While many see the Jotun as the ‘bad’ gods, there is a path of Norse
Paganism that’s dedicated to understanding the logic and reasoning
behind their actions.
Animism
Unlike much of the traditional religions that have one supreme deity
ruling in the sky, this ancient religion believes that the divine is
present in the world around you. Everything in nature, be it plants,
animals, rivers, or mountains, is made of spiritual energy. This is a
common belief among any Pagan path, even outside of Norse
Paganism. Everything, both living and dead, is in some way a
magical entity.
It was common for deities or giants to take the form of animals. This
means that if you were traveling through the woods, that bird in the
tree may be just a bird, or it may be a divine entity in disguise.
However, this spiritual energy was not found only in nature, but in
manmade objects, as well. Dwarves would often craft objects that
held great power and were given to the gods. The gods would work
with these objects hand in hand, collaborating in a team effort.
Without the object, deities held less power (though they were still
powerful without it). However, without a god to hold the object, it was
unusable.

Pluralism
Norse beliefs fall into the pluralist category because they have many
truths and principles compared to their dualist or monist
counterparts. Religions like Christianity are dualist religions because
everything is based on ‘good’ or ‘evil.’ God is good, but the devil is
bad. Heaven is reserved for those who lived a ‘good’ life, while hell is
waiting to torture those who were ‘evil.’ Even religions like Wicca
have a dualist belief in that everything has opposites: masculine and
feminine.
However, Norse Paganism doesn’t fit its beliefs into little boxes like
‘good’ or ‘evil.’ In a sense, there’s a lot of gray area—everything isn’t
black and white. The gods are the perfect example of this. While it
might seem like there's a ‘heaven’ (Asgard) and a ‘hell’ (Hel), these
two are not simply good or bad places.
Asgard is home to the gods who believe in justice and order. It’s said
to have the most beautiful and wealthy land, the epitome of what we
conceive heaven to be. However, there are many flaws that
accompany Asgard and the gods who reside there. In more than one
story, the gods of the Aesir make questionable choices that wouldn’t
be considered ‘good’ like you would believe heaven to be.
That’s what makes Norse Paganism different from other religions.
God doesn’t simply equal good. They are complex beings who have
both talents and flaws, as does everything else. Take the god Loki;
he can be seen helping both the gods and Jutans. Whichever
benefits him the most is his only concern. And such a character is
considered a god (though he is looked down upon by other gods for
his dishonorable behavior). He lingers on both sides of the fence,
just as humans do. Sometimes he does ‘good’ things, but it’s often
for the wrong reasons. Other times, he does truly rotten things for no
reason besides wanting a little mischief in his life. Yet, he was
accepted by the Aesir, the giants, and fathers a bunch of children
with vastly different appearances and forms. Talk about your gray
area!

Cosmology
Some believe the theory that the universe was formed from the big
bang. Others believe that God created the universe in six days,
using the seventh day as rest. But what do the Norse believe?
It’s difficult to say the exact creation of the universe considering
much of what was written about Norse mythology was after
Christianization took over Europe. For that reason, Norse mythology
could be somewhat blended with Christian views. However, the
creation of the Norse universe is based more on symbolism than
actuality.
Yggdrasil is the tree in which all the worlds are connected. Without
Yggdrasil, everything would cease to exist.
The creation of the world starts with an endless void called
Ginnungagap. On one side was Niflheim, a frozen void, and on the
other side was Muspelheim, a raging inferno. The frozen wasteland
and the land of fire merged together, forming the first giant, Ymir, and
the cosmic cow, Audhumbla. Ymir grew from the cow’s milk while the
cow found sustenance in licking the salty edge of Ginnungagap.
From Ymir grew other beings who then procreated and spawned
additional beings. Eventually, Odin and his brothers were formed.
They killed the giant Ymir and his blood spewed so much that it
formed the ocean, his skin formed dirt, his bones formed mountains,
and his teeth formed rocks. His eyelashes were used to create a
barrier between Midgard, the realm of man, and Jutenheim, the
realm of giants. Niflheim was pushed underground while muspelheim
was dispersed across the universe, creating stars and lighting the
sky.
Time passed, and the warmth from the sky mixed with the rain that
fell from the clouds that were created from Ymir’s brain and
produced life: plants, animals, and spirits roamed the world.
The brothers found an ash and elm tree when walking along the
shore by the sea and used the trees to make the first man and
woman, who they called Ask and Embla. Each brother gave them a
gift that would be the very essence of humankind. Odin gifted them
the breath of life and a soul. Hoenir gifted them mind, spirit, and will.
Lodur gifted them blood and senses, or the ability to feel. From
there, Ask and Embla populated the world.

Ancestors
Ancestors play a vital role in Norse Paganism and family life. It’s
essential to keep some form of contact with them, inviting them into
your life, whether they are of your ancestry by blood or bond.
Worship your ancestors and they will strive to bring you peace and
prosperity. Be warned; if you ignore your ancestors, they just might
come back to haunt you, bringing bad fortune with them.
However, it’s your choice who, if any, ancestors you contact or
worship. If you don’t feel comfortable with your ancestors or you
don’t have a connection with them, then you might find more peace
not worshipping them.
Afterlife
The Norse don’t have one specific belief for what happens after
death. Some believe that those who passed would travel on to the
underworld. Fallen soldiers of great courage would end up in
Valhalla, while others who passed might end up in Hel. Some believe
in reincarnation among their family lineages. Others believe that
when you pass, you simply pass, and nothing happens.
Whatever the belief, one thing is for certain: it’s different from the
traditional or Christianity view of the afterlife. First, there isn’t a set
‘heaven’ and ‘hell.’ This promotes the idea that you should spend
your life in pursuit of a rewarding afterlife or trying to avoid the
punishment of a tormenting afterlife. The Norse don’t believe in living
your life based on the potential consequences of the afterlife.
Instead, they believe you should live for the current moment,
providing for yourself and your community.
Part of the reason for this belief is that the Norse see death as part
of a cycle. It’s inevitable and nothing to fear. Everyone dies and it’s
accepted.
Paths
Paths are considered the branch of Paganism you follow. Some
choose to follow the path of Wicca, while others might choose to
follow Heathenry or Druidry. Perhaps, they choose to be an Eclectic
Pagan. There are so many paths you can choose to follow. Below
are a few Norse Pagan paths and what they represent.
Asatru
History
Though Asatru is an ancient language, it was near extinct after
Christianization hit Europe. Many were forced to follow a different
religion and the ancient ways nearly disappeared.
However, they made a comeback in the 1970s as the revival of
Germanic Paganism was celebrated once more. In Iceland, on the
Summer Solstice of 1972, it was recognized as an official religion
once again. Shortly after, Asatru groups formed in the United States.
The religion is similar to the ancient ways of Norse culture, before
Christianity.
Beliefs
Asatru is “true to the Aesir.” Asatruars believe that gods are living
beings who take an active role in the world. Much of the Asatru
beliefs are based on Old Norse mythology. There are three types of
deities within Asatru: the Aesir, the Vanir, and the Jotnar. The Aesir is
the primary focus of worship of the deities, though worshipping the
other two branches is also accepted. Some of the gods and
goddesses include
●      Odin, the one-eyed father figure who learned secret wisdom
by hanging from Yggdrasil for nine nights.
●         Frigg, the wife of Odin, and goddess of marriage and
motherhood with a talent for divinity and ‘seeing.’
●     Freyr and Freya, the brother and sister deities of fertility, love,
and battle.
●     Thor, Odin’s son and the god of thunder who wields a divine
hammer.
●         Loki, the trickster god who has, on numerous occasions,
shown a lack of honor.
These gods were just a few among the many gods of the Aesir.
There are also a number of gods among the Vanir and Jotnar that
Asatru followers may worship, though the focus should be primarily
Aesir gods.
Asatru also believes in the Nine Noble Virtues, Norse Paganism’s
version of the ten commandments. As with many things in Norse
mythology, the sacred number nine appears. These virtues are the
basic Norse standards of courage, honor, discipline, industriousness,
hospitality, self-reliance, perseverance, truth, and fidelity.
Religious Structure
The Gothar is the name for the collective priesthood in Asatru. A
single priest is a Gothi (male) or a Gythia (female). The word Gothar
translates to: “Those who speak the godly tongue.” The Gothar are
based on the location and region in which you reside, but you are
free to follow any Gothi.
Ceremonies performed by the Gothar are open to the public. Official
ceremonies are called blot (‘blood’). These are sacrificial ceremonies
in which you make an offering to the gods in return for a gift. There’s
debate as to whether the ceremony should be called a blot if there is
no blood in the sacrifice. In that instance, many opt for the term
‘faining’ instead of blot.
Similar to other paths of Paganism, the solstice and the equinox are
days of celebration. However, the Norse don’t celebrate the seasons
in the same way as us. Instead of each season, there is summer and
half-summer, winter and half-winter, because they see half of the
year as winter, and half as summer. There are four main ceremonies
each year:
Jolablot (“yule-blot”) is the winter ceremony to honor the goddess
Freya. Before Christianization, the Yule was celebrated in January
and not December, making this the half-winter celebration.
Sigrblot (“victory-blot”) is held on sumardagurinn fyrsti, or summer
solstice.
Thingblot (“assembly-blot”) is a summer celebration that honors the
laws, things (which are meetings or assemblies), and human society.
Veturnattablot (winter-nights-blot”) is held on the Winter Solstice in
honor of Odin.
Asatru is made of kindreds, or local groups of worship, similar to a
community church. They can be family members, friends, or
neighbors, as long as they practice Asatru and perform ceremonies
and rituals together. These groups may or may not be affiliated with
national organizations.
Though Asatru does have gods and practices that are followed, it’s
also open to the user’s interpretation and choice of how they choose
to practice. Asatru doesn’t follow any specific scriptures or dogma,
though many base their teachings on the Poetic Edda and Havamal.
Nine Noble Virtues
Courage
The ancient Norse believe in courage both physically and morally. To
live a courageous life, you need to stand up for your beliefs, no
matter who you come up against. The ancient Paganism that was
practiced in the Scandinavian region predated Christianity. When the
world was facing Christianization, standing up for your beliefs was
terrifying. It meant possibly being slaughtered for having a different
view of the world. However, those who truly do have courage would
be proud to live the Nine Noble Virtues.
Even today, it can be hard to live a life that’s different from “the
norm.” Though these beliefs are much more accepted in the modern
age, it’s still met with resistance from some. Many communities are
still rich in traditional, conservative views, possibly shunning those
who practice Paganism. In this situation, some might give in to the
others around them, changing their beliefs and the way they behave
to avoid persecution.
However, it’s not only with religion that you must assert your beliefs;
life presents you many moments to test your courage. Say you have
a good friend, and you discover they’ve been running a scam,
conning people out of thousands of their well-earned pay. This is
when your true courage is being tested. Do you stay silent and allow
your friend to continue with their actions because you’re trying to
remain loyal to them? Or do you put a stop to it, even if it means
your friend could face serious consequences?
It’s hard to have courage because sometimes the lines or morality
are blurred. Which is considered a higher moral ground—being
faithful or helping others?
One of the major beliefs of both modern and ancient Norse
Paganism is community. You’re only as strong as your community
and to hinder the community’s well-being is disgraceful. It’s also
disgraceful to run away from battle, which brings you to the physical
aspect of courage. The Norse ancestors believed that anyone who
displayed cowardice was among the worst. It was even considered a
crime to remove yourself from battle for fear of dying.
Truth
There are two types of truth: spiritual and actual. Spiritual truth is
what you know to be true spiritually and personally. Many describe
their belief in God as a spiritual truth; something they just know,
without ‘proof.’
Actual truth is just as it sounds; it’s the truth. As they say, honesty is
the best policy. It can be hard to be honest, especially if it’s
something that you know that someone doesn’t want to hear. It’s why
you lie when your friend asks if they look good in those pants—you
don’t want to hurt their feelings. However, the consequences of
telling the truth, such as a bruised ego, is far less than the
consequences of lying.
Truth and courage go hand in hand. Without truth, you have no
courage to stand up for your beliefs because you don’t know your
beliefs to be true. How are you going to root for something you feel
ho-hum about? It goes the other way, too. You need courage to
speak the truth. Especially when it means hurting someone you care
about.
Although speaking the truth is always encouraged, there are times it
can be damaging. Don’t be fooled into speaking the truth you hear
from others if they are dishonest. It may be unintentional, but you’re
spreading lies and that’s worse than saying nothing. In fact, if you
don’t know for certain the truth that you speak, you shouldn't say
anything.
Truth also correlates with living a virtuous life. Generally, when you
lie it’s because you’re trying to avoid punishment for wrongdoing.
Lead a morally positive life and you have no reason to feel tempted
to lie.
Honor
It’s both your reputation and your moral compass. Honor is possibly
the most important virtue as it ties them all together. Living with
honor means you live with a sense of all nine virtues. Who you are
and how you behave will be remembered, long after you’re gone. In
other words, your honor outlives your body. You should always
consider how your actions affect others around you and in your
community because your honor is based on your worth in the eyes of
your fellow man.
However, honor is more than reputation and how people see you. It’s
about how you see yourself; the inner belief that you know to be true
about yourself, which extends to your outward sense of being.
Fidelity
Fidelity is remaining true to your beliefs, family, spouse, and
community. Loyalty to those you are connected with, whether it be in
relation or those who surround you, is important to determining your
character and honor as a person. To be unfaithful or betray any one
of those is seen as the biggest disgrace, and often punishable by
death in ancient times.
This includes being loyal in oaths, such as wedding vows or
promises. Oaths were viewed as sacred contracts, and breaking an
oath was the worst kind of betrayal.
Discipline
Discipline is using your personal will to uphold honor and the other
virtues. It often goes hand in hand with fidelity because it takes self-
discipline not to stray from the path of Asatru. Life might present you
with an easier path, but it’s not always the better choice. You need
the will to persist and uphold your virtues. As Grandmother Willow
said in Disney’s Pocahontas, “Sometimes, the right path is not the
easiest one.”
Hospitality
Hospitality is showing kindness to your community.
The Norse ancestors were often miles away from other people, so
when a traveler would come through needing a place to stay, offering
your hospitality was vital. You were expected to offer your guest
something to eat, drink, and entertain them. It’s the same
expectations as how you’d treat your family coming into town and
staying with you. Not to mention, Odin traveled through Midgard in
disguise, so it was important to treat every guest with the same
respect and hospitality you’d show your family. You never knew who
was staying at your house, and you certainly didn’t want to be the
one to treat a god with disrespect.
Though you don’t have strange travelers knocking on your door, you
still need to show kindness to your community, help one another, and
show respect. You never know what struggles your friends or
neighbors have endured, and often a little compassion is what they
need.
Industrious
Industriousness is to work hard to achieve a goal. Having a good
work ethic is important to survival. In ancient times, if you didn’t work
hard, you went without: you would starve or freeze. Your livelihood
literally depended on your ability to work hard.
Even outside of your work, you should always strive to do your best.
It’s not enough to get something done; you need to do it well.
Whether it’s your career, your beliefs, or a hobby that you enjoy, you
should always give it all you got. This sets a great example for others
to follow, as well.
Self-Reliance
Self-reliance is taking care of yourself while having a relationship
with the deities.
It’s important to help others, but you can’t take care of others if you
don’t first take care of yourself. It goes hand in hand with
industriousness. You need to work hard, and the gods will reward
those who stand on their own two feet. For example, if you wish for
the gods to bestow blessings, you need to prove your worth. You
can’t just sit around waiting for something to happen for you, you
need to make it happen.
In fact, during ceremonies it’s expected that you stand with the gods
to prove that you want to stand tall and work hard for what you want.
Kneeling, like some religions might prefer, is seen as expecting
handouts. Take responsibility for your life and put some effort into
getting what you want.
Perseverance
Perseverance is to continue trying, despite obstacles.
It’s simple: don’t give up, no matter how hard life gets. You will
continually get knocked down, but failure isn’t what matters, trying is.
So, you made a mistake? Learn from your mistakes and move on. In
the process, you’ve gained insight to something you would never
have known had you not failed.
When you think of people you admire, who comes to mind?
Generally, someone who’s worked hard to get what they want. You
don’t root for someone who quits easily or is handed everything; you
root for the person who never gives up, even when they think they’ve
lost it all.
White Supremacy Among Asatru
A modern group, the Asatru Folk Assembly, is a white supremecist
group of Nordics. They believe that only those of strictly European
bloodlines should follow their faith. They received a lot of backlash
when they created a “whites only” church to support their beliefs.
They claim that the issue doesn’t lie with other cultures or ethnicities
as they don’t actively seek to harm them; they are simply trying to
keep their religion pure to their ancestors.
Many followers of Heathenry dispute this path of Paganism, saying
that it’s not true to the way of the Norse, or any other Pagan path.
Paganism is supposed to be about your connection with the world
around you, but how can you do that if you’re limiting it to only those
with European and Viking ancestors?
Another cause for concern is the Norse symbols that are being used
by the group of white supremacists. The symbols themselves don’t
involve racism, but when they are used in such a manner, it alters
the meaning to something that's despicable and unwelcome. For that
reason, many Heathens are working to put an end to this group.

Vanatru
The path of Vanatru is “true to the Vanir.” This path focuses on the
gods of the Vanir, which includes deities like Freyr, Freya, Njord,
Nerthus, and a few other gods. Where Asatru bases much of their
practice on the Nine Noble Virtues and the Norse mythology as a
whole, Vanatru treats the gods and goddesses as individuals. There
are specific rites and ways to communicate with a single deity.
Though their structure isn’t as tight as Asatru, the idea of community
is still vital among those who follow the path of Vanatru.
True to the Vanir, this path focuses on witchcraft, folk magic, and
divination, among nature. It’s a relatively new path, only appearing
around the 1990s.

Rokkatru
Rokkatru is a branch of Norse Paganism that is true to the Rokkr. It
focuses on the Jotnar and the deities that are often viewed
negatively or chaotic. Those who practice Rokkatru don’t see them
as dark or evil. Instead, they try to understand the nature of these
gods and why they behave as they do.
Gods and beings of the Jotnar and underworld represent death,
destruction, and chaos, but this is a natural part of life. People who
believe in Rokkatru understand that it’s just a part of the cycle.
Some gods that are often celebrated in Rokkatru are:
★       Loki and Angrboda
★       Fenrir
★       Narvi and Vali
★       Jormungandr
★       Sigyn
★       Hela/Hel
★       Surtr
Many members on this list are related to Loki through blood or
affiliation. However, there are more beings not mentioned that are
involved in Rokkatru practice.
There is no standard way to practice Rokkatru, and no one path of
worship. It’s heavily based on your own ideals and beliefs; you craft
your own path. Simply focus on developing your own connections to
the deities.

Thursatru
Thursatru, often confused with Rokkatru, is similar, but vastly
different. It’s not generally accepted as a form of Heathenry as
Rokkatru is. Those who practice Thursatru hold an interest in the
‘unwelcome’ deities like Rokkatru does, only they don’t look for the
reasoning behind the actions or the possibility of redemption.
Instead, they see the gods as dark beings and thrive on that idea.
They are anti-Aesir and anti-Vanir.
Thursatru loves the idea of chaos and evil deities; they think it’s cool
and thrive on the rebellious nature. They disregard the Nine Noble
Virtues. Instead, they practice their beliefs with ritual offerings and
symbols.
They worship the Thurses, or the Jotun, and have a Gnostic
perspective, believing that they hold a piece of the deities’ powers
within them.

Others
A few other paths worth mentioning are Odinism (which is based
around the god Odin), Lokean (based around the god Loki), and
Tribal Heathenry.
Chapter 2:

Folklore

Sources of Folklore
The only sources of knowledge we have relating to Old Norse
mythology are based on literature that’s been handed down through
generations. When northern Europe was facing the change in
religion from their ancient polytheistic folklore to Christianity, the
language and beliefs were adjusted and adapted to Christian ones.
Without these old texts resurfacing and being passed down through
history, the language and lore would have been completely lost to
Christianization.

Poetic Edda
The Poetic Edda, also referred to as the Elder Edda, is a collection
of poetry based on Old Norse mythology and is possibly the most
significant of sources. Though there are multiple versions, they all
stem from the Codex Regius—a medieval book that contains and
preserves poems from the Poetic Edda. It was written in the
thirteenth century but was composed of material that was thought to
be from as far back as the ninth century C.E.
Though the exact age of the Poetic Edda is unknown and heavily
debated among historians, some of the poems (such as Voluspa)
were written in a way that suggests Christian ideals. Based on that,
it’s believed that the Poetic Edda contained poetry mostly from the
tenth to thirteenth centuries C.E., when Iceland and Scandinavia
were converting to Christianity. Because the authors of the poems
are anonymous, there is no way of telling the exact time and location
from which it came.
Prose Edda
The Prose Edda (also referred to as Edda, Younger Edda, or Snorri’s
Edda) is like the remake to the Poetic Edda. Think of it like a movie;
when the remake of a movie is made decades later, the core of the
movie is still the same, but many things become embellished and
changed to suit the newer culture. The Prose Edda was written, or
compiled, by the Icelandic historian and politician Snorri Sturluson in
the thirteenth century, long after Christianity had become the official
religion of Iceland. He wrote the poems of the Poetic Edda with
much greater detail and added a lot of information that wasn’t seen
in the original. His interpretation of the world is consistent among the
poems, which leads many to believe his sources are credible.
However, because most of what he added was his own declarations,
you should take it with a grain of salt. Some consider the added
content to be simply entertainment for the reader.
Yggdrasil and the Nine Realms

Yggdrasil
At the center of the universe is a giant, sacred Ash tree named
Yggdrasil. Many religions have cosmic trees that are, in some sense,
related to the creation of life, the Divine, and humanity. For the
ancient Norse, that tree is Yggdrasil. It links the nine realms through
its branches and holds more significance than any other being. No
spiritual entity or divine deity is as important as Yggdrasil.
Although this tree is sacred, it’s not immortal. It’s known that when it
dies, everything else dies with it. This includes gods, goddesses,
humans, giants, elves, and all their worlds, too.
With branches reaching the heavens and roots extending into the
underworld, this massive tree touches each of the nine worlds. At the
top is Asgard, the home of the gods. In the center of the trunk is
Midgard, the home of humanity. Connected to its roots is Helheim,
the underworld. The world of the dwarves, elves, giants, Vanir, fire,
and ice, connect through its branches.
Several animals are said to occupy Yggdrasil. At the top sits an
unnamed eagle whose beating wings cause the wind that is felt in
the human world. Ratatoskr is a squirrel that scurries along the
branches, delivering messages to the tree, and insults to the eagle
from Nidhogg, the dragon at the base of the tree who gnaws on the
roots. Nidhogg isn’t the only one who gnaws on the tree; other
snakes slither around and gnaw on its roots, as well as four stags—
Dainn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr, and Durathror—who feed on the leaves and
buds of the tree.
Though these creatures behave like animals—eating from the tree
and scurrying along the trunk—they also have anthropomorphic
traits like trading insults or harming the very tree that gives them life.
Despite the violence the tree encounters, it heals and continues to
thrive. However, it is only a mortal tree that desperately needs
compassion and love.
Through these creatures that reside in the tree, we see the basic
human existence; the need for survival through every serpent that
gnaws away at us; the need for healing and rebirth (to try again
when you fail); and most importantly, the need for compassion and
love to continue to thrive.

Innangard and Utangard

Innangard and Utangard are both a place and a state of mind. It’s a
concept based on order and chaos. While many of the ancient
Nordic people preferred Innangard, they understood that Utangard
was needed at times, too, so long as it was still controlled. ‘Gard’
was the ancient word for enclosure, which served as a boundary
between two states of being. For example, an enclosure such as a
fence was used to keep cattle within, safe from the trolls and giants
that lurked on the outside. It separated the control within the fence
and the chaos beyond it.
Innangard (within the enclosure) is the idea of order and law. Many
would associate Asgard with the concept of Innangard because it
was seen as a land that was heavily influenced by justice and order.
Utangard (beyond the enclosure) represents chaos and disruption,
or the anarchic side of things. Jotunheim is the epitome of Utangard
because the gods or giants that roam that land prefer to live by their
own rules. In fact, Jotunheim can also be referred to as ‘Utgard.’
Midgard is seen as a combination of both. The human world has
elements of both order and chaos. This can be in the form of one’s
state of mind, and the form of government among tribes or nations.

Midgard
Midgard is the world of humans: the Earthly realm. It sits at the trunk
of Yggdrasil and is the center of the other nine realms.
Midgard is in the middle—in more than one meaning. Regarding
innangard and utangard, Midgard has elements of both order and
chaos. Midgard is also located between Asgard and Hel. The three
are linear on Yggdrasil and are even connected. Asgard is
connected to Midgard by a burning rainbow bridge called Bifrost that
ends at Himinbjorg, the home to god Heimdall. Hel is connected
through the graves that lead to the Underworld.

Asgard
Asgard, meaning “enclosure of the Aesir,” is the realm of the Aesir.
It’s located in the sky at the top of Yggdrasil, connected through its
uppermost branch. Asgard is like the heavens of the Norse universe
and is the epitome of innangard because it’s ruled with order and
law. Asgard is home to the ruling class of the divine and is where the
ruler Odin lives. Because this is the realm of the gods, the land is
more fertile than any other and is filled with wealth in the form of gold
and jewels. It’s basically what you would think the land of great rulers
would look like.
Asgard is surrounded by a stone wall enclosure. It’s also home to
Valhalla, the hall of fallen warriors. The word is comprised of ‘valr,’
(“dead body on a battlefield”) and ‘holl,’ (‘hall’). It’s where half of the
soldiers who died in battle will be sent after they pass. Odin sends
the valkyries—a group of females who choose the worthy soldiers—
to observe the battle and determine who is the bravest and most
worthy to be sent to Valhalla.

Vanaheim
Vanaheim is the world of the Vanir, an ancient tribe of gods and
goddesses. It’s located on the highest level of Yggdrasil, though no
one knows the exact location or appearance of Vanaheim. It was
suggested in the text Lokasenna, or “the taunting of Loki,” that
Vanaheim lies west of Asgard.
The Vanir are associated with sorcery, fertility, nature, and have the
ability to predict the future. For years, the Vanir and the Aesir were at
war. At the end of the war, the Vanir became a subgroup of the Aesir,
and three members of the Vanir moved to Asgard to promote peace.
Jotunheim
Jotunheim is the world of the Jotnar, the frost and rock giants. This
world consists of dark, dense forests, rocky landscapes, and snowy
mountain regions where the peaks are always plagued with a deadly
winter. Because the landscape has no fertile land, the giants get their
sustenance from fish in the rivers and animals in the forests.

Jotunheim is located on the middle level of the Yggdrasil, in Midgard.

Yggdrasil is said to have three wells—one being Mimisbrunnr
(Mimir’s well), the well of wisdom—which is located in Jotunheim
under the Midgard root of the tree. This is the well where Odin
sacrificed his eye for wisdom.
It’s separated from Asgard by the river Irving, which never freezes
despite being in snowy regions on the outer shores of the ocean.
The Jotnar are enemies of the Aesir and have been in constant
battle. However, there have been a few forbidden romances between
the two groups. Loki was even accepted among the Aesir and
resided in Asgard before he was punished. Unfortunately, their
fighting never ceases.
The primary city of Jotunheim is Utgard, a fortress that’s tall enough
to barely see the top and fortified with blocks of snow and icicles.
Inside this fortress is the king Utgard-Loki.
Some other strongholds and their leaders include Thrynheim, the
house of uproar, the mountain fortress of the giant Thiazi, and
Gastropnir, the home of Menglad, a giantess. The feared ruler of
Jotunheim is Thrym.

Niflheim
Niflheim is the primordial world of ice and was created from the
ancient void Ginnungagap. The word Niflheim translates to “mist
home.” It’s the darkest, coldest place in the Norse universe that
contains icy fogs and mists and is located in the lower level of
Yggdrasil.
The oldest spring, Hvergelmir, meaning “bubbling, boiling spring,” is
located in Niflheim and is the source of all 11 rivers known as
Elivagar. The water from these rivers flowed down the mountains
and into Ginnungagap where it froze into solid ice. Then, as
Yggdrasil grew, one of its three roots extended into Niflheim and into
the spring of Hvergelmir. Hvergelmir is guarded by Nidhogg, who
eats corpses and gnaws on the roots of Yggdrasil in the Shore of
Corpses known as Nastrond.
Helheim, the realm of death and the underworld, is part of this cold,
dark region. It’s said that after Ragnarok, there will be a hall for what
is seen as the worst type of people, such as murderers or those who
have no honor and are unfaithful.
Muspelheim
Muspelheim is the primordial realm of fire. It’s the first elemental
world to emerge from Ginnungagap, along with Niflheim, the world of
ice. Located in the far south, it’s a burning hot land filled with flames,
sparks, and lava. Home of fire giants, fire demons, and the giant
Surtr—an enemy of the Aesir.
Ruler Surtr is a Jotnar giant who will bring about the end of the
world, known as Ragnarok, with his flaming sword. After he ends
Midgard, he will then attack Asgard, turning it into a fiery Hell.

Alfheim
Alfheim, meaning “elf home,” is the world of the elves. Alfheim is
located on the highest level of the Yggdrasil, along with Asgard and
Vanaheim—the realms of the Aesir and Vanir. The palace of the ruler
and god Freyr is located in Alfheim. While not much is mentioned
about the elves, as they tend to stay out of the events of Old Norse
mythology, it is known that the light elves, or Ljosalfar, are seen as
more beautiful than the sun, and considered guardian angels. They
have the potential to help or harm humans with their magical powers
of nature and fertility. The Dokkalfar, or dark elves, reside in
Svartalfheim.

Nidavellir/Svartalfheim
The realm of the dwarves is known as both Svartalfheim and
Nidavellir. Some of the earlier text indicates that the two were
separate realms but are later merged to make room for Helheim. The
king of this realm was Hreidmar until he was killed.
It’s located below Midgard. Dwarves prefer to live underground,
below rocks, and in caves. Their realm is a dark world, the name
meaning “dark fields.” However, they get their light from beautifully
crafted halls lit by only the fires of their torches and furnaces. They
use the metals from the earth to craft their world.
The dwarves are master craftsmen, and their services have been
called upon by the gods more than once. They’ve even crafted
magical weapons that were gifted to the gods of Asgard. This
includes Mjillnor, Draupner, and other powerful weapons.

Hel
Hel, sometimes known as Helheim, means ‘hidden’ or “hidden
home.” This can be attributed to the fact that it’s ‘hidden’ beneath
gravestones, under the ground of the earth. Hel is the underworld,
where the deceased reside. It is ruled by the goddess Hel, daughter
of Loki.
Aside from Hel and Hell both being located below, the hell of
Christianity is in no way similar to the concept of Hel in Norse
mythology.
While those who die honorably in battle go to Valhalla in the Asgard
realm, those who die outside of the battlefield, such as by disease or
old age, go to Hel. It’s not reserved only for murderers or thieves.
Sometimes, people would place weapons in the hands of loved ones
who passed in an attempt to trick Hel into thinking they died in battle.
Hel is a cold, dark, and misty realm that’s connected with Niflheim,
on the lowest level of the universe. To get there, one would travel
Helvegr, or “the Road to Hell.” This leads them past a bridge and to
the gate.
The entrance to Hel is guarded by a bloodstained hound named
Garm, and the female guardian Modgud who watches over the
impassable river Gjoll that flows from Hvergelmir and surrounds Hel.
Once someone passes into Hel, they can’t leave. Even Baldur, the
god, could not leave Hel when he passed. However, Hel offered to
release him if every living being wept for him, except for one who
was believed to be Loki in disguise. This shows that Hel has the
potential to release those who reside there.
Ragnarok
Ragnarok is the catastrophic destruction of the universe and
everything in it. The end of the world, so to speak. The word
Ragnarok means “Fate of the Gods.”

The Tale of Ragnarok

A great winter, called Fimblwinter, will come, and it will be a winter
unlike any other. The winds will blow so cold in every direction, and
the warmth of the sun will slowly recede. It will last for the length of
three normal winters. Mankind will begin to starve, and with that,
every bit of morals will be wiped away as they scrounge to survive.
It’s said that everyone will slay indiscriminately, whether friend,
family, or foe.
The wolves Skoll and Hati, who hunt the sun and moon, will starve.
The stars will disappear, leaving only a void of darkness in the sky.
Yggdrasil will begin to tremble, and everything will crumble to the
ground, mountains and trees included. This will cause the chain that
holds Fenrir, the monster-wolf, to break and he will run free,
devouring everything in his sight. Jormungandr, the serpent, will pour
out of the ocean and onto land as the world floods. He will then spit
venom everywhere, poisoning the land, water, and air.
The tremble of Yggdrasil will cause the ship, Naglfar (“nail ship”
created by the fingernails and toenails from the dead), to break free
and sail over the flooded earth. On the ship will be an army of giants
and their captain, Loki, who’s now broken free from his chains.
The sky will split open and fire-giants from Muspelheim will emerge
and storm the Bifrost to Asgard. The rainbow bridge will break and
fall behind their steps. Heimdall will sound his horn to warn the Aesir
of the incoming doom. Odin will consult with Mimir, the wisest being,
for their plan of action. The gods will go to battle with the giants,
despite the prophecies telling them they will all perish. They will meet
their enemy on a battlefield called Vigrid.
Odin will fight Fenrir, alongside his human warriors from Valhalla that
he’d prepared for this moment. Fenrir will swallow all the men and
Vidar, Odin’s son, will attack the beast out of vengeance. Fenrir’s
mouth will be forced open by Vidar’s magical leather shoe, and he
will impale him with a sword through the mouth.
During that time, the wolf Garm and the god Tyr will kill each other
while Heimdall and Loki will do the same. Thor will have finally
smashed Jormungandr with his hammer, but not before the serpent
covers him in poison. Thor will then take nine steps before falling.
God Freyr and the giant Surtr will kill each other.
All that remains will sink into the ocean and all that will be left is the
void. Everything will be gone.
While some believe that this is the end, others dispute that the world
will be born anew by a few remaining survivors.
Well of Urd and the Three Norns

At the roots of Yggdrasil, is a bottomless pool of water known as the

Well of Urd, or the Well of Fate.
The Norns are tasked with keeping the tree healthy by carrying water
from the Well of Urd to water the roots of the tree to prevent it from
drying up or rotting.
The Norns are female beings that spin, weave, influence, and sever
the threads of fate. They also carve runes into the trunk of Yggdrasil,
whose meanings would be carried up to the branches to affect the
nine realms. Because the gods are not immune to the thread of fate,
this makes the Norns the most powerful beings, even more so than
the gods.
The Norns are three sisters whose names translate to past, present,
and future. Urd, the eldest sister, represents the past, or “what once
was.” Verandi, the middle sister, represents the present, or “what is
coming into being.” Skuld, the youngest sister, represents the future,
or “what shall be.”
The Norse don’t view time in a traditional sense. We tend to see time
as a linear concept, like a timeline you’d see in a history book.
However, the Norse think of time as a cyclical process of ending and
renewal. The present soon becomes the past, meaning the past
always changes. With every passing moment, a ‘new’ past emerges.
The future is also changing. Though the Norns weave the fate of
each living being, this doesn’t mean that fate is “set in stone” so to
speak. There’s always potential to change the future, no matter what
your fate appears to be. This is why Odin forced Loki’s children to be
sent away to the ocean, or to Hel; he wanted to change prophecy.
The present is the only point of time that is concrete.
Outside of the three sisters, there are other norns that have
divination powers. They arrive at the birth of every infant to weave
their fate. Norns are the ultimate practitioners of divination and seidr
magic.
The Aesir
Odin
Odin is considered the father of the gods. He rules the Aesir tribe
and, though he lives in Asgard, he often travels the realms in search
of wisdom and knowledge. He is the god of magic, wisdom, wit, and
knowledge. He’s also a god of war and bloodshed, though that’s
based on Viking accounts, and may vary from Odin’s true nature.
He's possibly most known for hanging himself from Yggdrasil for
nine days to learn the power of the runes and sacrificing his eye for
wisdom. Just about any of the stories based around him relate to
wisdom and knowledge, working with ideas more than violence.
He has two ravens named Huginn and Munin, (‘thought’ and
‘memory’). These ravens fly over the world and return to him with
information and news.
His spear, Gungnir, was gifted to him by Loki and crafted from the
dwarves. This spear is known to never miss a target. Draupnir, a ring
that produces eight new rings every ninth night, was also crafted
from the dwarves and gifted from Loki. Sleipnir, his eight-legged
steed, was also from Loki who birthed the horse when he was
shapeshifted into the form of a beautiful mare.
Odin is the son of Borr and Jotun Bestla. He is the brother of Vili and
Ve. He married Frigg and had two children with her, Baldur and Hod.
He also had Thor with Jord.
Odin’s Discovery of the Runes
Odin is known for his persistence in seeking knowledge and wisdom.
He would sacrifice just about anything in his search, a theme present
in his quest for the runes.
Odin was envious of the Norns abilities and powers of fate and the
wisdom they had. He wanted to understand the runes, too. The
home of the runes is located in the Well of Urd where the three
Norns would practice their magic. It was said that the runes would
not reveal themselves to anyone unless they could prove they were
worthy of such knowledge and insights.
To prove to the runes that he was worthy, Odin hung himself upside
down from a branch of Yggdrasil, pierced by his spear, and looked
down into the watery abyss of the Well of Urd. Though the other
gods wished to aid him, he forbade them from giving him even the
smallest sip of water or healing his wounds.
For nine days and nights, he called to runes in his upside-down
state, lingering on the fence of the living and the dead. As with many
things in Norse mythology, nine is a sacred number. And on the ninth
night, the runes finally revealed themselves with shapes appearing
within the depths of the water.
The runes deemed him worthy and accepted his sacrifice, granting
him the knowledge of not only their forms but the secrets within. The
very meaning of the word ‘rune’ is ‘secret’ or ‘mystery.’
Because of this newfound knowledge, he became one of the
greatest beings in the universe. He now had the ability to learn
chants for healing wounds both physical and emotional, to constrain
his enemies and transform their weapons into something that was
then useless, douse fires, protect loved ones in battle, free himself
from bindings, wake the dead, and many other immeasurable
qualities that were provided to him through the runes.
Odin’s Sacrifice of his Eye
Always on the hunt for wisdom, Odin didn’t stop with the runes. In
this story, he travels back to the Well of Urd, also known as Mimir’s
Well based on the shadowy being who resided there named Mimir.
The knowledge of Mimir was unmet by anyone in the universe that
he’s enriched with because he drinks from the well. The well is said
to have powers that impart cosmic knowledge to those who drink
from it.
Odin arrived at the well and asked Mimir for a drink. The guardian
wasn’t naïve; he knew the worth of the water and refused to let Odin
take a sip unless he sacrificed an eye as payment. Odin obliged and
gouged out an eye, tossing it into the well. Odin fulfilled the payment,
so Mimir scooped his horn into the well, collecting water for Odin to
drink.

Thor
Before the conversion to Christianity, Thor was a prominent god to
all branches of Germanic religion. However, his popularity reached
an all-time high among the Scandinavian people in the Viking Age.
Thor is the god of thunder, is the epitome of an honorable warrior,
and is enormously muscular in stature. He is the ideal man that
every human warrior was determined to be.
Defender of Asgard and the Aesir, Thor’s sense of duty and courage
are unwavering, and his strength is unmatched. Though he has a
belt that increases his strength when it’s worn, his most valuable
weapon is his hammer, Mjolnir. He rarely leaves home without it.
Where Thor is the god of thunder, his hammer represents lightning.
Thor is the son of Odin and Jord and is the husband of Sif. His first
marriage was to Larnsaxa. Between the two wives, he had four
children: three sons and one daughter.
Thor’s enemy is Jotungund, Loki’s serpent son that swims in the
ocean surrounding Midgard. They are fated to slay each other during
Ragnarok.
Thor the Transvestite
One morning, Thor woke up to Mjolnir missing. Without his hammer,
Asgard would be susceptible to attacks by the giants. Unable to
locate it, he was left enraged.
Freya owned falcon feathers that granted the user the ability to
shapeshift into a falcon. She let Thor and Loki use the feathers to
locate the hammer. Loki already knew how to use the feathers to
shapeshift, and instantly turned into a falcon, flying ahead to
Jotunheim with the idea that they had stolen the hammer.
Loki arrived and shifted back to his god form. He then approached
Thrym, the chief of the giants, and interrogated him about the
hammer. Thrym admitted that he stole the hammer and buried it
eight miles beneath the ground, with no intention to return it. He
would only return the hammer if the goddess Freya would marry him.
Loki regained his falcon form and flew back to Asgard to tell the gods
what Thrym had said. Naturally, the gods were furious. Especially
Freya. They sat in the council, and it was Heimdall who suggested
an interesting idea. Thor should disguise himself as Freya and go to
Jotunheim to get back his hammer (and get revenge, while he’s at
it). Of course, Thor opposed the idea; the image of him disguised as
Freya would surely be mocked by his fellow gods. Everyone in
Asgard would tease him for it. Not to mention, it was dishonorable.
However, Loki pointed out that Asgard would be ruled by the giants if
Thor didn’t agree to do it, so Thor reluctantly obliged them.
Thor put on the meticulously detailed bridal gown and, after being
humiliated, was ready to make a move. Loki suggested he go with
Thor as a maidservant. The two of them rode off to Jotunheim in
Thor’s goat-drawn chariot.
When they arrived, Thrym welcomed the duo, bragging about his
victory over his reward. At dinner, Thor had eaten eight salmon, an
entire ox, and everything that had been prepared for the women. In
addition to that, he drank many barrels of mead. Thrym was
suspicious of the behaviors and claimed to have never seen a
woman eat so much.
Loki, the ever-smooth-talking trickster god, responded that, “The fair
goddess is so lovestruck that she hasn’t been able to eat for a
week.” Thrym shrugged off the answer as he was so overcome by a
desire to kiss his bride-to-be. He pulled back the veil to reveal Thor’s
eyes glaring at him with such intensity. Thrym exclaimed, “Never
have I seen a maiden with such frightfully piercing eyes!” (McCoy,
n.d.).
Loki quickly answered that she had also been unable to sleep
because her longing for Thrym was so fierce.
When the ceremony began, Thrym called for the hammer, as was
the custom to solidify the union. Mjollnir was then laid in Thor’s lap,
and he grabbed the handle, swinging at Thrym. After taking him
down, he went after every guest until he was finally satisfied enough
to return home to Asgard. Once he arrived home, he abruptly
changed into his regular clothing.

Frigg
Frigg (‘beloved’) is sometimes referred to as Frigga. She’s the
highest ranking among the goddesses as she’s the wife of Odin and
the mother of Baldur and Hod. She’s the epitome of a mother and is
said to be the protector of children. Her powers are divinity, with an
ability to know the future, though she does not speak of it.
Both Freya and Frigg are practitioners of seidr magic. Frigg’s ability
to weave the ties of fate can be attributed to her regular weaving
activities. Both Frigg and Freya own falcon feathers that are used to
shift the user into the form of a falcon. Though Freya is often
attributed to being the one that Friday was named after, some
believe that it was actually named after Frigg.
Tyr
Tyr (pronounced like the English word ‘tier’) is the god of war, law,
and justice. He’s also who the third aett (a group of eight runes
devoted to a god) in the Elder Futhark was named after. Though
there’s not much information as to his family, wife, or children (if he
had any), there are a few theories. Jacob Grimm believed that he
had a consort named Zisa, as mentioned in his book Teutonic
Mythology. However, not much else is mentioned about this.
Regarding his father, many believe Odin to be his true father.
However, it’s also thought that his father is possibly Hymir, a giant.
This is mentioned in the story of Thor and his search for a kettle.
Tyr is most well-known for his bravery in letting Fenrir bite off his
hand.
The Kettle of Giants
Thor was in search of a kettle that was said to be enormous enough
to brew large amounts of ale. Tyr claimed the kettle was in his father
Hymir’s possession. The duo traveled to Hymir’s home, but he was
away. However, Tyr’s grandmother, a woman said to have nine
hundred heads, was there. She urged them to take cover for fear
that they’d face Hymir’s wrath when he got home. Taking her advice,
they hid in one of Hymir’s giant kettles. When Hymir returned, she
smashed every kettle, revealing Tyr and Thor.
Instead of facing his wrath, Hymir was frightened by Thor’s massive
frame and called for three oxen to be cooked for his guests for
dinner. Thor ate two oxen and kept the third one as bait, claiming he
would fish with it the following day with Tyr. Any mention of Tyr from
that point forward stops.
The Binding of Fenrir
The gods had an ominous premonition that Loki’s children from
Angrboda would wreak havoc among the gods. They foretold that
Jormungand would kill Thor during Ragnarok, and that Fenrir would
devour Odin. To prevent that from happening, they threw
Jormungand into the ocean, where he continued to encircle Midgard.
Fenrir, on the other hand, they feared more. They couldn’t leave him
somewhere; they needed to keep him in their watch. So, they kept
him in Asgard and took care of him. Though, only Tyr was brave
enough to approach and feed him.
Fenrir grew at an alarming rate, and the gods feared keeping him in
Asgard. They needed to get rid of him but couldn’t let him roam free.
Their only option was to bind him in chains.
They got his consent to be chained by telling him they were testing
his strength. Every time he broke free from his binding, they cheered
him on in their sick, twisted game. Knowing that he was too strong
for every chain they had, they sent a messenger to Svartalfheim for
the dwarves to craft a chain strong enough to match his strength.
The dwarves created a chain named Gleipnir that was made from
things that essentially did not exist. This was to make the strength of
Gleipnir unmatched for Fenrir so that he wouldn’t be able to escape.
When they brought it to Asgard for him to try, he was skeptical.
Catching on to their plan, he refused to be bound in chains any
longer. He knew they were trying to deceive him and only agreed to
put it on if one of the gods lay their hand in his jaw as good faith. Of
course, none of the gods would do it except for Tyr. Always believing
in law and justice, he upheld the deities' end of the bargain. He was
always the only one with enough courage to approach Fenrir; it
made sense he would be the only one to put his hand in his jaw.
As expected, when Fenrir discovered their deceit, he bit down on
Tyr’s hand and swallowed it. Unable to do anything else with him,
the gods transported Fenrir to a desolate land where he would be
chained to a boulder with a sword placed in his jaws to keep them
open. He howled relentlessly, a river flowing from his drooling mouth.
And it was in that state that he remained there until Ragnarok.

Loki
Loki is a prominent figure in Norse mythology. He’s known as the
trickster god and is loyal to neither the gods nor the giants, only
helping whoever suits him best in the moment. He’s often cunning,
clever, mischievous, dishonest, and deceitful—all traits that are seen
as dishonorable in the eyes of the gods.
Loki is the son of the giant Farbauti (“cruel striker”) and goddess
Laufey, though Frigga is seen as an adoptive mother of Loki. He had
children with two different mothers. Angrboda is the mother of Loki’s
sons Jormungand (the great serpent who ends Thor during
Ragnarok) and Fenrir (the wolf who bites the hand off of Tyr and
ends Odin during Ragnarok), and daughter Hel (the goddess of the
underworld). His wife Sigyn “friend of victory”) births his son, Narfi.
That’s not all! Loki was also the mother of Sleipnir. That’s right, the
mother. He was disguised as a mare and gave birth to the eight-
legged steed that was Odin’s horse.
The Birth of Sleipnir
When the world was still new, Asgard was without a barrier or
defense to the fortress. Fortunately, a builder arrived, offering to build
a wall in exchange for Freya’s hand in marriage. The gods were
reluctant to agree, but Loki convinced them to go along with it,
saying they could get the builder to construct most of the wall, but
make the task impossible to complete. He explained that if they give
him only one season to complete the wall, and do so without the help
of man, then he would surely fail.
The gods presented these terms and the builder agreed, only if he
was allowed the help of his horse, Svadilfari. Much to their surprise,
the horse was a major asset, and the builder was sure to uphold his
end of the deal.
Not liking where that was headed and unwilling to pay, the gods
demanded Loki do something to stop the builder from following
through. Loki used his shapeshifting ability and disguised himself as
a beautiful mare, distracting Svadilfari and luring him away and into
the woods. Then, Loki disappeared for months, in which time the
Aesir gods refused to pay the builder and killed him. Loki finally
emerged, returning with an eight-legged steed named Sleipnir, who
he gave to Odin. Odin adopted the steed, known as the fastest horse
with the ability to travel through all nine realms of the universe.
The Creation of Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir
One night, Loki was feeling a bit playful and mischievous, so he
decided to cut off the beautiful golden hair of Sif, Thor’s wife. Of
course, Thor grew enraged, and grabbed Loki by the neck,
threatening to crush every bone in his body. Loki, always good with
his words, persuaded Thor to allow him to visit Svartalfheim to bring
her back a new head of hair. The dwarves were a crafty bunch, so
Thor agreed, and Loki set off to the home of the dwarves.
The songs of the dwarf Ivaldi created a beautiful head of hair,
possibly more beautiful than Sif’s original hair. They also created
Skidbladnir, a ship that was better than all ships; it could shift well in
the wind and could fold up to fit in a pocket. The third creation from
the sons was Gungnir, the deadliest of all spears.
Though Loki retrieved what he came there for, he decided to stay
and wreak a little havoc. He thought it would be fun to taunt the
brothers Brokkr and Sindri (meaning ‘metalworker’ and
‘sparksprayer’) boasting of the creations by Ivaldi’s sons and betting
his head that they couldn’t craft three better objects.
Growing in irritation, they accepted his wager and got straight to
work on their creations. While they worked, Loki disguised himself as
a fly and hindered their progress, stinging Sindri in the hand.
However, Sindri pulled the first creation from the fire—a golden-
haired boar named Gullinbursti who could run faster than any horse,
even in wind or water, and gave off golden light in the darkness.
As Brokkr continued to work, Sindri pulled the second creation from
the fire—a ring called Draupnir that would create eight new golden
rings of equal weight on every ninth night.

For the third creation, Sindri kept reminding Brokkr that it needed to
be spectacular, something that would be better than any other
creation. So, Loki stung Brokkr in the eye. The blood prevented him
from clearly seeing his work in progress. When Sindri pulled it from
the fire, it was the hammer Mjolnir (‘lightning’). This hammer would
never miss its target and would always come back to its owner, like a
boomerang. The only flaw? The handle was short.
No matter, the brothers made their way to Asgard to collect their
winnings, or should I say Loki’s head. Loki beat them to the punch
and arrived at the halls before them. He gifted each item to the gods;
Thor got Mjolnir and his wife the hair; Odin got Draupnir and
Gungnir; Freyr got Skidbladnir and Gullinbursti.
They were grateful for these gifts as it would aid them in battle but
still felt that Loki owed his head to the brothers. When the brothers
appeared to claim their prize, Loki, always using his clever wordplay,
pointed out that he said ‘head’ and not ‘neck.’ So, they settled for
sewing his mouth shut and called it a day.

Baldur
Baldur is the son of Odin and Frigg. He is the brother of Hodr and
also the half-brother of Thor, Vidarr, Tyr, Heimdall, Hermod, and
Bragi. After Baldur’s death, Odin and the giantess Rindr conceived
Vali, who was also Loki’s son, to avenge his death.
Baldur was the husband of goddess Nanna, and father of god
Forseti (the god of peace and justice).
He was the wisest and most well-liked of all gods. Due to his
incredibly handsome appearance, he radiated light. This can be
attributed to his being the god of light, joy, and the summer sun. The
joy correlates to his cheerful and charming personality.
The name Baldur was thought by many to have derived from the
words ‘bold’ or ‘brave.’ However, alternate interpretations of the root
words of his name also mean ‘bright,’ ‘shining,’ or ‘white.’ Therefore,
it was assumed that Baldur was named after his personality
attributes. This is due to his glowing charisma, meaning white in the
sense of ‘bright’ and not the color.
All in all, Baldur was a happy, wise, and generous god who was
adored by all.
The Story of Baldur’s Death
Baldur had a dream of his death and to prevent it, Frigg speaks with
each living being to retrieve a promise to not harm her son. They all
agree, given his likability. However, during the process of asking
every living being, she skipped asking the mistletoe, assuming it to
be too small to do any real damage to Baldur. The gods would often
find amusement in throwing things at Baldur, knowing it could cause
him no harm.
Loki decides to make a mistletoe spear and hands it to the blind god
Hod, tricking him by telling him to throw it at Baldur. Not knowing
what was in his hand, he does so and unintentionally kills him.
Baldur is sent to the underworld and the god Hermod follows, riding
Sleipnir to ask Hel to release him. She tells him that when every
living creature weeps, he will return. This sounds easy enough
considering how much everyone loved Baldur, but there was one
living being who did not cry—Tokk, a frost giantess that was Loki in
disguise. For that reason, Baldur remains in the underworld.
As punishment, the gods turned Loki’s son Vali into a wolf, who then
tears apart his twin Narfi. The gods take Narfi’s entrails and use
them to chain Loki to rocks in a cave, where a giant serpent sits
above him, dripping poisonous venom. Sigyn, Loki’s wife, collects
the venom in a bowl to keep it from touching Loki. When the bowl
fills, she needs to empty it and, in that time, the poison drips on Loki,
causing agonizing pain.

Heimdall
Heimdall is the guardian of Asgard. His home is Himinbjorg (“sky
cliffs”) which sits at the top of Bifrost. His eyesight is strong enough
to see for hundreds of miles, in darkness or in light. His hearing is so
accurate, he can even hear the grass on the ground or the wool
growing on sheep. As the ultimate guardian, he observes from his
post, ready to sound his horn, Gjallarhorn, when intruders show up.
Heimdall is the son of Odin, brother of Tyr, Bragi, Hermod, and Hod.
He never had wives or consorts of the divine, though he did have
children with humans. He’s said to be the son of nine mothers.
His fate in Ragnarok is to alert the gods of the impending attack of
the giants with Gjallarhorn. Then, Heimdall and Loki, his enemy, will
kill each other as the world is overcome with flames and falls into the
ocean.

Idun
Idun, “the rejuvenating one,” was a goddess and wife of Bragi, the
court poet and minstrel. Not much is known about the goddess
besides the fruit she owns and distributes to the gods for immortality.
While there is no way to know for certain what her fruit was, there
was a belief that she carried apples. This is partly because the word
‘epli’ was used; however, it was unlikely that the fruit was apples. For
starters, apples were unheard of in that time and weren’t seen
around ancient Norse regions. Also, fruit back then consisted of nuts,
too, giving even more possibilities for the immortal fruit. The idea that
her fruits were apples was hatched around the Middle Ages when
Christianity was widespread. Could it be that the idea of an apple
was conceived from the apple in the Garden of Eden? Unfortunately,
there isn’t much information on Idun or her fruit, so we’re left
guessing.
The Kidnapping of Idun
Odin, Loki, and Hoenir were on a journey in an unforgiving region
where food was scarce. Luckily, they spotted a herd of oxen and
killed one for sustenance, however, the meat wouldn’t cook. No
matter how long they cooked it over the fire, it remained raw.
They heard a voice from above—an enormous eagle perched on a
branch—that claimed he cast a spell over the ox, and he would
release the spell only if he could have a share of the meat.
Reluctantly, the gods agreed and allowed the eagle to take his
portion. Feeling the eagle was overstepping its boundaries, Loki
lunged at him with a stick. The eagle grabbed one end of the stick
with his massive talons and swung Loki into the sky with the other
end.
The eagle revealed himself to be the giant Thjazi in disguise. Loki
feverishly begged to be let down, but Thjazi refused to release him. It
wasn’t until Loki swore an oath to bring him Idun so he could eat
from her immortality fruits that he finally relented. He allowed Loki to
leave with the promise to bring him Idun.
When the gods returned to Asgard, Loki sought out Idun and told her
that he found fruits that exceeded her own just outside of the wall.
He offered to show her their location and suggested she bring some
of her own fruit to compare. Falling right into his trap, she believed
him and followed him outside of the wall.
When they reached the woods, Thjazi was waiting in his eagle form
to snatch her up and carry her away. He brought her to Jotunheim—
the home of the giants—to the city of Thrymheim (“thunder-home'').
The fortress sat atop the highest mountain peaks with icy towers
stretching to the land below.
In her absence, the gods began to age rapidly. Their hair grayed,
and their bodies began to deteriorate as they didn’t have the fruit to
keep their youth. They all convened to figure out the nature of Idun’s
disappearance. No one had seen her recently, though they knew one
god who had. They pieced together that Loki had seen her last, and
they grabbed him and threatened him if he didn’t tell them exactly
what he knew. He spilled it all, giving them every detail of the
encounter and her abduction.
Loki agreed to bring her back to Asgard. Freya lent him a feather to
shift into a hawk so he could fly to Jotunheim to retrieve her. Luckily,
when he arrived, Thjazi was out fishing at sea for food and Idun was
home alone. Quickly, he turned her into a nut and carried her in his
talons back to Asgard.
It didn’t take long for Thjazi to realize what had happened, and he
immediately set out after Loki. By the time Loki had nearly reached
the fortress of Asgard, Thjazi was right behind him, gaining on him.
The other gods sprang into action, preparing a fire to be lit along the
fortress. The moment Loki and Idun reached the fortress walls, they
lit a fire that burst out so fast, Thjazi didn’t have time to stop and hit
the fire dead on, ending him there.

Bragi
Bragi is a poet and muse among the gods. He’s the son of Odin and
Frigga. It’s said that he has runes carved into his tongue and he
inspired humans by letting them drink from the mead of poetry, a
concoction that would turn those who drank it into a scholar. He often
spends time in Valhalla to welcome the new fallen heroes and
provides them music and lyrics.
Originally, Bragi was not a god; he was simply a ninth century poet. It
wasn’t until later years that he was considered a god of poetry and
inspiration.
The Vanir
Freya
Freya, meaning ‘lady,’ is a goddess from the Vanir tribe. After the
ending of the Aesir-Vanir war, she was sent to live in Asgard as a
sign of peace.
Though her mother is unknown, it’s suggested that it could be
Nerthus. Freyr is her twin brother who holds powers identical to hers,
but in masculine form. The two siblings are the gods of the first aett
in the Elder Futhark. Her father is Njord.
Because Freya is the goddess of love and desire, she has many
sexual partners, including gods, humans, elves, and dwarves. She
married one of her lovers, the summer god Ord, until he
disappeared.
Freya and the Brisingamen Necklace
Freya is the wife of Ord and the concubine of Odin. Yet, she is drawn
to four dwarves: Dvalinn, Alfrik, Berling, and Grer. She visits the
dwarves and sees them crafting a necklace so captivating, she
instantly feels an overwhelming desire to have it. She offers the
dwarves silver and gold in exchange for the necklace, but they
refuse. They tell her that the only way they will give her the necklace
is if she spends a night with each of them. After having a sexual
encounter with each of the dwarves, she is given the necklace.
Loki hears about what happened and, always the mischievous one,
he decides to tell Odin and Ord about her encounters. Enraged and
in disbelief, Ord and Odin ask Loki to prove it to them by stealing the
necklace, Brisingamen.
Up for the task, Loki turns himself into a fly and steals the necklace
from Freya’s room. To do so, he needed to unclasp the necklace, but
Freya was sleeping on her back. He bites her (as he did to the
dwarves in the tale about Sif’s hair) so she rolls over, and he takes
the necklace.
When she wakes to find the necklace gone, she knows that Odin
sent Loki to collect it and confronts him. At this time, Ord feels so
betrayed by the necklace that he runs off to Midgard.
She demands the location of both the necklace and her husband, but
Odin tells her he will only give her the necklace after she curses two
kings of other realms to fight for an eternity, or until they are killed by
christened men. She agrees, and the two kings fight for over a
century until one arrives, and she kills him.

Freyr
Freyr, meaning ‘lord,’ is a god to the Vanir tribe. Like Freya and
Njord, he is sent to live in Asgard after the Aesir-Vanir war ends as a
sign of peace. He’s the horned god of fertility. He is known as the
King of the Alfs as he lives in Alfheim. His sacred symbol is the boar,
which represents war and fertility. Gullenbursti, his golden boar
(golden to promote the meaning of wealth in Fehu, the rune named
after him) that represents daybreak.
Another of his famous possessions is his ship Skidbladnir, a magical
item gifted to him by Loki from the crafty dwarves.
He is the son of god Njord and Njord’s unnamed sister who’s
assumed to be Nerthus. His twin sister Freya has similar meaning in
her powers. He is married to the giantess Gerdr, and they have a
son named Fjolnir.
Like Freya, he is said to have had many sexual encounters with both
goddesses and giantesses, including one with his sister.

Njord
Njord is a Vanir god of wealth, fertility, and sea. In Viking religions, he
is also seen as a god of sea voyage or sea ships. The ancient Norse
people would refer to anyone with great wealth “as rich as Njord.”
The most common story relating to Njord is about his marriage to
Skadi.

The Marriage of Njord and Skadi

This event takes place when the kidnapping of Idun resolves. The
gods of Aesir were celebrating their victory over Thjazi and the return
of Idun. They were in the halls when giantess Skadi burst in to
avenge the death of her father, Thjazi. She was adorned with
weapons and armor, ready to attack. However, the gods didn’t react
with violence. Instead, they suggested that she seek compensation
rather than bloodshed.
She agreed, and they decided that this would repay her in three
ways. Odin took Thjazi’s eyes and threw them into the night sky
where they transformed into two stars. This was the first part.
The second was for the gods to make her laugh. However, none
could even bring a smile to her face. So, Loki tied one end of a rope
to a goat and the other end to his testicles. The goat and Loki then
tug back and forth until Loki falls into Skadi’s lap. Though it was only
a snicker, they finally got her to laugh.
The third part was that Skadi could choose a god for marriage, but
only by looking below his knees. Aiming for the most attractive-
looking pair, she assumed it was Baldur’s. To her surprise, they were
Njord’s legs.
True to their agreement, they got married, but then they needed to
make the decision of where they could call home. Because Njord’s a
god of the sea, his home was in Noatun (“the place of ships”), on the
warm, sunny beach. In contrast, Skadi’s home was in Thrymheim
(“thunder home”), a dark, snowy place on the highest mountain
peaks.
The number nine comes into play again because that’s how many
nights they spent in Thrymheim. It was not a pleasant experience for
Njord; he was used to his bright home with swans that sang and
didn’t take well to the sounds of the wolves. Skadi had similar
feelings of Noatun after spending nine nights there and having
difficulty sleeping due to the sounds of the seabirds. Because the
two places were opposites and neither one could stand the other,
Skadi decided to leave for the mountains, and they remained
separated.
Jotun
Ymir
Ymir, meaning ‘screamer,’ is the first creature to come into existence.
He’s the ancestor to just about every living being. Giants are
certainly his descendants, but because the gods mostly derive from
other giants, he is the ancestor to them, too. Some Old Norse poems
refer to him as Aurgelmir.

Fenrir
Fenrir, meaning “he who dwells in the marshes,” is the son of the
god Loki and giantess Angrboda. He’s the brother of Jormungand
and Hel. As mentioned in the story of the binding of Fenrir, he was
raised by the Aesir so they could keep watch over him and control
their doomed fate. He grew incredibly fast, which concerned the
gods of Aesir.
It is said that during Ragnarok, he will break out of his chains and
devour everything in his path with his jaws stretched open. He’s
fated to kill Odin and then be slaughtered by one of Odin’s sons out
of vengeance.
It’s possible that the other wolves who were mentioned in Norse
mythology were also Fenrir but under different names. His father is
Loki, so it wouldn’t be too far-fetched of him to be called another
name.
Skoll (‘mockery’) is a wolf who is said to swallow the sun during
Ragnarok. Garm is a wolf who is said to break free of his chains at
Ragnarok, like Fenrir’s fate. Hati (‘hatred’) is a wolf who is said to eat
the moon during Ragnarok. It’s possible that each of these wolves is
in fact Fenrir.
Skadi
Skadi, meaning ‘harm,’ lives in the highest peaks of the mountains,
where the snow never lets up and the bitter cold is always
surrounded in darkness. She’s a huntress that utilizes her bow,
snowshoes, and skis.
Hel
Hel (“one that hides”) is the goddess of the underworld. Her
appearance is half-dead, half-alive (sometimes referred to as half-
black and half-white). There’s much debate about her personality
considering she’s only mentioned in passing. Some consider her to
be a cold, terrifying goddess of the underworld, while others believe
her to be peaceful unless betrayed.
She is the daughter of god Loki and giantess Angrboda, and the
sister to Fenrir and Jormungandr. She grew up with her brothers until
Odin sent her to rule the underworld to prevent the prophesized
trouble that her and her siblings would cause.

Jormungand
Jormungand (“great beast”), also known as the “Midgard Serpent” is
a creature whose body is so enormous; it forms a perfect circle in the
ocean around Midgard.
He is the son of the god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. He is the
brother of Hel and Fenrir.
His enemy is Thor because of their entwined fate surrounding
Ragnarok. One story of their hatred for one another is when Thor
fishes for Jormungand.
Thor Fishing for Jormungand
This story takes place when Thor and Tyr went to Hymir’s home to
obtain a kettle large enough to brew enormous portions of mead.
While there, Thor and Hymir go fishing for dinner, using one of
Hymir’s cattle as bait.
They got into the boat, Thor in the stern and Hymir on the other end,
and Thor rowed them out to Hymir’s fishing spot. Hymir caught two
whales and then Thor began to row further into the water. Hymir, not
liking this, demanded Thor take them back to shore, reminding him
that Jormungand is waiting in the water. Thor refused to row back,
given his detest for Jormungand.
Thor cast his line into the water, waiting patiently amongst the
menacing calm of the sea. Finally, he felt a tug on his line. He reeled
the line in as the waves thrashed, whipping the boat back and forth.
Hymir was terrified, but Thor didn’t relent. His feet remained rooted
to the boat, the strength of his force pushing through the planks and
letting the water rush in.
When Jormungand’s head emerged above the water, Thor grabbed
his hammer. Because the serpent’s mouth was dripping with venom
from the hook, Hymir panicked and cut the line, Jormungand
receding below the surface. Furious that he lost his chance to slay
his enemy, he tossed Hymir over the side of the boat. With the
whales over his shoulder, Thor paddled back to land to take the
kettle back to Asgard.
Chapter 3:

Runes

When you first start learning about runes, it can seem complicated.
That’s because although runes are letters of an ancient alphabet,
they are so much more. Traditionally, you’re used to an alphabet
that’s made of letters that are only used to complete words. You link
the phoneme, or sound, with the symbol it represents. You know that
the letter ‘K’ makes a ‘kuh’ sound. However, runes don’t only function
as a letter; they are also symbols of principles or cosmic powers.
Fehu, the first letter of the Elder Futhark, would make the sound of
the letter ‘F’ in the English alphabet. Fehu also represents wealth, as
its translation is cattle.
Though the ancients began using runes as a means of written
communication, it became a way to invoke magic and spiritual
energy. The rune that is written would invoke the magical power for
which it stood.
The word rune directly translates to both ‘secret’ and ‘letter.’
Sometimes, you’ll see that the word rune also means ‘mystery’ or
‘magic.’
Runes were carved on stone, wood, bone, antler, and metal. They
could also be painted on or burned into, though the most common in
ancient times was carving. This carving was known as a runic
inscription. Inscriptions can be found on gravestones, monuments,
and memorials more so than anything else.
Runic inscriptions are commonly found on
●     cliff walls
●     rocks
●     buildings
●     trade markers
●     crafted objects
●     religious objects
●     magical charms and talisman
●     weapons
History
Historians disagree on the date that the runic alphabet came into
existence, though the evidence shows the earliest use was in the
first century C.E., with inscriptions dating back to the second and
third centuries C.E.
One thing scholars can agree on is that runes were derived from an
earlier alphabet, though it isn’t clear which one. There are a few
suggestions, the most popular one being that the runic alphabet
came from the Etruscan alphabet.
Because Italy was so close to the Germanic tribes of Northern
Europe, it’s conceivable that the two groups would have had some
form of cultural exchange for communication. More than 10,000
Etruscan inscriptions have been found on vases, mirrors, statues,
jewelry, and tombstones. This could be where the idea to use runes
on memorials or to label objects came from. However, though the
pronunciation of the Etruscan alphabet letters are known, the
meanings of most letters are not.
Another theory is that the runic alphabet originated from the Latin
alphabet. The Germanic tribes could have used the letters from their
Roman neighbors and adapted them to their own style.
Both theories imply that the runes derived from Italian origin. The
Etruscans resided in the northern part of Italy while the Romans
(who used Latin) resided in central Italy. Both the Latin and Etruscan
alphabet are thought to have come into existence in around the sixth
century B.C.E.

The Runic Alphabet

The Runic alphabets were written as early as the first century C.E.
The alphabet is named Futhark, after the first six letters, or runes.
There are three versions of the runic alphabet: the Elder Futhark, the
Younger Futhark, and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.
The Elder Futhark is the oldest of the three and is the original that
contained 24 characters in the alphabet. It was used from around
100 to 800 C.E.
The Younger Futhark is the middle child of the trio and contains 16
characters. It was used from around 800 to 1200 C.E., right into the
Viking Age. During the age of Christianization, the Younger Futhark
was Latinized and became known as the “Medieval Futhark.”
The Anglo-Saxon Futhorc contains 33 characters and was mostly
used in England.
With Christianization, people began mixing runic symbols with the
symbols of Christianity. Because the church banned the use of runes
in the medieval period, the use died down, but remained dormant for
a period until its recent revival in the modern world.
Runestones

Runestones were big rocks that were covered with runic inscriptions.
Like the pyramids, they were usually based on someone who was
considered great during their time. Scandinavia alone has over 3,000
runestones.
Early beliefs were that runes were primarily used for runestones or
other religious purposes. The truth is that runes were more often
used for business and daily life, such as jokes, prayers, love letters,
or any other messages that were personal. This was uncovered
through an excavation in Bergen, Norway circa 1950s.
When a runestone was used as a memorial, it was also possible to
have the land that person owned inscribed on the stone. Because
the ancient Norse would only allow land to be transferred through
inheritance, this was a way of marking that inheritance.
However, runes were rarely used for writing records or files. Though
the alphabet has letters that we traditionally use for writing, that
wasn’t the purpose among the ancient Norse people. Instead, they
preferred communicating with one another orally, and transmitting
information by word of mouth rather than words on paper. For this
reason, the futhark’s primary purpose was to identify an object, such
as a memorial, or for magical purposes, such as healing or cursing.
Despite what many people assume about the Vikings, they were
literate and could understand the runes. Some assume that because
they communicated orally, it was because they couldn’t read or
understand the written word, however, they wouldn’t have used it to
label memorial stones or other objects if they couldn’t read it.
Chapter 4:

The Elder Futhark

The Elder Futhark
There have been a few ancient alphabets with runes. As with any
language, the original use changes as it spreads to new regions.
Dialects evolve and people alter words or meanings, or they take on
completely new ones. The English language has transformed so
much over the last few centuries, so you can imagine the changes
an ancient language would go through.
There’s no way of telling the exact number of alphabets or changes
that were made, but most of this can be categorized into a few main
ancient Norse alphabets. The Elder Futhark, the Younger Futhark,
and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. While all hold value of their own, the
Elder Futhark is the original runic alphabet. It’s the granddaddy of
the bunch and the runic alphabet this book will focus on.
The Elder Futhark is named after the first six symbols in the
alphabet: Fehu (F), Uruz (U), Thurisaz (TH), Ansuz (A), Raidho (R),
and Kaunan (K). This is similar to the Greek alphabet, named after
the first two letters (alpha and beta). There are 24 symbols total,
divided into three groups, each with eight runes. Known collectively
as the aettir, which is the Old Norse word for ‘family,’ so, in other
words, each member of the family is called an aett. The three aetts
are named: Freyr, Hagal, and Tyr. These aetts are named after the
god who is related to the first rune of that row.
Though each aett has its own theme, there are common meanings
that are found in each aett. For example, each aett has a rune that
represents something dangerous, or protection.
Freyr’s Aett
Freyr’s Aett deals with the basic needs for existence: wealth,
strength, danger, prosperity, movement, mortality, generosity, and
joy. It deals with the way humans interact with each other and the
divine—to live and survive.
The God Behind the Rune
Freyr and Freya are the twin brother and sister deities of the first
aett. They are the male and female poles of the same energy.
Freyr is the god of peace, fertility, virility, rain, sunshine, and even
war. However, Freyr’s power of fertility extends beyond a personal
level. He can not only bring fertility to people, but the land and
produce, as well. This secures his power of wealth because a good
harvest in ancient times equated to prosperity. And what helps
produce a good harvest? Rain and sunshine.
His sister Freya is the goddess of love, lust, fertility, battle, and
death.

Fehu
●     Also known as Fuhu, faihu, feh, fe
●     Sounds like Fey-who
●     Letter sound: F
●     Literal translation: Cattle
●     Symbolizes wealth, abundance, beginnings, reward, success,
security
In ancient times, cattle and harvest were forms of wealth. Money
wasn’t exchanged in the same way it is today. If you had a good
harvest, you could live off your crops by trading or consuming them.
The same could be said about cattle; you could trade your cattle or
use it for sustenance, so your livelihood depended on them.
In ancient times (and even today), gold and silver provided wealth.
Both are minerals and, similar to the wealth through crops, they
come from Earth. Modern interpretations of wealth might include
cash or credit because that is how wealth is achieved today.
If you’re casting runes, Fehu isn’t necessarily going to mean ‘wealth.’
It could mean that you’re hoarding your wealth too much and need to
give back to your community. It could mean that your hard work is
going to pay off soon, as Fehu is a rune of productivity. After all, it
takes creation and hard work to produce wealth. In ancient times,
that meant tilling the land or feeding your cattle. Afterwards, you
were rewarded with crops and milk.
Abundance can take the form of nonmonetary wealth, too. Perhaps
you have an abundance of boxed spaghetti in your cupboard. Maybe
you can share your wealth by making a big spaghetti dinner for your
family and friends.
Fehu also represents beginnings: It’s the first character of the Elder
Futhark, the first letter in the word, and the creation story involves a
cow, Audhumla.

Uruz
●     Also known as Ur, Urz, Urus, and Urox
●     Sounds like “OO-rooz”
●     Letter sound: U
●     Literal translation: auroch, a wild, extinct Ox found in Europe.
●     Symbolizes strength, health, vitality, power, endurance
Unlike Fehu, this ox is wild and untamed, admired for its raw
strength and power. This strength can represent physical, spiritual,
or emotional strength.
Sometimes, we face difficulties in life and need strength to
persevere. Maybe you're having financial struggles, or a family
member recently passed. You need to draw on the energy of Uruz to
give you the strength to endure.
Strength and courage go hand in hand. Whether facing a battle in
the courtroom or a battle on the warfront, you need strength to give
you courage. If you’re casting a rune, it could mean that you need to
summon your inner courage to overcome whatever obstacle is
holding you back. If you’re pursuing a dream, it can be daunting and
terrifying to go after it. Drawing the rune Uruz might be telling you to
stop being ‘bullheaded,’ take advantage of the opportunity, and not
let your fear hold you back.
It could also indicate that you’re about to experience a sudden,
unpredictable change with an unknown outcome. You need to stick it
out and embrace the change that’s thrown your way.
In terms of health, a strong, powerful bull could represent a healthy
body. However, due to the sharp horns of the bull, it could be
warning you to take caution over your health. Illness might be
coming your way.

Thurisaz
●     Also known as Thurs, Thor
●     Sounds like “thoo-ree-sahz”
●     Letter sound: th
●     Literal translation: thorn, thorn bush, giant, Thor
●         Symbolizes protection, warning, contemplation, disruption,
destruction
Thurisaz is Thor’s rune. His hammer represents protection, but Thor
knows when to use the hammer and when to give a warning. On one
hand, this rune can represent protection from danger. The shape of
the rune represents a thorn on the branch, meaning the wisdom to
choose defense rather than offence. Sometimes, we are quick to
jump to the attack, ready to pounce on any ‘danger’ we see.
However, there are times when the best decision is to give a friendly,
but stern, warning to back off.
In contrast, it could mean that you're about to pass danger and to
prepare yourself. It’s possible the threat is not actual danger, but fear
and vulnerabilities. After all, those are dangers of the mind.

Ansuz
●     Also known as aza, oss, ass, as
●     Sounds like “ahn-sooz”
●     Letter sound: A
●     Literal translation: God, mouth
●     Symbolizes communication, wisdom, divine power, message
Ansuz is the rune of communication and knowledge. Communication
doesn’t need to be in the form of speaking, though it very well can
be. It can also be in the written word or through song.
Wisdom is another meaning for Ansuz. Because the translation
means god, this can signify divine wisdom and hint at possible
messages or prophesies from the spiritual realms. If that’s the case,
keep an open mind to signs from the universe, especially in the form
of plants or animals. It might be telling you to be open to spiritual
growth or changes.
Alternatively, it could indicate that you need to use your own
personal knowledge to interpret what someone is communicating to
you. Be wary of false intent and harmful words disguised as kind
ones.
If you cast the Ansuz rune, it might be letting you know that you’re
having trouble communicating with others. Maybe you’re unsure of
your own words or voice and need to be more assertive in your
messages to others.

Raidho
●     Also known as Raitho, Reid, Rad, Raida
●     Sounds like “Rah-EED-oh”
●     Letter sound: R
●     Literal translation: journey, riding, wheel, or vehicle
●     Symbolizes travel, movement, journey, changes
Raidho is the rune of travel and journey. This can represent a
journey in the spiritual or physical sense. If you are traveling, it could
indicate a safe trip with no troubles along the way. On the other
hand, it could be warning you to take extra caution as you might
experience problems on your journey. Your car might break down, or
the train or plane might be delayed. Maybe the road you’re traveling
is closed off, and you need to take an alternative route. Whatever the
case, you need to be patient, and try to look at the situation with a
positive mindset. Taking that alternate route might show you a place
you never knew existed, with beautiful landscapes and a diner with
delicious pancakes. This can also apply when you’re traveling to
places you don’t want to go. Remember what Raidho has taught
you: to think with an open mind about your journey. Sure, you’re
traveling on business, but you’d rather be at home with your family.
Instead of dreading the entire trip, think of the city you’ll be visiting.
Raidho does not only represent the vehicle you’re in, but the road
you’re on. One thing you need to keep in mind, whether your journey
is spiritual or physical, is to focus on the journey and not the
destination. If you’re focused solely on getting to where you need to
be, you’ll miss out on the experience of getting there.
In the spiritual sense of Raidho, you might be embarking on a
personal journey within. Maybe you’re avoiding making a change
because you fear the outcome. I know, changes can be daunting and
uncomfortable, but don’t hold back on making yourself a better
person simply out of fear.
Alternatively, you might be unaware that you require these spiritual
changes. Raidho might be giving you a nudge in the right direction.
Accept it, don’t resist it.

Kenaz
●     Also known as Kano, Ken, Kaun, Kaunan, Chaon
●     Sounds like “kay-nahz”
●      Letter sound: K (because there is no rune for C or Q, it can
also be the sound for those letters)
●     Literal translation: beacon, torch, or fire.
●      Symbolizes light, heat, illumination, breakthrough, creativity,
knowledge
In the time of the ancient Norse, fire was the only source of heat and
light, aside from the sun. For this reason, Kenaz can sometimes
represent your mortality. You need fire for survival, and without fire,
you realize your mortality much quicker.
Most of us don’t depend on fire as our ancestors did, but we still
need what the fire represents: heat and light.
This can be a physical need, such as a warm fireplace or heater in
the winter to keep from freezing, or the light from the sun to grow
crops. However, it’s much more than purely physical meaning. Light
could represent the light in the darkness. If you're feeling depressed
or struggling emotionally, you might need that light to brighten the
darkness shrouding your emotions.
It could also be lighting the path ahead. This ties in with the meaning
of the rune that represents knowledge and creativity. Maybe you’ve
been struggling with a project at work and need a new approach, or
to see the project in “a new light.” If you cast this rune, it could mean
that you’re experiencing a breakthrough or that you need one, like
the fire has burned out.
Another interpretation is that you could be feeling a lack of
connection spiritually or socially. You feel “left in the dark” or left out
from your community. If you’re experiencing trouble with a specific
relationship, like a breakup, the light might be gone, but know that
this period of darkness is temporary, and soon a new source of light
will be revealed.
If you’re entering a new relationship, it could indicate the destructive
nature of fire, like lust in passion. You might need to slow down or
douse the fire. It could also mean that the fire is being rekindled and
this relationship is full of warmth and light.

Gebo
●     Also known as Gifu, Gytu
●     Sounds like “gay-bo”
●     Letter sound: G (as in guy)
●     The literal translation: gift, generosity
●     Symbolizes gifts, generosity, friendship, harmony, hospitality,
offering
Gebo is the rune of gifts and generosity. This represents the
exchange between two people: the giver and the receiver. The
relationship between the two, and the connection they have, can
determine a lot about what this rune means.
As with every rune, there is both the physical and spiritual meaning
behind Gebo. It’s possible you’re receiving a gift in the form of
emotional support. If you’ve had an off week, maybe a friend or a
coworker is offering a shoulder to lean on. Accept it with gratitude.
Every gift, whether physical or not, means the giver put forth an
effort to show you how much they care.
However, you should consider who you’re receiving the gift from
because not every gift is welcome. Be wary of the motivation or
intention behind some gifts. With that said, you should also ask
yourself if the person you’re extending your generosity to is worthy of
receiving it. It can be just as harmful giving to the wrong person as it
can be receiving from them.
You should also think about how much you’ve given recently. Are
you being generous enough? Every relationship involves mutual
exchange; it doesn’t matter if you’re family, friends, professional
partners, or neighbors. It’s important to put forth as much effort as
you get back.
This rune could be an indication of your friendship, and the balance
within it. For your coworkers, this means a productive, happy
atmosphere at work. Relationships with a significant other might
result in a deeper connection or more passion. If you draw this rune,
it might be urging you to take a closer look at your relationship with
the people around you. Did you have a recent falling out with a
friend? Forgiveness is another aspect of giving.
It could also refer to gifts from the divine. Maybe the gods have
bestowed upon you a special skill or talent. Use it! Grow your talent.
Wunjo
●     Also known as Wynja, Wyn, Wunio,
●     Sounds like “woon-yo”
●     Letter sound: W
●     Literal Translation: joy
●         Symbolism is joy, happiness, harmony, bliss, success,
wellbeing, peace
Wunjo is the rune of joy. It’s about anything and everything that’s
happy. This could be your mindset; if you think negatively, you’ll be
surrounded by negativity. On the opposite end of the pole, if you
think happy thoughts, you’ll experience more positivity in your life.
This rune might be telling you that you need to change your outlook
on life. Adjust your view and focus on the blissful things.
It can also be an indication of your relationships. Are you happy with
your partner? Tension, disagreements, and misunderstandings could
result in conflict and stress. Maybe this rune is giving you a heads up
that your relationship is taking a turn for the worse. To be happy, you
need to resolve the conflict or end the relationship.
If you’re starting a new business endeavor, it could be a good sign
indicating prosperity.
Hagal or Heimdell’s Aett
Hagal’s Aett, or Heimdall’s Aett, is the second aett in the Elder
Futhark. This aett is associated with the chaotic and often
unexpected things that we face in life.
The God Behind the Rune
Because little is known about Hagalaz, many associate this aett with
Heimdall, the guardian god of Asgard. He protects his realm from all
destructible forces that appear with the warning of his horn.

Hagalaz
Also known as Hagalas, Hagal, Hagl, Haal
Sounds like “Ha-ga-lahz”
Letter sound: H
Literal translation: hail
Symbolizes hail, destruction, disruption, chaos, misfortune

Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail represents the destructive force of

nature. It comes on strong, out of nowhere sometimes, and then it
passes. You can’t control your circumstances just as you can’t
control nature.
Whether it’s a literal hail storm, an illness, or some other unexpected
chaos that arises in your life, you’re often left damaged. This rune
can be an indication that your progress is hindered. This could be
your progress at work, on a personal creative project, spiritual
growth, or anything else.
If the surrounding runes cast are positive, this could mean whatever
obstacle you’re facing is a small setback and nothing life altering.
However, if the surrounding runes cast are negative, it could imply
that these obstacles are serious and long-term.
The important thing to remember is that hail is temporary. It will pass,
and soon the small ice chunks will be nothing but a puddle of water
that dries up in the sun.

Nauthiz
Also known as Nauth, Nod, Nied, Nautiz, Naudirz
Sounds like “NAW-theez”
Letter sound: N
Literal Translation: need
Symbolizes need necessity, scarcity, absence, restriction
Nauthiz is the rune of needs. The symbol of the rune is based on a
ritual fire that was lit from two large pieces of wood when the ancient
Norse people would experience disaster. It signifies how their needs
were being compromised.
This rune could mean your physical needs aren’t being met, such as
hunger, unemployment, or poor health. It could also be that your
mental health is lacking. Perhaps you’re feeling lonely or don’t have
any emotional support. This can prevent you from moving forward in
life. At the time, it seems impossible to fix, but these hardships can
be a good thing. You can use them to learn and grow. At the time
you’re facing these obstacles, it’s hard, but in the long run, you’ll look
back and know you made it. Then, you’ll face another hardship, but
you’ll have the wisdom of your previous experience to guide you
through it. Hardship is necessary for growth.
As you wait for these hardships to pass, it’s a struggle. This rune
could be an indication that you need to have patience until you’re
able to move forward.
Alternatively, this rune could be warning you to avoid greed, which
leads to harmful behavior. If you’re focused so much on your wants,
you compromise your integrity to get it. Leave the material world
behind. Forget about your ego and focus on what really matters—
what you really need.

Isa
Also known as Eis, Iss, Isaz, Is, Isarz
Sounds like “EE-sah”
Letter sound: I (as in ice)
Literal translation: ice
Symbolism is ice, frozen, obstacles, delay, stagnant
Isa is the rune of ice. Ice is frozen, which could represent a lack of
movement both physically and mentally. Maybe you’ve been too
exhausted lately to pursue your goals. Perhaps it means that you’re
unable to move forward mentally as if facing “writer’s block” for your
mind.
Though you may be standing still at a time when you want to move
forward, it’s best to accept your reality as it is instead of fighting it.
Take this time to work toward your progress and prepare for when
you’re able to move forward again. Just remember, eventually the
sun will thaw the ice.
During this time, use meditation to clear your mind and focus.
Because ice is clear, this could represent gaining clarity of a
situation.
Alternatively, it could represent the ‘coldness’ between you and
another person. It’s possible your relationship with someone is losing
its ‘heat’ and your affection for one another is dwindling. You may
need a cooling off period to think clearly. Maybe this “cooling off” will
fix things, or maybe it will result in the end of a relationship.
Jera
Also known as Jer, Jara, Jeran, Jeraz, Gaar, Ar
Sounds like “yare-ah”
Letter sound: Y
Literal Translation: year
Symbolism is year, harvest, cycle, natural, fertility, growth,
reward
Jera is the rune of the year. As the seasons pass, it results in
harvest. This rune represents growth in the sense that in the spring,
you plant the seed. Then, with hard work, you watch it grow until it’s
finally ready to be harvested. This is why the rune also represents
reward. With hard work, you reap the rewards of the harvest. At this
point, you’ll begin to prepare for the winter as the cycle continues.
Many paths follow the Wheel of the Year, which is a Pagan wheel
that represents the cycle of life. Each cycle has its own meaning and
purpose, just as the seasons do. Casting this rune could remind you
to be patient. It takes time to fulfill your goals. You can’t plant a seed
and expect it to grow into a plant overnight. It takes months of hard
work, but your perseverance will pay off.
Alternatively, if you’ve been struggling, this rune could indicate that
the tough times are almost over and the future's looking bright.

Eihwaz
Also known as Eoh, Eihuaz, Aihs, Ihwaz
Sounds like “eye-wahz”
Letter sound: ae (as in eye)
Literal Translation: Yew tree
Symbolism is Yew, death, rebirth, changes
Eihwaz represents the Yew tree. Yew is toxic to humans and
animals. In ancient times, people would use it for poison. Whether
through murder or suicide, yew could kill anyone who ingests it. In
fact, it can also poison anyone who simply drinks from a cup that
was made from the wood as every part of the tree is poisonous.
Though, death linked with this rune doesn’t need to be literal. Death
could also mean a change is coming. It’s the end of one thing and
the beginning of another, like when you hear “one door closes and
another opens.”
This could symbolize the ‘death’ of a relationship, a career, or even a
way of life. Perhaps you’re leaving behind your old ways to grow
spiritually. In this sense, it could be a symbol of rebirth. Yew is also in
the middle of the Elder Futhark, meaning that death is not the end.
Because it’s in the middle, it shows the possibility to continue after
death.
After all, Yew is considered a tree of life. Ironically, a chemical in the
bark has been used for medical treatment. Not to mention, Yggdrasil
was possibly a Yew tree. It can also live for thousands of years,
proving its powerful force of life.

Perthro
Also known as Perth, Peorth, Peordh, Perdhro, Perthra,
Perthu
Sounds like “per-throw”
Letter sound: P
Literal translation: Dice cup
Symbolism is cup, games, chance, fate, unknown, mystery,
destiny
Perthro is possibly the most controversial among the runes. That’s
because scholars have a difficult time agreeing on the meaning.
People often used dice cups for games of chance, leaving their fate
in the hands of the universe. For this reason, fate holds a lot of
meaning for this rune. While it isn’t always clear why life unfolds the
way it does, there’s a purpose to these seemingly random events.
Fate is a mystery until it’s revealed.
One lesson that Perthro teaches us about fate is that it’s not always
black and white. You can look at fate and think that one ending is
‘good’ and another is ‘bad.’ but the truth is that it’s so complex, there
is no simple category to file one’s fate under.
However, you can gauge how fate might affect you. If the other runes
cast with it are negative, it could indicate disappointment is waiting
for you. If that’s the case, you might want to hold off on taking risks—
don’t gamble your money.
Because of its mysterious nature, Perthro could indicate that a secret
is about to be revealed. This could be a secret that someone close to
you has kept, or even a spiritual truth revealing itself to you. Pay
attention to any signs you might notice and get in tune with the
spiritual energies surrounding you.
In contrast, it could indicate a secret you’re holding onto. It could be
something from your past that you struggle to let go of. Casting this
rune might be telling you that holding onto this secret is damaging,
and you should look within to find the answers to whatever troubles
are plaguing you.

Algiz
Also known as Elhaz, Eolh, Elgr
Sounds like “AL-geez”
Letter sound: Z
Literal translation: Elk
Symbolizes protection, defense, opportunity
Algiz is the rune of the elk. This represents protection as the elk's
massive antlers protect it from predators. For this reason, casting
this rune indicates you’re safe from danger. However, it doesn’t imply
you should live with reckless behavior. Despite its indication of
safety, you should always stay alert to trouble and potential threats.
Let the divine guide you so the moves you make keep you from
harm.
Alternatively, this rune could indicate that you’re losing touch with
your intuition. Your intuition is what keeps you safe, even if not in a
physical sense. It allows you to see when someone is taking
advantage of you or trying to harm you emotionally. If you’re not
connected with your spiritual side, you leave yourself vulnerable for
attack.
Sowilo
Also known as Sigel, Sol, Sunna, Sowulu
Sounds like “so-WEE-lo”
Letter sound: S
Literal Translation: sun
Symbolism is victory, light, energy, enlightenment, success

Sowilo is the rune of the sun. The sun provides nourishment and
light. Darkness can obscure our vision, even in the spiritual sense. If
you're feeling darkness within, this rune might indicate that you need
to open yourself to the light and allow it to claim victory over the
darkness.
This applies when the darkness comes from others. If someone is
trying to harm you emotionally, keep yourself focused on the light as
the light allows you clarity. When you have light, you can see
everything around you better.
The light promotes optimism and enlightenment.
Tyr’s Aett
Tyr’s Aett is the third aett of the Elder Futhark. It’s associated with
the experiences that humans endure that shapes their lives.

The God Behind the Rune

The god Tyr is known for his courage and duty. He is a man of
justice and sacrifices a lot for the good of Asgard.

Tiwaz
●     Also known as Teiwaz, Tyr, Tiw, Tew, Tiwar
●     Sounds like “tee-waz”
●     Letter sound: T
●     Literal translation: the god Tyr
●         Symbolism is courage, duty, victory, strength, discipline,
masculine energy
Tiwaz is the first rune in Tyr’s Aett and represents the characteristics
of Tyr.
It symbolizes bravery and courage as Tyr was the only god who
would approach the wolf Fenrir and feed him. He was also the only
god willing to sacrifice his hand to restrain Fenrir. In this sense,
Tiwaz represents putting the needs of the community above your
own needs, which requires true courage. Casting this rune could be
giving you a push past the discomfort to reach the outcome you
need to achieve. However, don’t compromise your integrity to get
there.
The symbol of Tiwaz mimics a spear, which is associated with Tyr,
and an arrow pointing up. These two symbols represent the
masculine energy that is commonly associated with taking action.
Though, action should not be taken impulsively or when it is not
needed.
Because of the masculine energy of Tiwaz, it could represent the
user if they are male. If they are female, then it could imply
something with the closest male in her life, such as a father or
partner. If this is the case, the interpretation of the runes could have
a different meaning. For example, an aspect of the male energy of
Tiwaz is based on sex and passion. Perhaps you’ve found a new
partner or are restoring the passion in an already existing
relationship. In contrast, it could indicate you’re lacking passion in
your relationship. When considering this with the aspect of integrity,
it could imply your partner is being dishonest.
Another interpretation of this rune is victory. If you cast this rune, it
could indicate success in a competition or legal matter, assuming
you have integrity during this time.

Berkana
●     Also known as Berkano, Bairknan, Beorc, Bjarkan, Brica
●     Sounds like “BER-kah-nah)
●     Letter sound: B
●     Literal translation: birch
●     Symbolizes birth, beginnings, renewal, growth, family, healing
Berkana is the rune of the birch tree, which represents renewal. It’s a
positive rune. Perhaps you’ve begun a new project or are in a new
relationship. If there is some type of new phase you’re experiencing
in your life, this rune could represent that the time to start is now.
However, if your casting is surrounded by negative runes, it could be
telling you to hang in there as the cold and darkness will soon pass,
and the light will return, your tree blooming once again.
Because Berkana is a rune of birth, it’s a great sign for those trying
to conceive. The growth could symbolize the growing belly of the
mother and the family that comes from said birth. However, it could
also indicate trouble with conceiving as alternatively, Berkana can
represent the inactivity that comes when presented with the
obstacles of beginning something new. This can also apply to
beginning a new career or starting a new project. Perhaps, Berkana
is telling you to not get held up by the obstacles and to focus on
progress. Or it could imply that you need to reevaluate what you’re
doing.
Unlike Tiwaz, Berkana is the rune of feminine energy as its symbol is
the shape of the breasts of mother nature. A symbol of the nurturing
maternal energy, casting this rune could refer to the caretaking of the
self. It’s possible that you need to ‘nurture’ your own goals or ideas,
or even yourself. It can also indicate your need to accept
compassion from outside sources to nurture yourself.
Like Tiwaz, this rune can indicate the energy of the gender
associated with it. Berkana might represent the user if they are
female or the closest female in the male user’s life.

Ehwaz
●     Also known as Ehwass, Eih, Eoh, Eyz, Eh, Exauz
●     Sounds like “ay-wahz”
●     Letter sound: E (as in elephant)
●     Direct translation: horse
●     Symbolizes partnership, faith, loyalty, trust, movement, travel,
cooperation
The symbol of Ehwaz refers to the horse. The connection between
the horse and its rider is based on trust and loyalty. For this reason,
this is a rune of friendship and partners. If you cast this rune with a
question about a relationship, it could be a good indication that your
relationship is filled with loyalty and that the other person is faithful.
However, it could also indicate the other person is not faithful,
especially when surrounded by other negative runes. If your question
is whether you can trust this person, the answer is likely leading you
to no. After all, if you were suspicious in the first place, this will only
confirm your fears and doubts.
Perhaps casting this rune implies that you aren’t being trustworthy,
yourself. Maybe you’re behaving in a way that lacks integrity, and
you need to take a good look at what you’re doing. Or it could be
pointing you to acknowledge your inability to trust others. Whether
you were damaged from another relationship, you need to consider if
you can open yourself up to trust again.
Regarding the aspect of loyalty and faith, this rune could relate to
your goals or projects. Don’t give up on it; remain faithful to your
project and dedicate yourself to it, and you will reach your goal.
Remember, hard work is rewarded. Alternatively, it could indicate
that you’re not moving forward. Is it a lack of faith in your own ability
to achieve your goals, or are you simply unmotivated? Work through
the spiritual or mental troubles you’re having.
As with Raidho, the horse of Ehwaz can represent movement in the
physical sense. If you cast negative runes, it could indicate troubles
in any planned travels. However, positive runes could indicate a
sound journey and safe travels.

Mannaz
●     Also known as Madr, Madir, Mann, man, mathr, Manna
●     Sounds like “MAN-nahz”
●     Letter sound: M
●     Literal translation: mankind
●     Symbolizes humanity, self, support, assistance, intelligence
Mannaz is the rune of mankind. It represents what makes humans
different from other living beings. Humans have traits that other
creatures don’t, such as creativity, culture, and the ability to
communicate through the written word. Humans are connected
through community and shared existence, no matter the culture. The
symbol of Mannaz resembles two people coming together, like the
way that mankind comes together to help one another.
Casting this rune might indicate that you need support from your
fellow man. In contrast, it could also indicate that you need to be
open to helping others, as well. Whether you’re receiving assistance
or giving assistance, the key to Mannaz is “man helping man.”
On a smaller scale, this rune might relate to your family or close
friends. Perhaps someone close to you is struggling and your
concern is having a negative effect on your inner self. You may need
to step back and regain clarity. You can’t help someone else if you
can’t help yourself.
Though society is a prominent piece of humanity, mankind also
exhibits a certain focus on the self. If you cast Mannaz, it might
indicate that you need greater self-awareness or nourishment
spiritually, mentally, and physically. Perhaps you’ve been feeling the
inner chaos of conflicting emotions; you need to center and ground
yourself to work through the emotions battling within.
This rune can also represent isolation. You might be feeling isolated
from society, leading to insecurity. Consider how you’ve influenced
these circumstances. You might find that you need to make a few
changes. If the indication of this rune is that you aren’t receiving
support from others, it might be urging you to help yourself. Look
inward to find the answers you need.

Laguz
●     Also known as Lagu, Laguz, Lagaz, Logr
●     Sounds like “lah-guz”
●     Letter sound: L
●     Literal translation: water
●      Symbolism is water, flow, intuition, the unconscious, psychic
ability
Laguz is the rune of water: lakes, streams, rivers, seas, oceans, rain,
and anything else where water is present. Water is representative of
emotion, such as cleansing by tears and letting the negative energy
flow out of you.
If you cast Laguz, it could indicate that you’re stagnant or stuck at
some point in your life. You’ve built a dam around your emotions and
now you’re holding them in. Confront those emotions and open the
flood gates; let them flow so you can move forward.
Laguz is also a rune of intuition and the subconscious. Be open to
the psyche; nurture your psychic ability and let it grow and
strengthen. Listen to the spiritual signs the universe sends you. Most
importantly, trust your intuition and let it guide you.

Inguz
●     Also known as Ingwaz, Enguz, Ing
●     Sounds like “eeng-guz”
 ●     Letter sound: NG
●     Literal translation: the God Ing, or seed
●     Symbolizes fertility, seed, creation, evolution, male sexuality
Inguz is the rune of the god Ing, a fertility god. It represents
masculine sexuality and male potency. When translating the
intention of this rune literally, it could indicate a healthy sexual
relationship. Ing is also the god of the home and hearth. Casting
Inguz could also indicate your home environment is safe and filled
with love. Let your concerns ease up because Inguz is a rune of
positivity.
Alternatively, this rune could also represent a ‘creation’ aspect in
terms of projects or business activities. Perhaps you’ve recently
started a new side business of selling your art online to make some
extra income. Casting this rune could be telling you that your energy
is leading to a successful outcome. This outcome also represents
how Inguz can symbolize completion. If looking at this from a
physical aspect, it could imply that your project is near completion. It
could be implying that you’ve reached your full potential, and it’s time
to step back and just go with the flow from there. You’ve done what
you can.
In the spiritual sense, you might find that one point of your life is
coming to an end, and soon a new point will begin. Embrace the
change as it will bring new opportunities.

Dagaz
●     Also known as Daeg, Dags, Dogr, Dag, Daaz
●     Sounds like “dah-gahz”
●     Letter sound: D
●     Literal translation: day
●         Symbolism is daylight, hope, breakthrough, success,
transformation, balance
Dagaz is the rune of daylight and is a positive rune. Ancient Norse
saw daylight as a reprieve from the cold, dark winter. The light and
the warmth are symbolic of growth and prosperity, as plants are
grown and thriving in the summer. If you’ve been struggling with a
project or personal problem, perhaps this rune is indicating that you
should remain optimistic and hopeful as new growth is in the making.
While Dagaz is the rune of daylight, it can also be referred to as the
rune of dawn. This represents hope as the daylight emerges,
transforming the darkness into light, like a “light at the end of a
tunnel.” The safety of light is on its way to protect and guide you from
danger.
Dawn could also be indicating you’re on your way to a breakthrough.
Maybe you’ve recently struggled to find inspiration or motivation for
your recent project or career endeavor. Dagaz is letting you know
that your creativity will shine.
The symbol of Dagaz displays a balance of opposites; light and dark,
day and night, movement and stillness, etc. This rune could also be
telling you that you need more balance in your life or your reaction to
things. The symbol can also represent a butterfly and the
transformation it endures.

Othala
●     Also known as Othalan, Othila, Odal, Othel, Odil
●     Sounds like “oh-thah-lah”
●     Letter sound: O (as in “hope”)
●     Literal translation: inheritance
●     Symbolizes heritage, tradition, inheritance, ancestors, family
The final rune of the Elder Futhark, Othala is the rune of heritage. It
relates to those who raise us and what we are born into.
While this rune can refer to inheritance in the literal sense, such as
inherited wealth, it can also be a spiritual reference. “You inherited
your mother’s eyes” does not mean you were literally given her eyes
after she passed. Instead, it means that her stunning blue eyes were
passed down to you, just as “you inherited your father’s temper”
would mean that you have a temper like your father. Maybe this was
influenced by the way you were raised or is a trait that is carried
through your DNA. Either way, it shows that no matter how far from
your family you are or if they have passed on while you remain, you
are still connected. If you cast Othala, it could indicate that you’re
dealing with a problem that’s linked to your roots.
If you’re near your family physically, this rune could indicate that you
need to help and support them or let them help and support you.
While you can still do this from afar, the point of the rune is keeping
families connected, and it might be Othala’s way of telling you to
connect with them and check in on them. Another meaning could
indicate that you’re lonely or feeling isolated from your family. Maybe
it’s time to take that trip home that you’ve been planning (or
avoiding).
Othala could also represent your conflict of the beliefs that you were
raised to follow versus your own ideals. You might be struggling to
find your own personality amongst your family’s strong opinions.
Alternatively, it could represent keeping “the old ways” around. The
world is constantly evolving, and traditions slowly die out. You need
to hold on to these traditions.
Another way that Othala represents conflict within a family could
relate to divorce or a falling out among members. View the situation
from another angle and detach yourself from the situation to resolve
it in a reasonable way.
Fehu, the first rune of the Elder Futhark, is like Othala in the sense
that they both can be associated with wealth. Only this sense of
wealth is not literal, movable wealth, such as gold or cattle. This
wealth is in the form of land, passed down through your family. In
ancient times, land within the family could only be passed through
generations, but never sold. The intention was to keep families
rooted in their communities. Alternatively, it could indicate a loss of
wealth. Maybe your property has been seized or your heirloom
possessions have disappeared.
Chapter 5:

Magic

Inscriptions
Runic inscriptions are one of the most commonly practiced forms of
Norse magic today. They are also the easiest of the bunch—you’re
simply inscribing something with a rune. It can be carved, painted,
burned, or any other way you can think of to get the symbol on the
surface of the object. Generally, you would use wood, bark, stone, or
metal—anything that is natural and comes from the earth. Even
paper could be considered natural as it originates from trees.
However, some people choose to inscribe personal items, such as
jewelry, cups, wallets, and even the walls in your house (though it
might be harder to release the magical energy from your walls by
burning or burying).
Talisman
A runic talisman, also known as an amulet, is an object or charm that
is inscribed with a rune that the user can carry with them. Depending
on the rune or runes that you use, your talisman can bring you good
fortune, safe travels, prosperity, or ward off evil and misfortune.
You can wear your talismans like a necklace or ring, clip it to your
bag like a keychain, place it on your altar or somewhere close by,
carry it with you in your pocket or wallet, or give it as a gift. How you
choose to create your talisman is based on its purpose and your
intentions.

Creating a Talisman
When preparing your space and creating your talisman, there are
different ways it can be done. Much of this depends on your beliefs
and worship. For example, someone who follows the path of
Odinism might choose to make their talisman on a Wednesday, the
sacred day of Odin. Some people chant oaths or passages that are
sacred to them, while others choose to create their talisman in a
sacred space, surrounded by crystals or Epsom salt.
Timing is also something to consider. If you’re looking to increase
and attract magic, you should create your talisman during a waxing
moon. In contrast, creating it during a waning moon is better for
banishing negative energy or evil.
The steps below are the basic instructions for creating a talisman.
Any additional choice of sacred bonding is based solely on your
beliefs:
●     The first thing to do when creating a talisman is to gather the
material you want to inscribe. This can be wood, stone,
paper, parchment, bone, antler, leather, clay, or even
seashells. You can choose whatever material you want to
use, though organic materials are recommended because
 those materials come directly from the Earth. This enhances
the magical energy as it’s organic.
●         If you choose to use wood, you might find that using
softwood, like pine or fir, works better than hardwood, like
maple or birch. It’s less likely to crack and split when you’re
carving or burning it. Also, consider how you’re obtaining that
wood. Some believe that harming any living plant is
considered taboo and claim that using a piece of dead branch
is just as effective. Others believe that asking for permission
and acknowledging the sacrifice made by the tree is part of
the ritual. Whichever way you choose to obtain your wood is
based on your own beliefs, as long as you aren’t recklessly
cutting down living organisms carelessly for your own benefit.
●         When you have your material chosen, think of why you’re
creating a talisman. What purpose do you want it to serve? Is
it a keychain you’ll clip on your luggage or backpack? You
might want to use the rune Raidho for movement and safe
travels. Perhaps you’ve thought of making a charm to cheer
up your sick friend? Using the rune Uruz for health and
strength can help them to heal.
●     Knowing why you’re creating a talisman helps you determine
which runes would be best to use. Then, draw the runes on
paper before inscribing your talisman. You don’t want to ruin
your talisman because you didn’t take the time to create a
rough sketch of your runes first. This especially applies if
you’re using more than one rune because you’ll be making a
bindrune, which is a design that combines more than one
rune into a single design. The design is wholly your creation.
There will be more information about this in the Bind Runes
section.
●      You might also choose to make a bindrune of your name. If
you do this, make sure to use your true name. This doesn’t
have to be your given name, your full name, or your initials.
You want to use the name that you feel most comfortable
 with. If it’s a nickname or a name you use within your pagan
path, that’s fine. As long as it’s the name that you feel most
truly captures your sense of self, you should use it. This
makes your talisman personal to you. If you’re making it for
someone else, you’ll create a bindrune using their name.
You’ll translate these letters using the runic alphabet and
practice writing it on paper before inscribing your talisman.
It’s suggested that you destroy your practice rune after you’re
finished with it and never leave it lying around. Whether this
is myth or truth is up to you.
●         After you’ve got your design figured out, you’re ready to
make it permanent. The material you’re using will determine
how you inscribe your talisman. If you’re using wood, you
might choose to carve, burn, or paint the wood. However,
burning won’t work if you’re using paper or parchment.
●      You can use a wood-burning kit, dremel or rotary tool, knife,
paintbrush, pen or marker, or anything else that you have
lying around that would work with your material.
●         While you’re inscribing your talisman, concentrate on the
powers of the runes you chose. This should be a
ceremonious occasion, so feel free to burn incense, play
music, chant, or anything else that connects you spiritually.
Old Norse beliefs include animism, which means that all parts
of the natural world have spirits. This includes rivers,
mountains, grass, trees, and anything else that can be found
in nature. Let the spirits of the wood or the stone know that
you’re grateful for its existence and for allowing you to use it.
●         The ancients believed that your rune needed to be marked
red to symbolize blood and sacrifice. Blood is believed to fuel
the spiritual forces within the rune. Some people choose to
use their blood to dye their rune. If you choose this route,
make sure that the rune is only for you and not to be given to
someone else. Your blood on the talisman makes it personal
to you. If you choose to use paint as a form of dye, you might
 consider using a shade of red, green, or blue. These colors
are more attuned to the natural world, though you can use
other colors if you choose. It depends on how closely you
follow the ancient ways.
●         Once it’s dried, you can coat your talisman with shellac, or
other clear coatings. You can adorn your talisman with other
natural elements like crystals or feathers. If you’re making a
necklace, you can add a chain or a cord.
●         Your talisman is finished. Now, you need to charge it, or
activate it with magic. Similar to when you were inscribing the
talisman, you can chant the name of the runes, summon your
deities or the spiritual energy of the runes, burn incense or
candles, use the energy from crystals, or anything else that
connects you spiritually to magic. Hold the talisman in your
hands and concentrate on the desired power and energies
you’re bringing to the object.
●     Bundle the talisman in a cloth and wrap a cord around it nine
times. Then, you’ll leave your wrapped talisman in the
darkness to charge, which symbolizes growing in the womb
and the birthing of your talisman. The time period you leave it
should be in increments of nine; nine minutes, nine hours,
nine days, etc. You can also leave it under a full moon or a
crystal grid to charge.
●         After the talisman has served its purpose or you’re finished
using it, you should burn it or bury it to release the magic.
Rune Scripts
The easiest way to understand rune scripts is to think of them as
writing a sentence or a word. It can involve one ‘word’ or several
combinations of ‘words’ written in a horizontal, straight line. However,
unlike traditional letters, you can flip runes to be written in an
aesthetically pleasing way.
How you choose to write the runes will depend on your intention. For
example, if you want to write your name, you would use the runes
that represent the phonetic sounds and spelling of your name. If your
name is Sam, you would use the runes Sowilo (S), Ansuz (A), and
Mannez (M).
You don’t need to stop with names; you can write other words, too.
Say you want to wear a bracelet with the word ‘life’ to remind
yourself to live your life to the fullest. You would use the runes Laguz
(L), Isaz (I), Fehu (F), and Eihwaz (E).
There are a few letters in the English alphabet that don’t translate
through Elder Futhark. The letters ‘C’ and ‘Q’ would use the same
rune as the letter ‘K,’ which is Kenaz. When an English letter is being
translated into a rune, it’s based on the sound it makes, and not so
much the way it looks. Thurisaz might look similar to a capital letter
‘D’ in the English alphabet, but it makes the sound ‘th,’ given from
the beginning of its name, Thurisaz.
On the other hand, you can use the runes to write a message, rather
than a direct translation of letters. When writing a ‘sentence’ or a
longer rune script, you’ll make a line above and below the runic
letters to set them together. To separate one message from another,
use a small x or circle between the runes. It’s advised not to use too
many runes, though. You might think it’s loading up on power with
the more runes you use, but that’s not the case. If anything, it
clutters the magic.
Bind Runes
Bind runes are inscriptions that have more than one rune that
overlaps or connects to create one bigger rune. As opposed to rune
scripts, bind runes are not read in a linear path from left to right.
Instead, they combine the energies of the runes in one single
symbol.
When creating a bind rune, there isn’t much for rules. The runes can
be forward, backward, sideways, upside down, diagonal, flipped, or
turned to angle, but you want the bind rune to be aesthetically
pleasing. You can use the same rune more than once, and even
have one face left while the other faces right. One rule of thumb
when creating a bind rune is to place the most significant rune in the
center.
Keep your bind rune close to you—paint it on canvas to hang on the
wall or on a stone to keep on your bookshelf. The design will be
unique and provide a spiritual atmosphere.
Stadhagaldr
Stadhagaldr, sometimes referred to as runic yoga, is a modern
creation developed by Friedrich Bernhard Marby in the 1920s and
30s as a way to harness the powerful energy of the earth. It’s a form
of movement meditation that uses the various postures and forms to
gain
★       control of the body (through posture)
★       control of thoughts (through song or chant)
★       control of breath
★       control of emotion
★       anchoring of the rune
★       control and master of the will
Each posture or pose has significant spiritual meaning based on the
rune it represents. For example, a posture invoking Uruz is similar to
the downward dog position of yoga and delivers a healing effect on
its user.
Chapter 6:

Divination

Casting Runes
Rune casting has been around since before Tacitus, the Roman
historian. There’s mention of it in the Norse and Icelandic Eddas and
Sagas.
Casting runes is often compared to reading tarot cards. Like tarot
cards, rune casting isn’t fortune-telling, as many assume it to be.
Those who cast runes or read tarot do so because they have some
type of conflict or inner turmoil that they’re unable to solve on their
own. Interpreting the runes gives them a new perspective to view
their problem, which can help to resolve it. It’s simply guiding the
user through their problem.
It doesn’t give you answers to your problem. It won’t tell you whether
you should break up with your partner or if your first child will be a
girl. Instead, it offers you possible outcomes or different ways to view
the situation. In the end, you still need to take it upon yourself to
think through whatever it is you’re facing and come to a logical
decision.
To cast, you need a set of runes. There are many available for
purchase online, or you can make your own. If you create your own
runes, you’ll need material for the runes. It’s highly recommended to
use something of nature, such as carving or burning wood or
painting stone.
The creation of the runes is part of the magical process and should
be taken seriously and not frivolously. Understand the runes and
their meanings before going through the process.
Once your runes are made, you can toss them or use them in a
spread. A spread is when they are laid out a certain way, such as
beside each other or in a design of some sort. If you decide to toss
them, you can do so on a white cloth. Many choose this option
because it is easier to see, it casts a magical boundary for the runes
to fall, and it’s an easier clean-up.
When they aren’t in use, keep them in a bag or box for safe storage.
Before each use, make sure to shake them to mix them up.
Rune Spreads
Unlike casting, rune spreads are a modern form of divination. It’s
closer to the tarot than it is to older forms of magic, though there are
a few older traits that have carried over to this generation. For
example, the emphasis on odd numbers has Germanic roots, or how
the numbers three and nine are prominent numbers in ancient Norse
customs and mythology.

One Rune Spread

Sometimes referred to as Odin’s rune, this is the simplest of all
spreads. It’s the spread you would choose when you have an
unexpected problem and need a quick fix, or if you’re looking for a
little insight in the morning. To honor and invoke Odin, some choose
to give a quick blow into the bag before drawing a rune. Ask the
runes a question before choosing one. Shuffle the runes and pull
one out. What theme is the rune that you pulled out? How can this
apply to your question?
If you choose to pull a rune in the mornings before you start your
day, record it in a journal. That night, you can write about how this
rune was present throughout the day. You can also choose to carry it
with you to remind yourself of the rune’s intention when you’re
feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
You can also ask the runes yes or no questions. Ask a question and
draw a rune, placing it down with your eyes closed. If it’s faced
down, that means the answer is no while if it faces up, it means yes.
You can still read the runes by the symbols on them because they
provide the context to lead you in the right direction.
Three
There are a number of ways to spread the runes, but most people
lay them out side by side, reading them left to right. There are also
different ways to read the runes.
Past, Present, Future
This option reflects the past, present, and future, like the three Norns
and the Well of Urd. How you choose to cast them is based on your
own preference. Most people tend to place the first rune in the past,
the second in the present, and the third in the future. It would look
like this:
Past (1), Present (2), Future (3)
However, some people see the present as the most important of the
three and place that in the first position, then past, then future, so it
would look like this:
Present (1), Past (2), Future (3)
You could cast the runes the same as you would any other layout;
reach in the bag, ask a question, and see what you get. In regard to
past, present, and future, you’ll consider how each one relates to
your question. What influences in the past have a relation to the
question you’re asking? In the present, what is happening that has
an effect on the question you’re asking about? Possible outcomes
can be seen in the future slot.
Other Spread
Another spread that you can use reveals different phases or
characteristics of your situation. If you have an unresolved or
unexpected problem and you need some clarity, try laying the three
runes as you would with past, present, and future. The first rune
helps to determine the heart of the problem. What is actually going
on and what is it that’s bothering you about it? The second rune will
be placed to the left because this rune represents what led you to
this problem. The third rune is placed to the right of the first rune and
gives possible solutions or advice to help you handle the problem.
Because this method is focused on the present, the third rune
doesn’t look to the future, but instead, helps you come to a decision.

Five
Using a five rune spread is similar to the three rune spread, but is
expanded upon. This spread will look something like this:
Past (1), Present (2), Future (3), Advice (4), Outcome (5)
As with the previous spread, you’ll interpret the runes the same in
regard to the past, present, and future. What happened in the past to
bring you to this point? What is currently happening that relates to
the question? How can this affect the future?
Now, this spread differs in the fourth and fifth rune cast. The fourth
rune will be based on advice regarding the question. This can give
you another perspective or a new way to view the problem or
question. The fifth rune will allow you to see the possible outcomes
that are likely to occur by following the advice of the fourth rune.

Nine
Nine is a sacred and magical number in Norse mythology. There are
nine realms, nine virtues in Asatru, Odin hung for nine days, etc. It’s
no surprise that a nine rune spread can have significant meaning, as
well.
There are several spreads that can be done using nine runes.
Scattered
One way that you can cast runes using the number nine is to scatter
them. Mix up your runes as you would before any casting and close
your eyes. Grab nine runes and scatter them across your cloth or
table, allowing them to land in whatever direction or placement they
fall. Take notice of which runes are facing down and which ones are
facing up. The runes that are facing down signify troubles that you
haven’t yet dealt with. The runes that are face up are the ones you’ll
be focused on.
Now, take a look at their positions. Which runes are closer to the
center of the casting and which ones are spread out toward the
edge? The runes that are closer to the center are where you’ll
prioritize your reading. Though the runes along the edge still matter,
they aren’t as important as the ones toward the center.
Because this isn’t a set “past, present, future” explanation, you’ll
need to put on your thinking cap. There are multiple meanings and
interpretations for each rune, so you’ll need to really consider how
each one can apply to this specific situation. It takes a bit of critical
thinking, but your intuition can help guide you. Does a certain
meaning call out to you more than another? There might be a reason
for that.
Grid
This one is a little more complex, though not as much as Odin’s nine
rune spread. In this spread, each row—whether horizontal, vertical,
or diagonal—will equal 15 when added together. To achieve this,
you’re casting will look like this:
4, 9, 2
3, 5, 7
8, 1, 6
Though your runes will be placed in this order, they won’t be read
this way. You’ll begin by reading the bottom line first. Though the
number of runes is tripled from the traditional past, present, and
future spread of three, it’s interpreted somewhat the same. The
bottom row represents the past:
●      Eight signifies any hidden influences that affected your past
in relation to the question.
●     One is based on your basic past influences.
●         Six is how you feel in regard to your past in this present
moment.
The middle row represents, you guessed it, the present:
●      Three signifies any hidden influences that are affecting your
problem in the current moment.
●         Five is based on the present circumstances about the
question.
●         Seven is related to how you feel in regard to the present
events.
The top row is related to the outcome, or the future:
●     Four signifies any hidden influences that might have an effect
on the potential outcomes.
●         Nine is based on the most desirable outcome to your
problem.
●     Two is how you feel in response to these outcomes.
While using more runes can mean more answers and
interpretations, it can also make these interpretations murky and
confusing. That’s because there are multiple meanings for each rune
which makes it complicated for beginners. Focus on smaller runic
spreads until you feel more comfortable moving on to bigger
spreads.
Seidr
Meaning cord, string, snare, bind
Seidr is a type of magic that influences or alters fate. It was
commonly used in pre-Christian ancient Norse mythology and is the
most widely used type of magic among the Norse, by both gods and
humans. Among the gods, Freya and Odin were the two who
practiced seidr magic the most. Freya was even said to be one of the
greatest users among the gods and even taught some of it to the
Aesir.
Often, wanderers or religious figures would use this type of magic for
both healing and hurting people. Though the exact ways of practice
are not fully known, there’s enough information spread through text
that allows us to form a general idea of the magic.
Because this type of magic can manipulate fate, it’s often criticized
or seen as taboo. It can alter the world in ways that would never
have been altered without it. Think of it like using a time machine to
go back in time; one small move can change the history and future of
the world. That’s similar to seidr magic; it alters the future.
In Norse mythology, the three Norns are known for weaving the
strings of fate. In a sense, they are the ultimate seidr magicians.
Ordinary people don’t know of their fate or the weaving of their
strings.
Many saw the use of seidr magic as a ‘feminine’ form of magic, so
the number of males who practiced were far less than females.
Galdr
Galdr is the Old Norse word for ‘spell’ or ‘incantation,’ and is derived
from the word gala, meaning “singing incantations.” Some spells
were composed in a special seven-lined meter known as Galdralag.
It was used in a combination with certain rites or actions. For
instance, during childbirth, some women would use galdr for easier
delivery. However, unlike Seidr magic, it’s not so gender specific.
Masters of galdr have been known to use it to raise storms, sink
ships, alter weapons, and even determine the fate of battles, all with
their voices. Incantation spells can have incredible power.
Odin was thought to be a powerful user as galdr magic made use of
runes. With runes, when you want to invoke magic, you would chant
the sound that the rune represents or the name of the rune.
Traditionally, a falsetto, throaty chanting is used, but do whatever
resonates the most with you.
Conclusion

You’ve done it! You’ve traveled the nine realms of the Norse cosmos.
You’ve learned about the rich history of the gods and the beings of
the world.
Take that information and run with it. First, decide what path of
Paganism, if any, you’d plan to follow. Perhaps Asatru caught your
eye, and you think the Nine Noble Virtues are along the lines of what
you already believe? Or maybe you empathize with the Jotun and
would like to follow the path of Rokkatru. You now have enough
knowledge to get you started. Go find your pagan community!
You now know what the Elder Futhark runes are and what they
mean. Cast a three rune spread and ask what your future has in
store for you. It just might help you decide whether or not it’s time to
follow the dream you’ve been contemplating. Cast a five rune spread
to determine if you should repair the relationship you have with your
significant other or your friend. Let the runes guide you.
Create your own set of runes. Whether you paint it on stones or write
it on cardstock, you can now do so. Will you keep them in a bag or a
small box? If you do choose a box, maybe you can decorate it with
crystals or paint a picture of Yggdrasil and the nine realms on the
top. Do you have a favorite realm? Perhaps the beauty of Asgard
would look stunning on top. Or do you find that Jotunheim has more
intrigue? Maybe you like Midgard because it resonates with you the
most.
Now that you know how to make a talisman, do you think you’ll use
wood, or some other object? What color paint will you use for your
runes? Once you create a talisman for yourself, you can make one
for your friends and family. Carve their runic names on pieces of
wood and give it to them for Christmas. If your best friend has the flu,
try painting Uruz on a stone that they can keep beside their bed. It
can help aid them in the healing process.
There are so many options now that you know how to invoke magic
and cast runes. What’s even better is that you know the meaning
behind each rune. Connect with the spiritual essence of it. As you
delve deeper into the world of the runes, you’ll feel more connected
with the ancestors of the Germanic people. Understanding their way
of life and intertwining pieces of it with your own, will bring you closer
to history itself.
I wish you luck on your spiritual journey as you take everything
you’ve learned here and apply it to your own life. Remember to open
your mind to the possibilities.
References

All photos sourced from Unsplash.com

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