Introduction

The runes of the Younger Futhark, especially the short-twig version used in Viking Age Sweden (including my home region of Halland) were originally a writing system. 
They were not meant as mystical or magical symbols, but as practical tools to carve language into wood, stone, and bone.

Still, over the years, many people (myself included) have found symbolic meaning in these shapes and sounds. 
Whether inspired by Norse mythology, nature, personal reflection, or modern mysticism, these interpretations are creative, speculative, and deeply individual.

Below you’ll find my personal interpretation of the 16 short-twig runes.
They are not based on historical certainty – and that’s the point.
You’re encouraged to think freely, question everything, and find your own meanings.

The Runes

ᚠ – Fe
Sound: f / v
Meaning: Wealth, nourishment, life-energy. Not just money, but what fuels growth and movement.

ᚢ – Ur
Sound: u
Meaning: Raw strength, primal instinct, the will to survive. A connection to nature and the body.

ᚦ – Thurs
Sound: th (þ)
Meaning: Chaos, challenges, disruptive forces. A spark of necessary conflict or change.

ᚭ – As
Sound: o
Meaning: Wisdom, speech, divine inspiration. A channel to ancestors or higher realms.

ᚱ – Reið
Sound: r
Meaning: Journey, movement, life transitions. Either physical or internal transformation.

ᚴ – Kaun
Sound: k
Meaning: Pain, fire, insight. The kind of discomfort that purifies or teaches something important.

ᚽ – Hagall
Sound: h
Meaning: Hail, randomness, fate. Storms that shake us up – and shape us.

ᚿ – Naudr
Sound: n
Meaning: Need, pressure, necessity. Difficult conditions that lead to growth or invention.

ᛁ – Iss
Sound: i
Meaning: Ice, stillness, control. Can symbolize discipline – or emotional coldness.

ᛆ – Ar
Sound: a
Meaning: Harvest, cycles, natural reward. Reaping the results of time, care, and effort.

ᛌ – Sól
Sound: s
Meaning: Sun, clarity, energy. The power of light, direction, and truth.

ᛐ – Týr
Sound: t
Meaning: Justice, sacrifice, moral courage. Standing firm in what you believe – even when it hurts.

ᛓ – Bjarkan
Sound: b
Meaning: Growth, protection, feminine strength. Gentle but resilient energy.

ᛙ – Maðr
Sound: m
Meaning: Humanity, community, balance between spirit and flesh.

ᛚ – Lögr
Sound: l
Meaning: Water, intuition, emotional movement. Flexibility and flowing with change.

ᛧ – Yr
Sound: ʀ
Meaning: Ending, death, transformation. A gateway to renewal or the unknown.

Final Note

This page is not meant to be academic or definitive. 
These meanings are my own.
I encourage you to read more, question often, and explore the runes with curiosity and care.