Viking Runes Alphabet — Elder Futhark Copy & Paste Guide

The Viking runes are one of the most fascinating writing systems in history. Used by Norse peoples from around the 2nd century CE, these angular symbols were carved into stone, wood, and metal. Beyond their practical use as letters, runes carried deep symbolic meaning — each one representing a concept, a sound, and a power.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a fantasy writer, or just want some cool symbols for your next project, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Elder Futhark — the oldest and most widely recognized runic alphabet.

What Is the Elder Futhark?

The Elder Futhark is the oldest form of the runic alphabets, used from approximately the 2nd to 8th centuries CE across Northern Europe. It consists of 24 runes, divided into three groups of eight called aettir (singular: aett). The name "Futhark" comes from the first six letters: F-U-Th-A-R-K.

These runes were used by Germanic and Norse peoples before being replaced by the Younger Futhark (16 runes) during the Viking Age. The Elder Futhark is the version most people recognize today, appearing in fantasy media, games, and neo-pagan practices.

The 24 Elder Futhark Runes

Below is the complete Elder Futhark with each rune, its name, phonetic value, and traditional meaning.

First Aett (Freya's Aett)

Second Aett (Heimdall's Aett)

Third Aett (Tyr's Aett)

How to Type Viking Runes

Runes are part of the Unicode standard (Runic block: U+16A0 to U+16F0). You can type them using any Unicode-compatible input method. On Windows, hold Alt and type the Unicode value on the numpad. On Mac, use the Character Viewer (Ctrl+Cmd+Space) and search for "runic."

The easiest method is simply copying from the tables above. All modern browsers, phones, and applications support runic characters. If a rune shows up as a box, you need a font that includes the Runic Unicode block — most modern system fonts do.

Runes in Modern Culture

Viking runes appear everywhere in modern media. J.R.R. Tolkien based the dwarven script in The Hobbit on Anglo-Saxon runes. Video games like God of War use runes extensively in their Norse mythology setting. Many metal bands use runic imagery in their logos and album art.

In modern paganism and esoteric practices, runes are used for divination and meditation. Each rune is drawn on a small tile (usually wood or stone), and practitioners cast or draw runes to gain insight. Whether you believe in their mystical properties or simply appreciate their aesthetic, runes carry a powerful visual impact.

Elder Futhark vs Younger Futhark

The Elder Futhark (24 runes) was used during the Migration Period. Around the 8th century, it was simplified into the Younger Futhark with only 16 runes. The Younger Futhark is actually what the Vikings used during the Viking Age (793-1066 CE), despite the Elder Futhark being more popular in modern depictions.

If you want historically accurate Viking-era runes, use the Younger Futhark. If you want the complete set that most people recognize and that appears in popular culture, use the Elder Futhark. Both are valid and fascinating.

Quick Copy — All 24 Elder Futhark Runes

Here are all 24 runes in a single line for easy copying: ᚠ ᚢ ᚦ ᚨ ᚱ ᚲ ᚷ ᚹ ᚺ ᚾ ᛁ ᛃ ᛇ ᛈ ᛉ ᛊ ᛏ ᛒ ᛖ ᛗ ᛚ ᛜ ᛞ ᛟ

For more Norse and historical symbols, check out our Viking runes meaning guide and our collection of ancient spiritual symbols.