How many Elder Futhark runes are there?

Twenty-four, divided into three ættir (groups) of eight runes each: the ætt of Freyr, of Heimdall and of Týr.

They are the three groups of eight runes that make up the Elder Futhark, each linked to a Norse deity: Freyr, Heimdall and Týr.

What does a reversed (merkstave) rune mean?

Some runes, when drawn upside down, are read as merkstave: an opposite or shadow nuance of the upright meaning. Symmetric runes have no reversal. This is symbolic tradition, not a prediction.

Index of the 24 Elder Futhark runes

The 24 runes in traditional order, grouped into the three ættir. Open each profile for the upright and reversed meaning, then return to the oracle for a personalized reading.

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In short

The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet: 24 runes split into three groups of eight, the ættir of Freyr, Heimdall and Týr. Each rune has a name, a sound and a symbolic meaning; many also have a reversed (merkstave) position with a different reading. Here is the complete list with glyph and a link to each profile.

Freyr's ætt

#	Glyph	Name	Sound	Profile
1	ᚠ	FehuWealth	F	Open rune
2	ᚢ	UruzStrength	U	Open rune
3	ᚦ	ThurisazThorn	Th	Open rune
4	ᚨ	AnsuzWord	A	Open rune
5	ᚱ	RaidhoJourney	R	Open rune
6	ᚲ	KenazTorch	K	Open rune
7	ᚷ	GeboGift · no reversal	G	Open rune
8	ᚹ	WunjoJoy	W	Open rune

Heimdall's ætt

#	Glyph	Name	Sound	Profile
9	ᚺ	HagalazHail · no reversal	H	Open rune
10	ᚾ	NauthizNeed	N	Open rune
11	ᛁ	IsaIce · no reversal	I	Open rune
12	ᛃ	JeraHarvest · no reversal	J	Open rune
13	ᛇ	EihwazYew · no reversal	EI	Open rune
14	ᛈ	PerthroLot	P	Open rune
15	ᛉ	AlgizProtection	Z	Open rune
16	ᛊ	SowiloSun · no reversal	S	Open rune

Týr's ætt

#	Glyph	Name	Sound	Profile
17	ᛏ	TiwazJustice	T	Open rune
18	ᛒ	BerkanoBirch	B	Open rune
19	ᛖ	EhwazHorse	E	Open rune
20	ᛗ	MannazMankind	M	Open rune
21	ᛚ	LaguzWater	L	Open rune
22	ᛝ	IngwazSeed · no reversal	NG	Open rune
23	ᛞ	DagazDawn · no reversal	D	Open rune
24	ᛟ	OthalaHeritage	O	Open rune

Frequently asked questions

How many Elder Futhark runes are there?: Twenty-four, divided into three ættir (groups) of eight runes each: the ætt of Freyr, of Heimdall and of Týr.
What are the ættir?: They are the three groups of eight runes that make up the Elder Futhark, each linked to a Norse deity: Freyr, Heimdall and Týr.
What does a reversed (merkstave) rune mean?: Some runes, when drawn upside down, are read as merkstave: an opposite or shadow nuance of the upright meaning. Symmetric runes have no reversal. This is symbolic tradition, not a prediction.