What is a futhark? What is The Troth?
A futhark is a runic alphabet. Just as the word The Troth is one of several international
 alphabet comes from the names of the first two organizations that promote the ancient religion of
Greek letters, alpha and beta, the word  futhark the Northlands, known as ÁsatrÅ›, Heathenry, and by
comes from the first six runic letters: F, U, Th, A, other names. We are incorporated as a non-profit
R and K. This flyer focuses on the oldest runic religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are
alphabet, the Elder Futhark. Different futharks were recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as
used at different times and places; the Elder Futhark a tax-exempt religious organization.
is a little different from the Anglo-Saxon or
The Troth publishes a quarterly magazine,
Scandinavian Futharks. Idunna, along with other writings on Heathen belief
and practice. We serve as a networking organization
Where and when did the runes originate? for individuals and kindreds, and we try to assist our
members to form local groups to practice our
The runic letters were derived from an alphabet
used in north Italy, related in turn to the Latin religion and make it more widely available. Once a
alphabet. The letters were modified for easier year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which
carving in wood, and to express sounds not used in members and interested folks conduct workshops
Latin. Their shapes were also influenced by pre- and ceremonies, and discuss and demonstrate their
literate signs that the Germanic peoples carved for many skills and practices. The Troth also conducts a
religious or magical purposes. The oldest runic certification program for clergy, incorporating
inscription, on a medallion found at Meldorf, training in lore, theology, ritual, and counseling.
Germany, dates from the first century. Use of runes
The Troth believes that the Gods call whom
in Scandinavia continued into the 14th century, and they will regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender,
in a few areas even later. or sexual orientation. To hear their call is a joy, an
In Heathen myth, the runes were first grasped by honor, and also a duty. If you hear that call, and you
the god Odin, after an ordeal in which he hung from are willing to live by our values and honor our
the World Tree for nine nights, pierced by a spear. Gods, then we invite you to take your place among
Odin later gave knowledge of the runes to all friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to
beings, and rune knowledge was taught to humans our ancient Heathen faith.
by the god Heimdall. These myths refer not so
much to the origin of the letters, but rather to How can I find out more?
grasping the meanings and connections that the " Visit the main website of The Troth at
letters represent. This wisdom is a great gift to us. http://www.thetroth.org/
©2003, The Troth
" E-mail the Troth at troth-
PO Box 1369
What are those emblems on the cover? [e-mail]
Oldsmar, FL 34677
The cover shows a runestone from Tullstorp in " The Troth has a network of local coordinators, or
southern Sweden, made around the year 1000. The  Stewards , who are happy to answer questions and
inscription, in a Scandinavian Futhark, reads: provide contacts. To find your nearest Steward, go
+ klibiR + auk + ása + + risthu + kuml + thusi + to http://www.thetroth.org/
uftiR + ulf +,  Kleppir and Ása raised this memsvc/stewards/
This material may be reproduced freely but
memorial in memory of Ulf. The Thor s Hammer " Write to the Troth at the address on the front of
may not be altered
in a wreath is the emblem of the Troth, one of the this flyer.
largest Heathen organizations today.
The Elder Futhark A Brief Overview
What are runes?
The word rune or runa meant  secret or Each rune is given with its reconstructed name in Proto-Germanic, the meaning of its name, and its symbolic
 mystery in the Germanic languages. It later came meanings and associations.
to mean the letters used to write various Germanic
languages, including Old Norse, and Old English,
up to about 1300 AD. The old meaning of
fehu (cattle) riches; movable wealth; eiwaz (yew tree) life and death; axis of the
 mystery still persists: runes were, and are, deeply
vital energy; fire; the gods Frey and Freya universe; shamanic journeying
significant in Heathen magic and esoteric lore.
uruz (wild ox) strength; independence; perthro (dice-cup or gaming piece) fate or
How were runes used?
raw power; shaping force; health and healing destiny; birth; hidden things; mysteries
Runes can be used in the same ways as any
writing system. Originally they were carved or
thurisaz (giant) aggression; defense; elhaz (elk) protection; defense; sacred
scratched on wood, stone or metal, but manuscripts
directed force; the god Thor space; honor; connection with divine
written in runes also exist. Messages of all kinds,
from business letters and Christian prayers to love
ansuz (god) higher consciousness; sowilo (sun) light; advancement; growth;
charms and obscene graffiti, have been found carved
inspiration; wisdom; the god Odin evolution; victory; attainment of goals
in runes on medieval artifacts. Runes were widely
used in Scandinavia for memorial inscriptions to
raidho (riding) travel; journey of life; tiwaz (the god Tyr) victory; justice; truth;
the deceased, even well after Christianization.
communication; rhythm; justice and right sacrifice for greater good; motivation
Perhaps the most famous historical use of runes
was the carving of magic formulas. Artifacts and
literary references show that runes, either singly or kenaz (torch) craft; creativity; intellect; berkano (birch tree) growth; renewal;
in longer inscriptions, were carved on amulets energy harnessed towards a goal transformation; Goddesses; female sexuality
(taufr), gear and weapons for protection, healing, or
cursing. Rune-carving for magical purposes was
gebo (gift) exchange; balance; bonds of ehwaz (horse) journeying; faithfulness;
often done in conjunction with sung or chanted
friendship and obligation; sexual union emotion; partnerships; trust
spells (galdr); magical runes were usually colored
after carving. Runes or other symbols carved on
wunjo (joy) happiness; ecstasy; mannaz (man) human life; self-
slips of wood were also used for divination.
harmony; friendship; will; confidence knowledge; rational mind; human condition
Heathens use runes today for all of these purposes.
hagalaz (hail) change; destruction laguz (lake) organic life; birth and death;
What do the runes mean in religion and
leading to new creation; patterns the unconscious mind; concealment
magic?
Rune letters are symbols for shaping forces and
naudhiz (need) resistance; opposition; Ingunaz (the god Freyr-Ing) fertility;
patterns that operate throughout the cosmos. They
danger; friction; strengthening the will health; peace; latent power; male sexuality
can also be seen as symbols of the many aspects of
the human mind. We learn their symbolic
isa (ice) stillness; stability; calmness; dagaz (day) paradox and resolution;
meanings from their names and descriptions in a
stagnation; blockage; barrenness; cold enlightenment; safety; clarity; revelation
few medieval  rune poems written in Norse and
Old English, from other literary references, from
artifacts, and also from experience and meditation. jera (year) cycle of seasons; patience; othala (inherited land) property;
This flyer can give only the briefest idea of all that harvest; reward; results of past actions boundaries; heritage; inborn abilities
the runes mean.