Write Like a Viking
Younger & Elder Futhark converter
For runes and curiosity, not for history class
Think of Younger Futhark as the ultimate minimalist challenge where only 16 runes do the work of an entire alphabet!
We invite you to take your favorite Nordic sayings or words, and practice writing in runes. Since one symbol can represent multiple sounds in the Old Norse script, your text becomes a stone-cold puzzle for others to solve.
Some beautiful examples:
- Lengi man móðir (Love and memories never end.)
- Gulli betra en göfugt nafn (Your name defines your wealth.)
- Ha många bollar i luften (Busy! Multitasking is underway.)
Futhark Before Viking Age
If the 16-rune Younger Futhark feels too crowded, it’s time to go back to the source: the Elder Futhark. This is the original runic alphabet used by Germanic tribes before the Viking Age.
With 24 distinct signs, you have far more phonetic freedom to translate your favorite Nordic sayings or Old Norse quotes.
Turn following Nordic words to runes:
- Delad glädje är dubbel glädje (Shared hapiness is the best!)
- Bara vara (Relax)
- Löngum er hefnigjarnt lítið vit (Vengefulness is often a sign of little wit)
- Oft eru tröllin trú en það ert ekki þú (Be a trustworthy human)
Rune words in Sweden
The words in the rune translation are based on the following resource
Svenskt runordsregister (English: Word index to the Swedish runic inscriptions) is a specialized lexicographical reference work authored by Lena Peterson. Published in 1994 by Uppsala University's Department of Scandinavian Languages, this volume constitutes the second revised edition within the scholarly series Runrön.
This work serves as a comprehensive index for researchers studying Old Norse and runology, specifically focusing on the linguistic content of Viking Age stone inscriptions.
Key Features and Scope
- Time Period: The index covers inscriptions from the Viking Age, specifically dating from c. 800 to c. 1100.
- Geographic Focus: It encompasses inscriptions found within the medieval boundaries of Sweden.
- Content Restrictions: The volume indexes the vocabulary of the inscriptions but explicitly excludes proper names.
