Some recent and fascinating Norse archaeological finds

There have been some very interesting archaeological finds related to the Norse faith recently. One of them is this golden disc found during an excavation in Denmark: This one is particularly important as it has the oldest known runic inscription mentioning Odin. The runes state: ”He is Odin’s man”, likely referencing a ruler of some

World’s oldest known runestone found in Norway

Fascinating news from Norway: Archeologist say they have found the oldest known runestone! Found during the excavation of a grave in Tyrifjorden, west of Oslo, the stone has several inscriptions. Not all make linguistic sense but one on the front reads ”idiberug”, which could be the name of a person or family. The archaeologists estimate

Haikus about the runes: Eihaz, rune of Yggdrasil

Great yew, evergreenResurrection, Tree of LifeYou are Yggdrasil The rune ᛇ is called eihaz, meaning ‘yew’. It is pronounced like the letter ï. The yew is a sacred tree in many traditions. In the Norse religion, the world tree Yggdrasil is sometimes believed to be a yew. It has in the past been translated as

Haikus about the runes: Logur, the water rune

Child, be like waterFor logur is powerful,breaks mountains by touch The l-rune ᛚ is called logur, meaning ‘water’. It is associated with all things we associate with water: softness, flow, multifacetedness and flexibility. As Lao Tzu, a great spiritual teacher from another tradition (Daoism), taught: softness is seen as weak by many but is in

Haikus about the runes: Bjarkan

Wind rustling through leavesThe birches are whispering‘bout a sacred rune The b-rune is in Old Norse called bjarkan, meaning birch. It is associated with growth and rebirth of life.

Haikus about the runes: Tiwaz, rune of the God of war

Tiwaz is Týr’s spearI invoke the mighty GodThe one-handed Lord The t-rune is called Tiwaz and is associated with Týr, the God of justice and war. Its shape is supposed to remind one of a spear. It was often carved into weapons, as a prayer to Týr to grant victory in battle. Týr is known

Haikus about the runes: Sól, rune of the Sun.

In winter, You hideIn summer, You never leave.Sól, I wish to sleep! The s-rune is called Sól, after the Goddess of the sun. The above poem is written from the perspective of someone expressing frustration with the Sun for being often absent in winter yet illuminating summer nights and making it hard to sleep. Most

Haikus about the runes: Ár and Jera, runes of plenty

Plenty’s been givenGenerous jera grantedLet’s rejoice and share ᛅ or ár (ᛃ or jera in the Elder Futhark. The Old Norse of the Younger Futhark had no j-sound) is a rune whose name means ‘plenty’ or ‘good harvest’. Speaking of enjoying the Earth’s gifts: it’s strawberry season here in Scandinavia and I’m thoroughly enjoying it

Haikus about the runes: Isa, loved by Skaði

Clad in white IsaSkaði reigns over the mountainsFar from Njörðr and seas The i-rune is called Isa, meaning ice. This particular rune makes me think of the Goddess and Giantess Skaði, who is associated with winters and mountains. There is a story the Norse told about Skaði having an unhappy marriage with Njörðr, the Vanir God

Haikus about the runes: Nauðr

Hasten to the callNauðr says there is much to doChild, stand up and fight! The n-rune ᚾ is called nauðr, meaning need or distress. Meditating on this rune can conjure thoughts of personal suffering and longing. But it can also be a reminder of the needs of others and one’s responsibility to lend a helping