50 51 The Elder Futhark Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt The character sees the path ahead leading to the end of all things as they know them, for better and worse. Today is a good day to die and show their valor to the gods. Effect of the Hagalaz Rune The character rolls their first death saving throw with disadvantage when they reach 0 hit points. However, every time they pass a death save they can spend and roll one of their Hit Dice as if they were taking a short rest. By doing so, they immediately recover as many Hit Points as the result of the die roll plus their Wisdom modifier. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effects of the Glyph Hagalaz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Sleet Storm spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: When the character fails a check, they can add 1d6 to the next check. The character can use this feature for a number of times equal to their Wisdom score (Asatru) after each long rest. Roleplaying: The character sees an opportunity to momentarily break a pattern. Sometimes it is necessary to go against tradition to build something new and lasting. Appearance: The character becomes pale, their skin as cold as winter itself. They look closer and closer to hypothermia but, despite everything, they do not seem to be cold. 10. Nauthiz The Flame of Necessity [n] The Encounter with Pain, presided over by Heimdallr. Resilience, virtue, determination, inner strength. Nauthiz corresponds to the letter “N” and represents the state of being deprived of something needed. Some see in its glyph two twigs rubbed against one another in the attempt to make a fire; such image is very helpful to understand the nature of this rune. Somebody rubbing two twigs together for fire is presumably in need: perhaps they are cold or hungry or surrounded by darkness. Nauthiz represents the feeling of anguish due to lacking what is needed to be well, the desperate search for something to coax even the faintest spark from the twigs until our hands bleed. The rune poems seem to agree with this interpretation in their description of this rune. The Anglo-Saxon poem states: Trouble is oppressive to the heart; yet often it proves a source of help and salvation to the children of men, to everyone who heeds it betimes. These lines offer solid advice: although Nauthiz heralds trouble, it also attempts to warn us, giving us ways to prepare and face it. Nauthiz
52 Norse Grimoire 53 The Icelandic poem stresses the oppressive nature of this rune: Constraint is grief of the bond-maid and state of oppression and toilsome work. The Norwegian poem seems to agree: Constraint gives scant choice; a naked man is chilled by the frost. A naked man in the snow is destined to have his teeth chatter since he lacks what he needs to keep warm. He would badly need the twigs this rune represent to start a fire. In Norse mythology, when the gods need help, they almost always end up relying on Loki, the cunning and rather controversial god of fire and trickery. In other words, Loki is often the spark needed to solve the problem. Even Thor, dressed as a bride in an attempt to recover his hammer, would not have gone far without Loki’s help. This is just one of the many examples of the god of trickery saving the gods with his clever schemes. However, it should be noted that it is often Loki himself causing the troubles he is then asked to solve, like the time he promises the giant Thiassi to give him the golden apples of Idun, only to be forced to borrow Freyja’s feathered cloak to rescue the goddess and recover her precious fruits. One day he decides to cut the beautiful golden hair of Sif, Thor’s wife, and the god of thunder almost punches him to death while shouting at him to fix the damage done. Loki then goes to the dwarves and commissions them hair made of pure gold for Sif in order to make her even more beautiful. In addition to that, the divine trickster convinces the dwarves to give him gifts for all the deities, in order to appease them. This is how that Thor obtains Mjölnir, his legendary hammer, and Odin the ring Draupnir, that multiplies nine times every nine nights, and his runic spear Gungnir. All in all, often it is thanks to Loki’s schemes that the gods, after an initial moment of confusion and anger, find themselves more fortunate than before. Nauthiz, then, does not have only a negative connotation; deprivation and necessity lead to problematic situations through which one can achieve certain goals. Loki is an enigmatic figure: sometimes helps the gods and other times he willingly puts them in trouble. According to Norse mythology, the closer to Ragnarok, the more voracious the inner flame of this god becomes, eager to consume the entire world. After confessing his murder of Baldr, the handsome son of Odin, and after offending all the gods at a feast, Loki is chained underground with the entrails of his own son, a snake constantly dripping deadly poison on him. His wife Sigyn, however, does not leave his side for an instant, using a bowl to collect the poison before it touches him. But every now and then, whenever Sigyn has to empty the full bowl, some drops of poison hit Loki causing him to scream in pain. The entire earth shakes with him and the Norse peoples know that, when they feel the ground tremble, somewhere Loki is serving his time. Cweorth: the consuming flame Another fire-related rune exists in the Futhorc variant used in Northumbria. It is Cweorth, associated to the “q” sounds, representing the flame of destruction and purification that burns on a funeral pyre. Its appearance is similar to that of a drakkar, a Viking ship ready to sail on its last journey as it is set on fire to honor the fallen buried with their weapons. Cweorth represents the burning vitality of a regenerating energy that requires fuel to burn. It is the heroic death or the phoenix reborn from its ashes. Nauthiz is the only rune Sigdrifa calls by name when teaching Sigurd,. This is a very important clue, because it allows us to figure out that the other runes described in the rest of the poem (although not directly named) are most likely the remaining runes of the Futhark alphabet. The stanza where the Valkyrie mentions Nauthiz is the following:
52 53 The Elder Futhark Alrunar thou must know, if thou wilt not that another’s wife thy trust betray, if thou in her con fide. On the horn must they be graven, and on the hand’s back, and on the nail Nath be scored. In this case, Nath or Nauthiz is mentioned as a rune to be carved on one’s nails to avoid deception and problems, accentuating its positive, cautionary nature. Since this is a palindrome rune, its meaning never changes, but it always warns the diviner of situations of constraint, anguish and deprivation. When it appears in divination, however, it should not be taken as a negative omen: problems are a constant in life and Nauthiz warns us of an incoming peril so that we can avoid it. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt Great adversities present themselves on the character’s path, but the resolve of their soul is more than enough to face bravely whatever fate has in store for them. Effect of the Nauthiz Rune Whenever an ally within 30 feet that the character can see drops to 0 hit points, the character immediately gets temporary hit points equal to half their current level, and they gain advantage on their next saving throw until the end of their next turn. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effects of the Glyph Nauthiz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Meld into Stone spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on all Insight checks to detect and expose a lie. Roleplaying: The character is always concerned about the satisfaction of their own basic needs. They fears hunger, cold and lack of rest more than any enemy. Appearance: When the character has to face hardship or debilitating situations, they immediately lose weight and vigor, as if they hadn’t eaten in weeks. As soon as they have their first full meal, they recover their healthy appearance.
54 Norse Grimoire 55 The Icelandic rune poem describes this feature of ice: Ice is bark of rivers and roof of the wave and destruction of the doomed. The Norwegian poem is, as usual, rather cryptic: Ice is called the broad bridge; the blind man must be led. Ice has the power to solidify water that could not be crossed on foot otherwise. In that case, even a blind man could reach the other side of a frozen river as long as properly guided. Therefore, ice can be a positive element that forges connections. In fact, the most famous bridge in Norse mythology is Bifröst, the shimmering path, formed by the seven colors of the rainbow and capable of connecting the realm of men to that of the gods. After all, ice is nothing more than solidified water and it is vapor that, when struck by light, refracts the seven magnificent colors we can admire near waterfalls or when the weather clears after the rain. Heimdallr, the white god, is Bifröst’s warden and keeps eternal watch over it, seeing and hearing everything, ready to blow his mighty horn Gjallarhorn when the giants come for the realm of the gods, crossing the iridescent bridge in an attempt to destroy it. 11. Isa The Frozen Sea [i] The Unchained Mind, presided over by Buri. A moment of meditation, focusing on the objective, separation, limitation. Isa, as it is easily understood, corresponds to our letter “I” and is tied to ice, as attested in English and in the German word for ice, Eis. In Scandinavian countries, winters were harsh and bodies of water froze solid often, trapping ships and preventing navigation. For a sea-faring people like the Norse, of course, this meant a long wait. The Isa rune represents such a static situation, just like a drakkar stuck in ice. In numerous sagas we find Viking heroes passing winters in foreign lands, seeking the hospitality of allies or strangers. It was an unavoidable necessity, as when ice covered everything the only thing left to do was hunkering down, perhaps in front of a warm hearth, and wait for spring. Isa
54 55 The Elder Futhark Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt The character suddenly comes to the realization that everybody is alone and adrift in the world. They must take a moment to reflect and reevaluate the meaning of their existence. Effect of the Isa Rune When the character drops to 0 hit points, they can roll a Wisdom saving throw and add the relative modifier, instead of rolling death saving throws. The DC, however, remains unvaried (DC 10 under normal circumstances). Effects of the Glyph Isa is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Misty Step spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character ignores the effects of the first level of exhaustion, if it was the cold that caused it. They also have advantage on Strength checks (Athletics) if they have to get across a short stretch of icy waters. Roleplaying: The character is always at ease in case of bad weather or in bitingly cold situations. Their attention is directed towards contemplation of the elements and they tend to isolate themself from their companions. Appearance: When the character comes into contact with puddles or tiny streams, the water freezes under their feet. It is not uncommon for the rainbow to appear in their presence, as if to show them the way. The Anglo-Saxon poem emphasizes the beauty of ice, shining as a precious stone: Ice is very cold and immeasurably slippery; it glistens as clear as glass and most like to gems; it is a floor wrought by the frost, fair to look upon. Isa is one of the palindrome runes, appearing identical whether upright or reversed. In either case it points to a blockage, an impasse, and invites to take time, like the Vikings did during winter, as spring will arrive and ice will melt. It is no coincidence that the rune following Isa is Jera, the harvest, denoting the return of the good season.
56 Norse Grimoire 57 After three “winter” runes (so to speak), Jera states that frost is but a phase and that every season follows its course and inevitably gives way to the next one. It also points that it is time to reap what has been sown and that after a rigid winter the earth finally returns to bear fruit. Ior: the annual migration In the Futhorc alphabet this rune does not look like a spinning wheel, but like a mix of the Isa and Gebo runes with vertical staff with two slanting strokes in the form of an X in its center However, in later sources its appearance changed as shown in the image to the left. This change could have a meaning; it could potentially be recalling the first blades of grass that peak through the melting snow in spring. Nature, after resting all winter, is ready to be reborn, so the harvest could be seen as a gift that the ice kept safe during the cold season. In its version with open extremities, like the rune Gebo tied to Isa, on the right, this rune is called Ior, taking the meaning of “eel”. Its shape reminds us of the long body and two small fins of an eel, and the Anglo-Saxon poem provides an explanation for this in the following verses: Iar is a river fish and yet it always feeds on land; it has a fair abode encompassed by water, where it lives in happiness. Eels live in fresh water, yet journey to the sea in order to reproduce, and the Norse must have noticed such a behavior and taken advantage of this great migration to hoard fish. The annual migration of the eels must have represented one of the hallmarks of the passing of seasons, like the blooming of plants, bringing abundance and prosperity. In Norse mythology, spring is personified by Idun, the goddess of the golden apples granting the gods their eternal life. The frost giants, eager to steal these precious fruits, attempted numerous times to kidnap the goddess. Thiassi turned into an eagle and seized Loki, threatening to drop him to the ground unless he accepted to deliver Idun to him. 12. Jera The Wheel of the Year [j] The Cosmic Path, presided over by Sif. Cyclic nature of time, patience, control, harvest, gradual progress. Jera corresponds to the letter “J”, though pronounced “y”, as in the modern English “year” or its German equivalent Jahre. Jera is the cosmic wheel that never stops turning, alternating between seasons. It is the rune of the natural cycles, tied to the rural life and the propitious time for all things. Jera
56 57 The Elder Futhark To portray the cold and long winter, the myth relies on the image of the goddess of fertility and spring plunged deep in the realm of the dead. In most cultures, spring is personified by a goddess who periodically descends into the cold afterlife to later bring prosperity on her return to the surface. The Icelanders, too, associate this rune to a good harvest and the mild season, without forgetting that it is a reward and not a gift. If one wants their land to be fertile and their harvest to be bountiful, it is important to take care of it throughout the year: Boon to men and good summer and thriving crops. The Norwegian rune poem thus describes Jera: Plenty is a boon to men; I say that Frodi was generous. These verses are not simple to decipher, but learning about Frodi can help us understand their meaning. Frodi is a character from a poem in the Eddica Minora, that is not part of the Poetic Edda but still part of the Norse cosmology. Frodi was a Danish king to whom Odin himself had gifted a grindstone capable of producing anything; not just material goods, like flour or salt, but also abstract concepts, such as peace or prosperity. However the grindstone was so heavy that only two giantesses, Fenja and Menja, were strong enough to make any use of it. Frodi was so determined to give his people peace and abundance, that he forced the poor giantesses to work ceaselessly. After much toil, the two giantesses rebelled and ground an army into existence to fight their master. The famous grindstone, called Grotti, was then loaded onto a ship but its next owner forced once again the giantesses to grind endlessly, this time for salt. At some point, the weight of the salt proved excessive and the ship sank. Grotti, however, never stopped turning and grinding even at the bottom of the sea, explaining the origin of maelstroms, the whirlpools in the northern seas, and why seawater is salty. Frodi, however, is not just the name of a Danish king but also one of the names of the god Freyr. Being tied to nature, good season, animals and plants, his connection with Jera in the Norwegian rune poem is evident. In the Hrafnagaldur Odins, “Odin's raven-galdr”, the god sees something strange in the world: the Sun and the Moon shining faintly and black columns of smoke rising to the sky. He seeks Idun for advice, but cannot find her as the maiden had fallen off of the branches of Yggdrasil into the unbearably cold depths of Niflheim, the realm of the dead. The gods then launch a rescue expedition, composed of Bragi (Idun’s husband), Heimdallr, who saw further than anybody else, and Loki, the most cunning among the gods. The three reach the gloomy underworld, where Idun was growing ever weaker. They ask her what is happening in the world, but she is so scared and feeble that she is unable to speak. When the gods return to Asgard, Odin finally understands. Fimbulvetr has come, the terrible winter to last many long years preventing the earth from bearing fruit, right before the advent of Ragnarok.
58 Norse Grimoire 59 Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt The character sees existence as a cycle, understanding that for each decaying flower another one is blooming. Effect of the Jera Rune When the character drops to 0 hit points, they suffer disadvantage on their next death saving throw, but every ally within 30 ft. gains immediately 1d6 hit points (2d6 at level 5, 3d6 at level 11, 4d6 at level 17, 5d6 at level 20). The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effects of the Glyph Jera is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Haste spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character can question the events of the past of the place where they are during a long rest, and obtain dreams and visions about it at the GM’s discretion. Roleplaying: The character becomes aware that what has happened in the past has already happened before and will most likely happen again in the future. This makes them a visionary and fatalist. Appearance: When the character dreams about the past of a place, their eyes roll back and shine like stars. Their body is wrapped in a thin golden aura. This rune always looks the same whichever way you look at it, because it is a spinning wheel marking time and seasons. It states that the time has come to harvest the fruits of one’s hard work.
58 59 The Elder Futhark Yew is different from other trees, as its trunk does not feature the characteristic age rings that allow people to guess how old each tree actually is. Instead, its outer layer of bark rots and is replaced internally by new layers; in all likelihood this is what led ancient peoples to associate the existence of this tree to eternity. The seeds of its berries are blood red and its thin leaves hold a poison so powerful that a few grams of it are enough to kill even a horse, making it a tree as close to life as it is to death. In his De Bello Gallico, Julius Caesar tells that Catuvolcus, king of the Eburones (their name translating as “Yew People”), being too old both to fight in the coming war or to escape, preferred to take his own life with yew poison. Another famous aspect of this tree is the formation, as centuries pass, of a cavity similar to a door in its trunk, which almost looks like a portal to another world. Therefore, it is not surprising that ancient peoples thought that yew was capable of connecting the various realms together. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem states the following about yew: The yew is a tree with rough bark, hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots, a guardian of flame and a joy on native land. Yr: the yew tree In the Younger Futhark, Eihwaz is not present, although there is another rune for yew. It is Yr, similar to an upside-down Algiz, or rather a yew tree firmly rooted in the ground. The Icelandic rune poem states the following about it being used to manufacture bows and arrows: Bent bow and brittle iron and giant of the arrow. 13. Eihwaz The World tree [y] The Spiritual Journey, presided over by Hel and Ullr. Skill in defense, dependability, intelligence, skill in prevention. Eihwaz represents the phoneme “ae” and the yew tree, an evergreen tree with needles similar to fir’s. Sometimes, this rune is considered the representation of Yggdrasil, its long and straight trunk connecting the worlds together and its outstretched branches and roots unraveling underground and represented by the two oblique segments. Usually, Yggdrasil is considered to be an ash tree, but some sources consider it to be yew, the tree of eternity, life and death. Eihwaz
60 Norse Grimoire 61 Odin hung from the world tree in his journey of initiation, symbolically dying for nine days and nine nights, and the rune Eihwaz indicates precisely an initiation: the passage from one state to another, the interconnection between what is above and what is below, life and death, light and darkness. Yggdrasil’s trunk is the cosmic axis through which a shaman can make their journey to both the higher and lower realms. What better to guard the gates of life and death than a yew tree? Eihwaz looks identical both when upright reversed and it could not be otherwise, given its nature as a tool to make equal what is above and what is below. Invested with a sacred meaning, it ties the worlds and points to the path of initiation, but also to death and the subsequent rebirth: a call to a shamanic journey and to introspection. Farbauti, The Cruel Striker, is none other than the giant the Prose Edda claims to be Loki’s father. It seems that it was by shooting an arrow at Laufey, whose name means Leafy Island, that the enigmatic god of deception and fire was born. Some see this story as a metaphor of fire burning down the dense forests of an island, and of how nature can regenerate even after such a cataclysm. Not for nothing, from that episode Loki is born, an ambiguous god tied to fire. On the other hand, the Norwegian poem emphasizes the evergreen nature of yew and the quality of its timber for lighting a fire: Yew is the greenest of trees in winter; it is wont to crackle when it burns. Yew, then, is a tree laden with strong symbolism: its trunk becomes a portal with the passing of centuries and it seems to be an immortal tree despite its deadly seeds and leaves. Only deer seem to be able to feed on it without risks, lending credence to its likening to Yggdrasil, as the world tree provides shelter to four deer among its branches, usually portrayed grazing on its foliage.
60 61 The Elder Futhark 14. Pertho The Joy of L ife Unfolding [p] The Game of Fate, presided over by Vé. Upright Joy, destiny, luck. Reversed Sadness, illusion, discouragement. Pertho represents our letter “P” and its name, believed by some to refer to the pear tree, also recalls that of the Germanic goddess Perchta, although its shape could be likened to both. As a matter of fact, its shape is sometimes likened to that of an open box, like those used to contain the pieces of a board game which were often carved out of pear wood, or a musical instrument, source of joy and entertainment. If that is the case, then Pertho is the rune of game and mirth. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt Distances in time and space become short and derisory for those who are able to travel with their mind and spirit instead of their body. Effect of the Eihwaz Rune When the character takes damage, they may decide to ignore it for a few moments. As a Reaction, they can postpone that damage until the end of their next turn. At the end of the next turn, the character will take that damage and their speed is halved for one round. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effects of the Glyph Eihwaz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Clairvoyance spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on all Asatru checks when in contact with natural terrain or a tree. Roleplaying: The character forgets their own personal needs, putting the balance of nature and magic before everything else. Events or creatures that affect this balance are problems to be solved immediately. Appearance: The plant kingdom reacts to the presence of the character. Plants, foliage and even blades of grass seek contact with them, driven by a non-existent wind. Pertho
62 Norse Grimoire 63 The Anglo-Saxon poem states the following: Pertho is a source of recreation and amusement to the great, where warriors sit blithely together in the banqueting-hall. Against, the playful and merry characteristics of this rune are emphasized through the description of a banquet where the participants chatter, laugh and play together. Pertho is not present in the Younger Futhark, so the Icelandic and Norwegian poems do not mention it. Stan: the stone and the game piece One of the Northumbria runes, added later on to the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, consists of two Pertho mirroring each other to form what might look like a stone or a game piece. It is called Stan, a name with a strong assonance with the word “stone”. As a matter of fact, this squarish rune represents the keystone oat the crown of an arch, a clear metaphor of the stability of our values. If however we choose to consider Stan as a double Pertho, then it clearly represent a game piece. In both cases it is an invitation to thought and consideration of one’s next move as “stone” could be an obstacle along the way. When upright, Pertho implies light-hearted joy, fortune, abundance, a happy event that was long planned, the unfolding of something, a game, love and fertility. When reversed, it stands instead for the opposite: sterility and rigidity. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt A state of deep meditation allowed the character to fully and truly understand the meaning of life and the innermost secrets of existence. This gives them a visceral joy, thanks to their awakened consciousness and understanding of the tides of fate. The sagas often tell of Viking kings challenging one another in games of hnefatafl, a game similar to chess where one faction must protect its king and allow him to escape the ambush of the other player who is trying to capture him. In addition to being an entertaining game, hnefatafl was used to sharpen one’s strategic skills. In the Voluspa it is said that the gods loved to play on golden boards, when the world was still in its mythical golden age. With games in the yard joyous they were, to them was naught the lack of gold. After Ragnarok, when the world returns to its ancient splendor, it is said that the gods will resume playing merrily, finding in the grass once again the ancient golden boards that had once belonged to their forebears. There are those who see in Pertho an evolution of the Berkana rune, similar to a B of which Pertho is but an opening. Since Berkana indicates the process of rebirth, creation and inspiration, Pertho would be the culmination of a preparation long in the making, like an egg hatching or the birth of a child. As a matter of fact, it shape is reminiscent of that of a motherly womb or a woman in labor. The connection with the goddess Perchta then seems evident. She is the goddess of nature, animals, harvest and birth, which holds a strong connection to the theme of fertility. In these aspects, she is very similar to Freyja. In its role of container capable of generating anything, Pertho is also likened to the tradition of magical Celtic cauldrons, such as Bran’s, Dagda’s or the goddess Cerridwen’s, or even the chalices of new life, like the Holy Grail. According to other interpretations, its glyph could represent the container used to roll dice, thus connecting it to the concepts of fortune, games and fun. These two interpretations are not necessarily distinct, since love, if lived with serenity and complicity, can become a game as well.
62 63 The Elder Futhark 15. Algiz The Elk’s Antlers [z] The Sacred Space, presided over by Baldr. Upright Connection to the divine, awakening, success. Reversed Loss of favor, vulnerability, danger. Algiz represents the letter “Z” and its name means “elk”, and we can clearly see the similarities between the rune and this powerful animal with its great antlers. The animals with great antlers such as deer and elks were considered to be a symbol of royalty due to their imposing and majestic appearance. There are theories relating words like “antler” and “crown” to a common Indo-European root related to Cernunnos, the Celtic god of woodlands, manhood and fertility. As it happens, this god was portrayed with imposing deer antlers, which fall off in winter and regrow in spring creating the perfect metaphor for nature. Algiz is therefore a majestic and powerful rune, bestowing help and protection to those who invoke it, much like elks and deer have always been favored companions of the shamans, always at their side during their journeys between worlds. Moreover, it is often repeated that four deer live off Yggdrasil, the great world tree and cosmic axis. The two largest deer, gifted with superb antlers, are named Duneyrr and Effect of the Pertho Rune Whenever the character rolls a natural 1 on an Attack roll, a Skill check or a saving throw, they can consider it as a 10. This may change the outcome of the check, attack or Saving Throw. Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt, Reversed The state of deep meditation did not yield the desired results, on the contrary: the character may have misinterpreted signs and symbols that their mind was not ready to analyze. They misinterpreted the message, were deceived and are now prey to discouragement. Effect of the Pertho Rune, Reversed When the character rolls a natural 20 on an Attack roll, a Skill check or a saving throw, they must consider it as a 10. This may change the outcome of the check, attack or Saving Throw. In case of an Attack roll, if the roll is still successful then the attack is still considered a critical hit. The only difference is that rolling a natural 20 is not considered an automatic “success”. Effects of the Glyph Pertho is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Beacon of Hope spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: Once for short rest, the character can make a leader’s speech about the strategy to adopt in combat. Their words influence up to six creatures around them, giving them 1d6 to add a single time to an Attack roll or Saving throw in combat. Roleplaying: The character wants to coordinate combat and is willing to sacrifice bonus actions to pass information to companions in order to facilitate their actions. Appearance: When the character makes a speech as a leader, they shrouded in a white light that makes their eyes, weapons and armor sparkle. Algiz
64 Norse Grimoire 65 Deer antlers are like the crown of a monarch, bursting out like the Sun, and it is no coincidence that the Valkyrie specifies that the branches on which to carve the rune must look in the direction from which the divine star rises. Some interpretations of Algiz do not associate the rune with the elk, but with elk-sedge, a plant used to make woven chairs, weave mats and baskets, or build huts and roofs. Since it is a resilient plant, the meaning of the rune does not change: it is still a rune that protects men just like a hut does. According to this interpretation, the glyph could simply depict the plant, with its long stem and the topmost twigs opening with flowers. The Anglo-Saxon poem explains this rune with the following words: The Eolh-sedge is mostly to be found in a marsh; it grows in the water and makes a ghastly wound, covering with blood every warrior who touches it. Durathror, while the other two are named Dvalin and Dainn. These four animals are said to live among the branches of the great tree and graze on its foliage. In the Grimnismal, Odin himself describes them thus: Harts four, bite of green twigs, arch-necked, gnaw. Dain and Dvalin, Duneyr and Duratro. These are not the only deer Odin speaks of, however. There is, indeed, another of these noble animals in Norse tradition: its name is Eikthyrnir, Oak-Thorny, and it is found in Valhalla. There, having climbed up on the roof of the building, it stretched out its neck to reach the fronds of Yggdrasil and eat. In shaking the branches and foliage, Eikthyrnir knocked off some drops of dew along its antlers, and they flowed down the trunk of the great tree and formed the great spring of Hvergelmir, located in Niflheim. From here all the rivers of the world were born, thus formed from the dew which flowed down from the antlers of the great stag. Eikthyrnir the hart is called, that stands o’er Odin’s hall, and bits from Lærad’s branches; from his horns fall drops into Hvergelmir, whence all waters rise. It is therefore thanks to this animal that rivers exist and this water (which is none other than the water from the Spring of Destiny) flows through the trunk and fronds of the world tree and then along the majestic antlers of Eikthyrnir, charged with great symbolism. Algiz is not just a rune of defense and stability, but also of regeneration, like the endless fresh water of a spring. The Valkyrie Sigdrifa teaches the hero Sigurd to trace this rune to heal and protect. It is not certain she meant Algiz specifically, since it is not mentioned by name, but its shape and meaning seem to confirm it. Limrunar thou must know, if thou a leech wouldst be, and wounds know how to heal. On the bark they must be graven, and on the leaves of trees, of those whose boughs bent eastward.
64 65 The Elder Futhark Effect of the Algiz Rune When suffering a critical hit, the character gains Resistance to damage from that attack. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt, Reversed With strength, the character tries at all costs to push their own spirit where the innermost secrets of the cosmos are hidden, into the higher dimension reserved for the Gods. The Gods, however, did not take kindly to this intrusion and the character knows that a punishment awaits for such an affront. Effect of the Algiz Rune, Reversed Whenever an attack roll is made with advantage against the character, that attack inflicts 1d6 extra damage of the same type. Effects of the Glyph Algiz is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Animal Messenger spell once. He can also use a Wolf or a Deer as messengers, even though they are not Tiny beasts. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on Animal Handling and Survival checks (if they concern the animal kingdom). Furthermore, animals cannot take the character by surprise. Roleplaying: The character understands what responsibility means. Their companions, as in a pack, depend on them to oppose the advancing darkness. Appearance: There is something feral about the character, either in their appearance or in their movements. This, however, makes them more fascinating, but also easier to spot. These lines describe elk-sedge leaves, which are so sharp that anybody attempting to grab them risks a deep cut. It is no sinuous or soft plant ready to be picked, but one ready to defend itself and wound even the greatest warriors. In the Younger Futhark, Algiz is not present though its symbol is used by another rune, with a meaning much closer to Mannaz, the rune of men. In many cultures, the gods were depicted with horns or antlers. Therefore Algiz embodies the ideals of sacred power as a shield and bastion, leading to one of its many interpretations as a stylized man raising his arms to the sky in an act of supplication. Drawing Algiz upright is good omen indicating healing, resilience, defense and majesty. When reversed, it means the opposite: weakness, impossibility to defend oneself, pettiness. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt By opening the doors of their spirit and mind to a higher dimension, the character is able to get in touch with the entities maneuvering the destiny of men. If the character meets their favor, they will be rewarded for their own faith.
66 Norse Grimoire 67 Odr would keep leaving and Freyja would keep crying for him. Freyja is known under numerous names, many of which she picked for herself as she traveled among strangers looking for Odr. In the Poetic Edda, as Odin and the giant Vafthrudnir have their contest of wisdom asking and answering questions on the Norse universe and its protagonists, the god asks what will become of the Sun after the wolf Fenrir will have devoured it at the beginning of Ragnarok. The giant answers with the story of Mundilfari, whose twin children were so beautiful that he was immeasurably proud and boastful of them. The male was called Mani and the female Sól. Because of their incredible beauty, they were taken in by the gods and tasked with driving the Moon chariot and the Sun chariot respectively. Although in modern culture we are used to conceive the Sun as male and the Moon as female, for the Norse the roles were reversed. This reversal persists in modern German, where the word “Sonne” requires the feminine article, and “Mond”, requires instead the masculine one. When Ragnarok comes, the Sun will be devoured by the voracious wolf, but luckily the sun goddess Sól will have by then hidden her daughter, luminous and beautiful like her mother. So, eventually, the sun will shine once again. A daughter bright Alfrothul bears Ere Fenrir snatches her forth; Her mother’s paths shall the maiden tread When the gods to death have gone. Alfrodull, “Glory of the Elves”, is one of the names of the Sun. In the Alvissmal, the composition where Thor questions the dwarf Alvíss until dawn in order to deceive him and make him turn into stone, we learn the names by which the people of the Nine Worlds call the natural elements and the stars. The dwarf explains that the Sun is called Eternal Flame by the giants and Shining Wheel by the elves. The three rune poems agree on the positive qualities of this run as a symbol of the sun. The Norwegian poem states the following: Sun is the light of the world; I bow to the divine decree. 16. Sowelu Resplendent Energy [s] The Power, presided over by Sól. This rune resembles our letter “S” and represents the ray of sunlight that brings energy and heat, or maybe a lightning bolt according to other interpretations. Whatever the truth may be, it is clear that this rune symbolizes the strength of an element of nature. The name Sowelu is related to the modern words “sun”, and their counterpart “Sonne” (German) or “sole” (Italian). In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson tells us that Odr was the sun god, who rode the sun chariot across the sky. Freyja, his wife, felt much sorrow in his absence and would cry tears of rose gold, tinging the sky at dawn and sundown. Sowelu
66 67 The Elder Futhark age; without the atmosphere, Earth would be rendered barren and inhospitable, like its neighbor Mars. We do not know what the Norse really meant when mentioning Svalinn, although it is an interesting piece of lore for sure. Earlier in the same text, Odin describes the horses that pull the solar chariot: Arvak and Allsvinn, they up from here fasting sun drag; and under the bow bend tender regent, esir, cold iron. Arvak and Allsvinn, the Early and the Rapid, are so scolding hot that the gods placed bellows inside them to cool them down and prevent them from burning away during their journey. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem states the following: The sun is ever a joy in the hopes of seafarers when they journey away over the fishes’ bath, until the courser of the deep bears them to land. The seafaring Vikings always hoped for good weather when at sea, lest inclement weather found them. Clear and sunny skies were for them a source of hope and joy. Sowelu is a rune pulsing with roiling power, like the Sun in the hottest days of summer. It is an inextinguishable energy that could prove dangerous, forcing the gods to place Svalinn between the Sun and the Earth, and bellows in the horses pulling its chariot. There is an Anglo-Saxon variant of this rune, identical in appearance to Kenaz from the Younger Futhark, called the “manuscript S” because it derives its shape from the long S”s used in the handwriting of Medieval monks. Sowelu, then, is bursting strength, crackling energy ready to use, success in one’s action but also power that requires control to be handled safely and a palindrome rune, too. This rune cannot be reversed, since it appears the same from each side. In many cultures, the Sun − source of life, heat and light − was associated to one of the most important deities in the pantheon, but that should not come as a surprise. The Icelandic poem reads: Shield of the clouds and shining ray and destroyer of ice. The mention of this shield of the clouds is noteworthy; who would ever describe the sun in such a way? In Norse cosmology, however, we find an interesting and less known detail, revealed by Odin in the Grimnismal, the speech that the father of the gods delivers at the court of king Geirrodr. Among the other cosmic secrets he reveals to the son of the monarch, the only person to show kindness to that old pilgrim in a dark cloak, we find this: Svalin he is called, stands before the sun, shield, the shining god; mountains and ocean I know burn shall, fell it from its place. Without Svalinn, the sun would burn our world to ash, much like science has confirmed in the modern
68 Norse Grimoire 69 17. Tiwaz The Spear of the Righteous [t] The Universal Order, presided over by Tyr. Upright Right direction, victory, valor. Reversed The price of one’s actions, dishonesty, defeat. Tiwaz is our letter “T” − as suggested by its shape − and represents the tip of a weapon. Whether it is a spear, arrow or sword, it refers to the bravery and warrior ardor with which one makes a decision or takes an action. It is the rune of the god Tyr, the bravest and most esteemed deity among the Asgardians. The Norwegian rune poem emphasizes the connection between Tiwaz and Tyr right away: Tyr is a one-handed god; often has the smith to blow. Although apparently disconnected from the first line, the second one speaks of a smith busy working, perhaps on a weapon. Tyr, famous for his bravery and loyalty, is a model for the best warriors, so that even Sigdrifa invites Sigurd to invoke his help and favor victory in battle by carving his rune on the reforged sword of his father. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Heimdallr’s Ætt The journey of the character’s Ego has been arduous and full of crossroads. Now that they are faced with the last choice, which will tip the scales of their being towards Honor or Dishonor, they feel themself quivering and know that their choice will be the right one. Effect of the Sowelu Rune When taking damage at the hands of a creature, the character can use their Reaction to spend a number of Hit Dice and reduce the damage by the result obtained plus their Wisdom modifier (if positive), inflicting radiant or necrotic damage in equal measure to that creature. The maximum number of Hit Dice that can be used is equal to ½ of their remaining Hit Dice (minimum 1). The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effects of the Glyph Sowelu is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Daylight spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The first time the character takes cold damage after a long rest, they have Resistance to them. Roleplaying: The character feels the bursting force of the sun ignite in them a sense of everlasting confidence. It is so strong that it makes them perform as many heroic gestures as reckless actions. Appearance: When next to the character, the cold and the darkness are perceptibly less intense. In front of a bonfire, when a character speaks or sings, the fire consumes half the timber. Tiwaz
68 69 The Elder Futhark convince Fenrir to be bound with it, the wolf smelled deception and agreed to be tied with Gleipnir only if one of the gods dared to place a hand between his jaws as insurance; of course, nobody dared. Nobody, that is, save Tyr. The proud warrior put his hand between the jaws of the wolf and did not even flinch when, realizing he had been tricked, Fenrir clenched them. Tyr lost a hand, but without his courage it would have been impossible to restrain the dangerous and wild Fenrir. Because of this, the gods hold him in the highest regard as the most loyal and valorous of warriors. Sigdrifa advices Sigurd to pledge himself to Tyr, if he wants to become a true hero: Sigrunar thou must know, if victory thou wilt have, and on thy sword’s hilt grave them; some on the chapes, some on the guard, and name doubtful the name of Tyr. This poem often gives only glimpses of which rune Sigdrifa is talking about, although it is enough to carefully examine the clues scattered in the text to find out the answer. Here, Tyr is openly mentioned by the Valkyrie, who specifies to carve his runes on the blade to achieve victory and tells him to invoke him twice. It is also attested the use of repeating the Tiwaz rune more than once, or even to tie two of them together into a tree of sorts, as shown here. These talisman symbols should bestow victory in battle and virtues like bravery and valor, typical characteristics of the god Tyr. Ear: the end of the warrior Anglo-Saxon Futhorc introduces a rune missing in the other alphabets. One that was often associated to Tiwaz. Its shape is the same, with two extra segments to the sides. Its name is Ear, transliterated into the sound “ea”, and considered the rune of the god Eor, an entity of battle much similar to Tyr. According to some scholars, Eor is none other than a German form of Ares, the Greek god of war, and the Anglo-Saxon rune poem includes a stanza dedicated to him: Tiwaz is not just the name of a rune, however, but also the archaic name of the most important deity in the ancient Norse pantheon; Odin became Alfodr, the Allfather, only when Tiwaz’s popularity waned and the title of lord of the gods was vacant once again. In the Poetic Edda, Tyr is said to be the son of the giant Hymir, not the one Odin and his brothers shaped the world with, but just a giant with a very similar name. Tyr could then very well be a deity with a very ancient heritage. He is also respected among the Aesir for the courage he showed when facing Fenrir. The Icelandic poem describes him thus: God with one hand and leavings of the wolf and prince of temples. As lord of temples, Tyr was then much worshipped and his relationship with the Wolf is, of course, referencing what happened when the gods chose to chain Fenrir, the dangerous son of Loki. Fenrir grew larger and more voracious by the day, so much so that nobody dared getting close to him. Only Tyr was brave enough to get close enough to feed him, although it could not have been for long. The gods attempted to chain the wolf, but he was so powerful that he broke any constraint, forcing the gods to take drastic measures. The dwarfs forged Gleipnir, a thin and yet unbreakable silk rope. When they tried to
70 Norse Grimoire 71 Effect of the Tiwaz Rune When the character scores a critical hit, they can use their Reaction to make a single attack with weapons or use a cantrip that requires an Attack roll. Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed It takes but a moment for courage to turn into boorishness, for the desire to protect what you love to become a feeling of superiority, for strength to turn into arrogance. Effect of the Tiwaz Rune, Reversed When suffering a critical hit, the character has to pass a Charisma saving throw with DC equal to half the damage they just took. Upon failure, the character is incapacitated until the end of their next turn. Effects of the Glyph Tiwaz is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Magic Weapon spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on all opportunity attacks. Roleplaying: The character feels a dark determination not to give in, even if they have to sacrifice their life for it. If that is how things must be, then their feats will be sung in all the sagas to come. Appearance: The hand holding the weapon becomes pale, as if devoid of life. On the blade and on the reflective surfaces next to the character, luminous figures dance and fight against wolf-shaped shadows. The grave is horrible to every knight, when the corpse quickly begins to cool and is laid in the bosom of the dark earth. Prosperity declines, happiness passes away and covenants are broken. Grim verses indeed, as Ear was considered the rune of death, connected to Eor, the god of battle and necessary slaughter. Concerning Tiwaz, the Anglo-Saxon poem has more conciliating terms: Tiw is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes; it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails. Some interpretations claim that the first line could be intended as “Tiw is a guiding star”, assuming that in the Norse culture there was a celestial body dedicated to Tyr. Further on, the claim that it is always traveling in the night sky could give value to this theory. In divination, an upright Tiwaz is an excellent omen: it indicates that the energies are channeled in the right direction and that the reasons driving us to fight or act are noble, implying loyalty, bravery and determination. When reversed, the diviner should question their reasons to act, asking themself if they are honest towards their ideals. Perhaps they have taken a path without the necessary dedication and so they are unlikely to finish it. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character knows that today they will walk with the sure and decisive step of a father protecting his children, of a warrior defending his land, of an Einherjar earning his place in Valhalla.
70 71 The Elder Futhark cosmic axis, the path for the shaman to reach the heavens. The Siberian name for this was “udeshi burkhan”, the Gatekeeper, and in the Altaic language “burkhan” means “god” or “spirit”, surprisingly phonetically close to Berkana. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem states the following: The poplar bears no fruit; yet without seed it brings forth suckers, for it is generated from its leaves. Splendid are its branches and gloriously adorned its lofty crown which reaches to the skies. Birch actually bears fruit, though they do not resemble the more visible and fuller ones of other plants, leading to the ancients to consider them more similar to leaves. This phenomenon would have looked extraordinary to them, proper of a tree gifted with great powers of fecundity, as proven by these verses about the majesty of a tree that grows tall, with a lush canopy. In the harsh northern regions, birch was not just a pleasant sight, but could offer good timber and other resources for clothing and sustenance in times of need, as it is known that the ancients added birch bark to flour while baking bread, since its sugar and salt were important resources to survive in the worst moments of the year. Its bark was also used in patching clothing or making shoe soles, although the latter was considered 18. Berkana The White Birch [b] The Bond of the Worlds, presided over by Frigg. Upright Fertility, desire, love. Reversed Immaturity, anxiety, abandonment. Berkana is almost identical to our letter B, it represents its sound, and in ancient Norse means “birch”. Birch is a tree with numerous positive attributions, like the white color of its bark, cleansing and rebirth. Perchta, the goddess of fertility, was also known as Berchta, a name close to modern English “birch”, archaic English beorc, Gothic bercna and even the Italian word for birch, “betulla”. It is the tree of good beginnings, as not only it is the first to grow leaves in spring, but its timber was used in the construction of cribs for the newborn, according to the belief that the properties of this plant would keep them safe. In the Siberian shamanistic tradition, birch is tied to the initiation; it is attested that the young adepts on the day of their consecration went to the forest and cut tall and straight birch logs, the largest and most majestic were then placed at the center of the shaman’s tent, its roots close to the hearth and top coming out of the smoke hole in the ceiling. Thus, it became the Berkana
72 Norse Grimoire 73 Loki is also a deity capable of bearing new life: once he turned into a filly to distract the stallion Svadilfari, delivering Sleipnir, the eight-legged steed he gifted to Odin, sometime after. One of the runes Sigdrifa teaches Sigurd can be identified as Berkana, as it is associated to birth: Biargrunar thou must know, if thou wilt help, and loose the child from women. In the palm they must be graven, and round the joints be clasped, and the Disir prayed for aid. The Disir were maidens who protected the clan, and are often associated to the dead in a way that connected them to the Valkyries and the spirits of fertility. Sigdrifa stresses the importance of invoking their help during childbirth, not to mention that their name could derive from the Indo-European root “dhei-” that means “to suck on”, just like newborns do. Berkana is a rune clearly connected to birth and fertility, especially in its literal sense, but also as inspiration and creation of something new: growth and renewal. Reversed, it means the opposite: sterility, a block, involution. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt Today, wherever the character gaze rests, they see fertility and new life springing forth sweetly but impetuously, a joy for all the five senses. Effect of the Berkana Rune As an action, the character can cure each creature within 10 feet for 1d6 plus their Charisma modifier, up to half of their maximum hit points. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed Like an unripe fruit that detached itself too soon from the branch, the character sees their inadequacy compared to all that instead grows luxuriant and strong all around. a sign of extreme poverty. In Norway, a gang of bandits who took shelter in the forests became known as Birkebeiner, Birch Legs, because they were so poor they could only afford bark to cover their legs and feet. They followed Eystein Meyla, claimant to the throne of Norway. In the Heimskringla, his chronicle on the kings of the North, Snorri Sturluson closes the last chapter by narrating the struggles of the Birkebeiner to enthrone Eystein Meyla. The Norwegian poem is, as usually, more cryptic: Birch has the greenest leaves of any shrub; Loki was fortunate in his deceit. It seems odd to mention Loki, god of fire and subterfuge, in the verse right after the one praising birch as a majestic and lush tree, but on more careful analysis on the myth about its birth, a connection stands out. Loki’s mother is Laufey, the Isle of Leaves, made pregnant by the arrows of the giant Farbauti, a union that looks like the metaphor of a fire consuming the woods on a small isle from which is born Loki, god of fire. In Norse cosmology, Loki is known for his offspring, like the voracious wolf Fenrir chained on a faraway island, the enormous world-serpent Jormungandr meditating vengeance in the abyssal depths where Thor hurled him, and Hel, the lady of the dead. All three will take a key role in leading the world to ruin and begin Ragnarok.
72 73 The Elder Futhark 19. Ehwaz The Horse [e] The Harmony of Opposites, presided over by Sleipnir. Upright Improvement, cooperation, union. Reversed Hurry, inhibition, discordance. Though resembling our letter “M”, Ehwaz is actually the letter “E”, once rotated on its side. Its symbol resembles two horses seen by their side and touching one another, or the back of a single horse, saddled and ready to leave. Ehwaz represents the horse as means to accomplish an objective. In the Norse world, horses had great importance − without them traveling on land would have been much longer and tiresome − but also a deep symbolic meaning. Sigurd, in order to become a hero, must own a sword and a horse, and Odin himself appears to him under the guise of the old man in the forest to help him choose Grani, descendant of the fast Sleipnir. It was Loki who gifted the mythical eight-legged steed to Odin, when a giant was about to receive Freyja, the Sun and the Moon as a prize in exchange for building the great halls of Valhalla. Loki advised the gods to accept the agreement, believing nobody would ever be able to finish such a titanic task in time to claim the prize, and yet the giant succeeded with the help of Effect of the Berkana Rune, Reversed As a bonus action, the character can spend a Hit Die to regain hit points as if they were taking a short rest. However, each time they spend a Hit Die, the die result is halved before determining the amount of hit points recovered. Effects of the Glyph Berkana is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Barkskin spell once. Their skin becomes identical to birch bark. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on Medicine checks and uses only half of the ingredients and components needed for each healing action. Roleplaying: The character becomes jovial and expansive. They want to create or initiate something new, either physically or socially, such as joining a group under oath, stating a purpose or revealing their feelings. Appearance: The character takes on sweeter and more graceful features while their forms become slimmer and softer. Ehwaz
74 Norse Grimoire 75 In this passage from Baldrs Draumar, the poem also known as “Baldr’s dreams”, we learn of Odin’s ride into the realm of Hel. In front of its gates is an enormous black hound bleeding from his chest: it is Garm, the guardian of the underworld. Garm is mentioned in the Voluspa as well, when the Seeress tells of how it howls in front of Gnipahellir, the cave of the realm of the dead, before the coming of Ragnarok. Odin knows that he has nothing to fear, in spite of the furious growling of the beast, for Sleipnir is the fastest among steeds and will carry him to his destination without harm. On the day of the final battle, it will be up to Tyr, the one-handed god, to fight against Garm, and the two are destined to kill each other. The Anglo-Saxon rune poem about Ehwaz tells of the worth of a steed to nobles and riders: The horse is a joy to princes in the presence of warriors. A steed in the pride of its hoofs, when rich men on horseback bandy words about it; and it is ever a source of comfort to the restless. It is not just a matter of traveling faster, but also of pride for their master in hearing others complimenting the look or bearing of their steed. In the Norse world, the horse held great importance. It was the main means of transport in the physical world but it was essential for shamanistic journeys as well. As such, it was connected to the world tree. The sources state that this animal was offered in sacrifice in the most important moments of the year and in the Hervarar Saga we find a rare description of such a moment. Svein became king of Sweden by celebrating this pagan rite, which had been abolished by the previous king Inge after his conversion to Christianity. Svein, brother-in-law to the king, spoke to the assembly and told the Swedes that he would restore the old sacrifices and traditions in exchange for the crown. They all accepted and Svein was proclaimed king of all Sweden. They tore a horse to pieces to eat it, then anointed the sacred tree in Uppsala with its blood and the Swedes abandoned Christianity. They resumed the sacrifices and the former king Inge was banished. his mighty stallion Svadilfari in moving heavy boulders to complete the job. Loki then turned into a filly to distract the horse, which caused his master to lose the challenge. From that union Sleipnir was born: the magnificent eight-legged foal, fastest among horses. On his back, Odin can move between world at great speed, so rapidly that once he decided to lend Sleipnir to his messenger Hermod and send him to the underworld looking for his beloved son Baldr. In addition, let us not forget that the word Yggdrasil means “Odin’s Steed”, intended as a metaphor of the connection between worlds, the path that both the Allfather and the shamans follow to move between the Nine Worlds. Ehwaz, in other words, stands for the horse or rather the means through which it is possible to reach one’s physical and spiritual goal. When Baldr began having dark dreams, Odin set out for Helheim to question a dead wise volva, and to reach Hel’s grim realm he saddled Sleipnir and prepared to cross the Nine Worlds: Then Othin rose, the enchanter old, And the saddle he laid on Sleipnir's back; Thence rode he down to Niflhel deep, And the hound he met that came from hell. Bloody he was on his breast before, At the father of magic he howled from afar; Forward rode Othin, the earth resounded Till the house so high of Hel he reached.
74 75 The Elder Futhark For each Hit Die spent to recover hit points during a short rest, one of theirs allies recovers additional hit points equal to the character’s Wisdom modifier (minimum 1). The character recovers additional hit points equal to the number of allies participating in the meditation circle. Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed Try as they might to see it differently, the character cannot but accept however single thing, creature and force of nature is at odds with an infinite number of others, and that for every bond forged a hundred more are broken. The nature of existence is contrast and challenge; harmony is only an illusion. Effect of the Ehwaz Rune, Reversed Whenever the character has to roll initiative, they may decide to spend a number of Hit Dice. If they do so, they gain a bonus to their initiative roll equal to their Wisdom modifier (minimum 1) for each Hit Die spent. Effects of the Glyph Ehwaz is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Find Steed spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on all Survival checks. When they are mounting their steed, they cannot be surprised. Roleplaying: The character is always ready to test their abilities in new adventures to unexplored lands. They are most annoyed by the laziness of others. Appearance: One of the character’s eyes changes. Under the eyelid, the iris enlarges and the pupil becomes horizontal like that of a horse or a deer. In rare cases, however, it is similar to that of a wolf. The character can cover their eye with an eyepatch or such without any repercussions to their Perception. Even King Haakon the Good drew the ire of his people by refusing to eat the meat of the sacrificial horse in such a ritual. Clearly, not only the Norse people took this custom very seriously and were reluctant to abandon their ancient traditions in favor of Christian faith, but also the anointing of the sacred tree in Uppsala with the blood of a horse is likely to be a connection to the world tree Yggdrasil. The historian Adam from Bremen states the following: Near that temple is a very large tree with widespread branches which are always green both in winter and summer. What kind of tree it is nobody knows. There is also a spring there where the pagan are accustomed to perform sacrifices and to immerse a human being alive. Ehwaz is then the metaphorical horse with which to reach our goal or destination. It represents the resources at our disposal. If the rune is drawn upright, then they are legitimate and true, and will grant us success; if the rune is drawn reversed, then they are likely to be insufficient and illegitimate, signifying that we are facing the situation in the wrong way and we should expect delays. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character’s gaze can capture the interactions and interdependencies between all things, creatures and forces of nature. The world is more than the sum of its parts, and the same goes for the character. Effect of the Ehwaz Rune During a short rest, the character and up to 6 allies can hold hands and meditate together for 1 hour. Those who are busy meditating cannot keep watch effectively, and have a disadvantage on Perception checks.
76 Norse Grimoire 77 logs. Then, they built a fence at the center of the trunk of Yggdrasil to provide them shelter. So Midgard was born, the fence in the middle, made with the coarse eyelashes of the giant Ymir to keep the other giants off of human lands. This is how the Anglo-Saxon poem describes Mannaz: The joyous man is dear to his kinsmen; yet every man is doomed to fail his fellow, since the Lord by his decree will commit the vile carrion to the earth. Although humans rejoice in the company of each other, the poem warns the reader about the destiny of us all, that make us equal in front of death. The Icelanders too, with their much harsher view on the world due to their living conditions, emphasize the ephemeral nature of human life: Man is delight of man and augmentation of the earth and adorner of ships. Even in this case, although the initial verse remarks how humans find joy in the company of others, the focus is on their inevitable fate: return to the earth or be burned on a ship at sea. Madr: man and prayer Younger Futhark, described in the Norwegian and Icelandic poems, presents a variation to Mannaz, Madr. It retains the connection to man, but changes its form and becomes identical to Algiz, a rune that is missing from this simplified alphabet. Madr could represent a stylized man, raising his hands to the sky in prayer to remark the connection between humanity and the gods that created it and set its destiny. Wyrd is not an inevitable force, although only few can understand its thick weave, and in so forging their own path. The Norwegian poem states the following mysterious words: Man is an augmentation of the dust; great is the claw of the hawk. 20. Mannaz Human Solidarity [m] The Cosmic Man, presided over by Heimdallr. Upright Improvement, cooperation, union. Reversed Hurry, inhibition, discordance. Mannaz portrays both the sound and shape of our letter “M” and, much like the modern English word, it means “man”. We could see it as the representation of human beings shaking hands in cooperation and brotherhood. Humans are but one of the kins in the diverse Norse cosmology, in addition to light and dark elves, dwarfs, deities, fire and frost giants, each of them with their own place in the Nine Worlds. Humans were made by Odin and his brothers Vili and Vé from ash and yew Mannaz
76 77 The Elder Futhark They came to Wolfdales, and there made themselves a house, where there is a water called Wolfsea. Early one morning they found on the border of the lake three females sitting and spinning flax. Near them lay their swan plumages: they were Valkyries. […] They took them home with them to their dwelling. They lived there seven years, when they flew away seeking conflicts, and did not return. These Valkyries have feathered cloaks that make them look like birds, much like Freyja’s, that allows her to change her shape into that o a hawk. She known as Valfreya, who leads the Valkyries to the battlefields to gather the souls for Folkvangr. Mannaz is then a rune that represents humankind in all of its aspects, with gifts like friendship and community, especially the deep bond of brotherhood between people belonging to the same clan. On the other hand, is the intrinsic human fragility of mortals should get us close together, sharing in generosity and friendship with each other. When upright, Mannaz speaks of friendship, solidarity, a strong bond with those around us, collaboration, compassion, and love. Upside down, it means solitude, hatred, and separation. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt In a moment of revelation, the character understands their place in the world and the place of the world within themself. They ARE the center, but at the same time they are at the center of all things. Their consciousness is nothing more than the universe’s way of observing itself. Effect of the Mannaz Rune As a reaction when making a saving throw against an effect they can perceive, the character can gain advantage on the saving throw. The character must complete a short rest to use this feature again. The mention to the falcon might appear odd, yet the interpretations tying the second verse to the first are numerous. In the tale of Thiassi, the giant turns into a bird of prey, captures Loki with his talons and flies towards the sky, threatening to drop him. In exchange for his life, Thiassi wants Idun, the goddess whose golden apples grant immortality and power to the gods of Asgard. Without them, they would become mortal. Moreover, Idun is the goddess of spring, of the reawakening of nature and anything concerning rebirth and regeneration: without her everything would be cold and sterile. Odin’s Ravens’ Song describes the signs of the coming of Ragnarok, such as the disappearance of Idun. The gods start to look for her. They find the goddess in frozen Niflheim, the realm of the dead, shivering and crying frozen tears as Fimbulvetr begins. The falcon’s grasp is then likened to winter’s, represented by the frost giant Thiassi. He desires Idun and her sweet golden apples, so as to turn the gods into mortals. In fear of this eventuality, the gods then help one another. Freyja lends Loki her feathered cloak to take Idun back. In the second myth, Bragi, Heimdallr, and Loki mount a rescue expedition. This fear of death pushes them to work together to save Idun and her golden apples. Another possible interpretation of this line is connected to the alternative image of the Valkyries as winged maidens who bring the souls of dead warriors to Valhalla. In the Volundarkvida, or Wayland’s Song, we can read how Volund, the legendary smith, found three beautiful maidens at the Lake of the Wolf, alongside his brothers.
78 Norse Grimoire 79 21. Laguz Waters of the Subconscious [l] The Well of Knowledge, presided over by Mimir. Laguz harkens to something aquatic. It corresponds to our letter L, especially so if turned upside-down. In the runic poems it is associated to waters and the sea, which unexplored depths are often likened to the subconscious realm of sensibility and emotions. Its symbol might recall the prow of a drakkar, a Viking ship, or a waterfall from a steep cliff. The Anglo-Saxon poem states the following: The ocean seems interminable to men, if they venture on the rolling bark and the waves of the sea terrify them and the courser of the deep heed not its bridle. For a seafaring people like the Vikings, the ocean was not only an essential resource, but an everyday natural element. The sea could be generous, yielding fish or allowing for calm sailing to fertile lands, but it could also be cruel and stormy. Icelanders did not link Laguz just to the ocean, but to other water phenomena, too: Water is eddying stream and broad geysir and land of the fish. Lagus was not just linked to the sea, then, but also rivers, streams, geysers, lakes and any other body of water. Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed The character wonders who they are, what is the meaning of life and of their own life. Everything seems so futile and meaningless to them and they are convinced to be purposeless. They can do nothing but watch others glory in having found their place in the cosmic scheme of things, while the character feels like a mistake of existence, a misprint in the poem of the cosmos. Effect of the Mannaz Rune, Reversed Each time the character inflicts damage, they inflict 1 extra damage of the same type if the target has more hit points than their current hit points. This extra damage increases to 2 at 11th level, and 3 at 20th level. The character cannot voluntarily end their turn within 20 feet from a creature that has more hit points than their current hit points. Effects of the Glyph Mannaz is a 2nd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a first DC 18 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Calm Emotions spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on Wisdom and Charisma saving throws when they are surrounded by their companions and they have disadvantage on those same throws when they are alone. Roleplaying: The character puts the group before everything else, going so far as to risk their life to protect them. Appearance: The character takes on a reassuring and heroic appearance. Their gaze becomes clear, their complexion healthy and their features more regular. Laguz
78 79 The Elder Futhark Ran was the wife of Aegir, the tempestuous god of the abyss who took delight in sinking ships and dragging them to the bottom of the sea. Portrayed like a large net, intent to fish the bodies of the drowned sailors and lead them to her rich halls in the caves below the sea, where mead ran like rivers just as in Valhalla. Another sea deity was Njord, who embodied its benevolent nature. Where Aegir destroyed vessels, Njord helped them in their journeys, blessed fishing and trade, and fertilize the soil. Laguz is a complicated rune, connected to water and its depths, that hold great wisdom. It represents emotion and the journey through the depths of oneself. When it appears reversed, it unleashes the uncontrollable power of the subconscious, just like a storm or waterfall, becoming an overwhelming force, an emotion hard to keep at bay. Alternatively, it could also represent stagnation, indolence and melancholy. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character’s inner eye is able to grasp the reality underlying the material world that is shown to the eyes of mortals. Everything is a symbol, a sign, nothing is what appears on the surface, and only Æsir can understand the deep meaning of what they see. Today even the character is able to glimpse something of the kind. Sometimes it is pointed out how among the runes representing the Sun, the earth, water, fire or ice, there is no symbol for the moon. However, Laguz could be considered as a moon rune for its melancholic, mysterious and deeply sensitive attributions. Imagine it as the reflection of the Moon on the surface of a calm lake. Water, in the Norse myth, becomes a source for knowledge and is connected to the destiny of the world, as Yggdrasil’s roots protect the Well of Mimir. The Norwegian poem describes Laguz thus: A waterfall is a River which falls from a mountain-side; but ornaments are of gold. In this case, the rune is described as a marvelous waterfall, although without any kind of control. Laguz is, in fact, the subconscious, something that cannot be kept at bay with rationality alone. Emotions flow like a running river, and they can overwhelm us with the full force of a waterfall. As it often happens, the second verse of this rune poem is the most complex, and understanding it is not easy. However, we know from the Saga of Frithiof that Viking sailors caught by a storm sometimes threw in the water their most precious jewelry to placate Ran, the goddess of the abyssal depths. The red ring here I hew me Once owned by Halfdan’s father, The wealthy lord of erewhile, Or the sea waves undo us, So on the guests shall gold be, If we have need of guesting; Meet so for mighty men-folk Amid Ran’s hall to hold them.
80 Norse Grimoire 81 22. Ingwaz Ancestral Inheritance [q] The Future of the Kin, presided over by Freyr. Sexuality, fertility, agriculture, human warmth, abundance. Ingwaz represents the phoneme “ng” and is associated to both the inguinal region and the god Ing or Yngve, none other than Freyr himself, the luminous lord of elves, patron of nature and fecundity. According to some interpretations, Yngve would be the real name of this deity, Freyr meaning “Lord”, mirroring that of his twin sister Freyja, the Lady. That appears in the German term frau. The meaning of the symbol of sexuality, but often appears in its extended form, similar to the double-helix shape of the DNA, in an unusual connection to the modern age. Since this rune is not present in Younger Futhark, only the Anglo-Saxon poem gives a definition: Ing was first seen by men among the East-Danes, till, followed by his chariot, he departed eastwards over the waves. So the Heardingas named the hero. The Ynglingatal, which inspired the Ynglinga Saga by Snorri Sturluson, narrates the settling of the first Scandinavian people in the Northern lands. Odin, leader of a host of extraordinary men from the East, chose to settle in the northern lands, leaving his throne to Njord, who then passed his title to his son Yngvi-Freyr. Effect of the Laguz Rune The character can cast the Augury spell once as a ritual, without needing material components. Starting at 11th level, they can also cast the Divination spell as a ritual, without needing material components. Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed The character tried to push their consciousness beyond the material world, to grasp its deep essence, but they were disappointed. Everything appears flat and grey to them, without any depth or hidden meaning. This disturbs them and throws them into despair. Effect of the Laguz Rune, Reversed When combat starts, the character is considered Frightened of any hostile creature they can see or hear. This condition persists until the start of their second turn in combat. Effects of the Glyph Laguz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Protection from Energy spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gains advantage on Asatru checks when in contact with water. To establish this elemental connection they must be able to immerse their hands in it or look at their own reflection in the water. Roleplaying: When the character breaks free from reality, meditates or concentrates out of combat, every sound seems muffled and distant. Their companions and the events that affect them could not be less engaging. Appearance: One of the two eyes of the character becomes bleary, while their hair floats as if it were underwater if moved abruptly. Ingwaz
80 81 The Elder Futhark Western Germanic tribes living close to the Nordic Sea called themselves Ingaevones, Sons of Ing, and claimed to be descendants of the god of fertility and nature. In the list of the first kings of Anglia appears a ruler called Ingui, who could be a different name for Ing or YngviFreyr, and some interpretations have suggested that the name of the Angles could derive from this deity, progenitor of almost all people of northern Europe. With this said, we now have a better understanding of the relationship between Ingwaz and the concept of kin, ancestors and what remains of them in us. For the Norse, belonging to a clan or dynasty was key in understanding who somebody really was, as blood ties played a key role in one’s life. It is only when Sigurd is made aware of the story of his father and wields his reforged blade, following the same path walked by many other heroes of great sagas, that he is truly ready to fulfill his destiny. Before, he did not know his kin and in that state of incompleteness he did not fully know himself. Ingwaz, then, implies fulfillment of what is owed to one’s ancestors but also the inheritance one leaves to their descendants. It connects kin, family and community and is one of the nine palindrome runes, retaining its meaning both when upright and reversed. Freyr had a large temple built in Uppsala, his capital, and ruled from there establishing his lands and possessions. This was how the holding of Uppsala was established and then handed down through generations. The holding of Uppsala mentioned by Snorri corresponds to the land owned by the Swedish crown, property of kings and princes throughout the Middle Ages, making Yngvi-Freyr the first king of Sweden and the first of the Ynglingar, Yngve’s dynasty, that held the Swedish throne for centuries to come. The Ynglingatal lists the descendants of Yngve starting with his son Fjolnir, who reigned right after him, until Rognvaldr the Mountain High, who commissioned the work to the scald Thiodolfr from Hvinir. Not only the Swedish kings, but also the Norwegians, are born of Yngvi-Freyr, such as Harald Harfagre Fairhair, the great ruler who united Norway. He was son of Halfdan the Black, one of the Ynglingar kings.
82 Norse Grimoire 83 23. Dagaz The Resplendent Day [d] The New Era, presided over by Dagr. New beginnings, hope, growth, security, enlightenment. This rune resembles a mirrored “D” and it means day, similar to the German “Tag”. In fact, it is the rune of the night-day cycle and of the return of light after the dark. The specular structure of Dagaz makes it evident that day and night are two antithetical yet equally important forces: neither is stronger than the other and together they create a perfect balance. Dagr in ancient Norse actually means “day” and is personified by a minor deity who spurs their light-bearing horse to gallop across the sky. In the chapter of the Prose Edda known as Gylfaginning or “The Beguiling of Gylfi”, Snorri tells of how the Swedish king Gylfi, wanting to know more about the gods, decides to present himself at their dwelling under a disguise. There he finds Odin who, sitting on his throne without revealing his identity, teaches him a great many things about the Norse universe and its extraordinary deities, saying the following in one of the verses: Her last husband was Delling (Day-break), who was of asa-race. Their son was Day, who was light and fair after his father. Then took Alfather Night and her son Day, gave them two horses and two cars, and set them up in heaven to drive around the earth, each in twelve hours by turns. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character feels a powerful vital source gushing out from within, a primordial lush and vibrant energy, an intense heat that swells their chest with positive sensations and makes them feel like a source of hope, ready to give new life. Effect of the Ingwaz Rune As a bonus action, the character can spend one of their Hit Dice to heal an amount of hit points equal to the result of the die plus their Charisma modifier (minimum 1). They can split these hit points between any number of creatures other than them within 10 feet. The character gets temporary hit points equal to half the hit points healed in this way. Effects of the Glyph Ingwaz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Spirit Guardians spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: If the character is in a settlement and behaves in an honorable manner, they gain an advantage on Performance checks to strengthen the bonds between people who are listening to them. Music, songs or stories around the fire take on a supernatural vividness. Roleplaying: The character feels in his heart the wisdom of their ancestors and the vigor of their future descendants, gaining the certainty that their own dynasty must continue strong and numerous. Appearance: The character looks younger and more physically performing, yet more experienced in terms of behavior. Dagaz
82 83 The Elder Futhark We learn that the foam dripping from the mouth of Hrimfaxi, “Frost mane”, falls from the night sky as dew. Dagaz is mentioned only in the Anglo-Saxon poem, in rather pious terms: Day, the glorious light of the Creator, is sent by the Lord; it is beloved of men, a source of hope and happiness to rich and poor, and of service to all. The palindrome rune Dagr sometimes takes the place of Othala as the last in the Elder Futhark, representing the clarifying power of daylight, triumph and enlightenment. However, Dagr would not exist without Nott, his mother, strongly tying day and night together. Light and darkness are an eternal cycle, like the seasons or lunar phases, and they must be accepted as they are: no matter how dire and terrible looks the night, dawn will always follow. So we learn that day and night follow one another because Dagr and his mother Nott take their chariots across the sky every twelve hours. In the following stanza, Odin continues: Night rides first on the horse which is called Hrimfaxe, and every morning he bedews the earth with the foam from his bit. The horse on which Day rides is called Skinfaxe, and with his mane he lights up all the sky and the earth. In the Poetic Edda too, when Odin enters a contest of wisdom against the giant Vafthrudnir, the horses of day and night are mentioned. Skinfaxi, meaning “Shining mane”, is thus described by the father of the gods: Skinfaxi is he, the steed who for men The glittering day doth draw; The best of horses to heroes he seems, And brightly his mane doth burn. The giant then asks Odin to prove his knowledge about Hrimfaxi, the nightly steed, and his challenger provides. Hrimfaxi name they, the steed that anew Brings night for the noble gods; Each morning foam from his bit there falls, And thence come the dews in the dales.
84 Norse Grimoire 85 24. Othala The Ancestral Dwelling [o] The Honor of the Ancestors, presided over by Njord. Upright Material possessions, family, inheritance. Reversed Slavery, racism, gluttony. Most often considered the last rune in the Elder Futhark, Othala represents the letter “O”, like the Greek omega; perhaps that is the reason why it is placed at the end of the runic alphabet. Its name is connected to the concepts of nobility, dynasty and home, also intended as the ancestral place we come from. On a closer look, however, this rune looks like a fusion of Ingwaz and Gebo, and this only further clarifies its meaning: it is something from the dawn of time, a gift from those who came before us. For some, this is the rune of the soul, of that side of us that has always existed and will eventually reach its final dwelling. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character has a vision that shows them the Worlds and different realities, making them aware for a second of the balance of the Nine Worlds. Everything appears to them simple and approachable, part of the Fate that lies before them. Effect of the Dagaz Rune The character recovers all hit points and gets temporary hit points equal to half of their maximum hit points. Each time they complete a short rest, they new temporary hit points equal to their Charisma modifier (minimum 1). Effects of the Glyph Dagaz is a 3rd-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 20 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Flame Blade spell once if it’s day, or the Moonbeam spell if it’s night. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character gets darkvision out to a range of 20 feet. Roleplaying: The character often goes from one emotion to its opposite according to the time of day. In particular, sunrise and sunset are the two moments where their emotional state oscillates between excitement and nostalgia, enthusiasm and ataraxia. Appearance: At night the character seems to lose color, blending in with the darkness that surrounds them. During the day the light seems to linger on them, making them look radiant. Othala
84 85 The Elder Futhark Younger Futhark does not include this rune and concludes with Yr, a rune similar to an upside-down Algiz, connected to yew and sometimes likened to Yggdrasil. Once again we are faced with the origin of the runes, Odin hanging from the world tree; the memory of the god’s sacrifice permeates the last of these powerful symbols. Only the Anglo-Saxon poem includes a stanza dedicated to Othala, since it originated from the Elder Futhark with the addition of four Northumbria runes (Cweorth, Kalk, Stan and Gar). An estate is very dear to every man, if he can enjoy there in his house whatever is right and proper in constant prosperity. Othala, or “Ethel” in Anglo-Saxon, is the root of the names of numerous kings, such as Ethelred, Athalaric, Otto, Ulrich and even Attila. These names emphasize the role of the noble father and his spiritual and material inheritance to his descendants. We like to think that Othala concludes the runic alphabet, and that these symbols are an legacy left to us by our ancestors centuries ago, inviting us to look inside ourselves for the echoes of this magical language that never stopped reverberating in our souls. The most luminous place in the realm of the gods was Baldr’s home, called Breidablik the Shining. In the Grimnismal Odin describes it thus: Breidablik is the seventh, where Balder has his temples built, in the land I know exist the fewest runes of harm. The home of Baldr, the most beloved of the gods, is so infused with blessings that even the direst runes have no power there. This however does not save the god from the wrath of Loki, who manages to kill him in spite of his mother Frigga making all living things swear an oath not to harm him. The only one not to swear was a small bud that had become a mistletoe bush. Loki made an arrow out of a mistletoe branch and convinced Hodur, Baldr’s blind twin, to shoot it against Baldr as a prank. What harm could it ever do to him? After all, Baldr was invulnerable. However, the tip of the mistletoe arrow struck the luminous god, and Baldr joined Hel The Norse believed in the existence of the Dwelling of the Just, called Gimlé, where the worthiest would gather in games and feasts, after Ragnarok. The Seeress foresaw its existence when Odin asked her the fate of the world. She a hall see standing brighter than sun, with gold bedecked, in Gimlé; there shall good people household build, and in long time happiness enjoy. The Valkyrie Sigdrifa, although not naming any rune in particular, says the following to her protégé: Hugrunar thou must know, if thou a wiser man wilt be than every other. Those interpreted, those graved, those devised Hroptr, from the fluid, which had leaked from Heiddrapniss head, and from Hoddrofnis horn. These verses are the last with which the Valkyrie describes the runes to Sigurd. After them, the style of the narration changes. That is way Hugrunar (or soul rune) could be referring to Othala indeed, the last rune to be born of the sacrifice of Odin on the world tree.
86 Norse Grimoire 87 Effect of Tyr’s Ætt, Reversed A distorted and deceptive vision of the future upsets the character, leaving them prey to doubt and distrust. They no longer know who to trust, they have visions of abuse and bullying against them by those they believed to be friends, seeing discord and discrimination everywhere. The character prepares for the worst and, if forced, to earn the honor of dying at the hands of those who have stood by them up to that moment. Effect of the Othala Rune, Reversed When the character makes an attack roll, saving throw, or skill check with advantage, they add their Charisma modifier to the total (minimum 1). When the character makes an attack roll, saving throw, or skill check with disadvantage, they subtract their Charisma modifier to the total (minimum 1). Effects of the Glyph Othala is a 5th-level rune. In order to draw and tattoo it, the character must first pass a DC 24 Wisdom check (Asatru) and then another DC 12 Dexterity check (Tattoo Needle). Temporary tattoo effect The character can cast the Legend Lore spell once. Permanent tattoo effects, Talisman Rune or ritual body painting Mechanics: The character can choose to use Asatru for all Intelligence-based skill checks. Roleplaying: The character hears the whisper of spirits carried by the wind near ancient objects, places or bloodlines. Voices are indistinct but at the GM’s discretion may reveal ambiguous and sibylline messages. Appearance: The character seems to embody the memory of a king of legends or an old wayfarer linked to the gods. Anyone perceives their connection with events larger than them. in her cold realm. It was the admission of this crime that unleashed the wrath of the gods against Loki and led to him being chained in the underground. The loss of Balder was difficult to bear, but after Ragnarok a new age will come and luminous Baldr shall return and rule on the renewed world. The Seeress states the very same thing in the Voluspa: Unsown then the fields will grow, evil be amended; Baldr is coming. Othala is the ancestral home, the legacy of those who came before us, be they men or gods. It is the gift of Odin to humanity, the sacred space within our very soul and one of the most complicated runes to interpret. When reversed, it implies a refusal of a gift coming from the past, defensiveness towards something. When the rune is upright, it emanates its ancient strength, bringing wholeness and awareness. Effects of the Guiding Rune Effect of Tyr’s Ætt The character for an instant has a vision of the present, the future and everything in between. They reflect on the consequences of their actions and think about the efforts they have made so far, getting a glimpse of their legacy to the world after their death. Effect of the Othala Rune When the character makes an attack roll, saving throw, or skill check with advantage, they may reroll the die that got the lower result, but then must use the new roll even if it is worse. They can use this ability a number of times equal to their Charisma modifier (minimum 1), but only once per turn.
86 87 The Elder Futhark When talking about the individual runes, we have often talked about the advice that the Valkyrie Sigdrifa, also called Brynhildr because she was covered by thick armor, gave to the hero who woke her from the slumber which Odin had made her fall into. The Allfather had punished her for helping in battle a man whom the gods had destined for defeat, and had decided to put her to sleep for many years, granting her hand in marriage to he who would awaken her. Sigdrifa had vowed to not marry a coward, therefore Odin surrounded her with tall flames which only someone who did not know fear could cross. When Sigurd discovered that he was in the presence of a Valkyrie, he asked her to teach him everything she knew, and she revealed to him the secrets of the runes, as well as giving him eleven precious pieces of advice on how to behave in battle and with other people. After teaching him to write one by one the runes of happiness, victory and beer, followed by the runes of birth, storm and branches, and finally moving on to those of speech and the soul, Sigdrifa changed her tone. In the following stanzas, the poem lists the symbolic places in which the runes had been carved, and the fact that there were 24 in total, just like the letters of the Elder Futhark, is not surprising. According to some interpretations, these verses came from another poem about the discovery of the runes by Odin, and were then added here, but it is nevertheless interesting to investigate further in this treatise on runes and The Runes and the Valkyrie The Runes and the Valkyrie
88 Norse Grimoire 89 these ancient sources which have survived to the present day. As there are 24 places listed, like the runes, it is therefore probably that each of them is dedicated to a rune in particular. To date, the Sigrdrifumal has never been analyzed in this manner, and it could be useful to try to identify which runes each detail refers to, even if it is just a hypothesis given the lack of data. On a mountain he [Odin] stood, with Brimir’s sword, a helm on his head he bore. Then spake Mimir’s head its first wise word, and true saying uttered. This stanza talks about Odin, who created the world from the body of the giant Ymir, who in the Voluspa and the Prose Edda is sometimes called Brimir. The god often asked advice from the wisest of the Aesir, Mimir, who was killed during the war between the two divine kins. It is said, however, that his head – immersed in the Mimisbrunnr – continued to speak with great wisdom, even once removed from its body. He bade write on the shield before the shining goddess, On Arvakr’s ear, and on Alsvidr’s hoof, On the wheel of the wain of Hrungnir’s killer, On Sleipnir’s teeth, and the sledge's strap-bands. At this point Mimir describes the places in which the runes were carved or drawn with their talismanic power. The first were on the shields of those who were before the shining goddess, and it may be that in this case it refers to Othala, the ancestral rune of the soul carved on the shields of those who will come together after Ragnarok in Gimlé, the resplendent home of the just, when the god of light Baldr will return to reign over the renewed world. The following runes, on the other hand, are found respectively on the ears and hooves of Arvak (“The early awake”) and Allsvinn (“The very quick”), the two horses which pull the solar chariot. There are also two runes directly connected to the sun: the first is Dagaz, which we can assign to The early awake, as symbol of the start of Dagr (the day), son of Dellingr (the dawn) and Nott (the night). The other is Sowelu, the powerful rune which symbolizes the sun’s rays, which could be more appropriate for the horse called The very quick, since it expresses an unbridled and sudden force, sometimes associated with the gleam of the lightning bolt. What is faster than a lightning bolt or the sun’s rays? Maybe only Allsvinn, the very quick steed. The wheel which rolls under Hrungnir’s grindstone is something which performs a cyclical movement. Also, being part of a mill, it is probably milling grain, therefore it would make sense to see the symbol of Jera carved on this wheel: the rune which in turn is a wheel, that of the seasons. Hrungnir is a giant mentioned in the Prose Edda: he initially challenges Odin to a race in the saddle of his trusty steed Gullfaxi, Golden Mane, which was equally fast on land, the sea and in the air. Sleipnir proves to be faster, while Hrungnir ends up in the halls of Valhalla, where he gets drunk and disturbs the guests. Thor therefore decides to fight him, hurling his hammer at him. Hrungnir does the same with his anvil, which breaks into a thousand pieces. A fragment gets lodged in Thor’s forehead, but the god of thunder still manages to defeat his adversary. Hrungnir, dying, falls with all his weight on Thor, and
88 89 The Elder Futhark The rune on the tongue of Bragi, the god of poetry, is Kenaz: the flame of poetic inspiration, the ardor of the prophet and the fire which flares in the heart of those who have a song to share with the rest of the world. The rune on the wolf’s jaws is also easily identified: this is Tiwaz, symbol of the god Tyr, who lost a hand to the ferocious wolf Fenrir. His misadventures with these animals are not yet finished, however, because on the day of Ragnarok he will have to face Garm, guardian of Hel's gate, and on this occasion Tyr and the angry hound will kill each other. In the talons of the eagle flying over a new world, trying to grasp the fish by diving from the top of the mountain into the clear water to snatch its prey, we find Laguz. This image, evocative of an uncontaminated and regenerated nature, showing us virgin forests and foaming waterfalls where we seem to hear the shrill cry of the eagle above the noise of the water, is offered by the Seeress in the Voluspa, when she describes the world which will re-emerge from the waters after Ragnarok, completely renewed. The bloody wings are reminiscent of those of the Valkyries, splendid winged maidens who go down into battle in search of the souls of the valorous. The ephemeral nature of men who can however fly off to Valhalla alongside the Valkyrie, where they will find themselves in the company of the greatest heroes to have ever existed, eating and drinking their fill, is reminiscent of Mannaz, the rune of humanity, with everything which is beautiful and terrible about being common mortals involves. all the other gods have to run and help him so he does not suffocate. It will be Magni, Thor’s strapping son, the only one able to free him. The fact that Hrungnir is so big and powerful is reminiscent of the giantesses Fenja and Menja, the only able to turn Grotti, the mill which could produce anything. The rune drawn on the mouth of Sleipnir could be Eihwaz, that which represents Yggdrasil, the tree which Odin hung himself from to perform his initiation rite. The name of the majestic ash tree means Steed of Yggr, and Yggr is one of Odin’s names. Therefore, in the shamanic meaning of his journey between the worlds, the cosmic axis becomes the means with which the god can accomplish his path. The same can be said of Sleipnir, Odin’s trusted companion in his rides through the Nine Worlds, a totemic animal similar to those which the shamans led, following the frenetic rhythm of the drum. This stanza concludes with a mention of the beams of the sled as the last place where the runes were carved. We know that, in the cold north, the ice and snow accompanied the Vikings for a large portion of the year, and when the ground was covered in white, the fastest and safest way to travel was by sled. Thus we can associate Raido, the rule of travel, with this useful tool which makes it possible to move around even in the most adverse conditions. The next verse of the Sigrdrifumal continues thus: On the paws of the bear, and on Bragi's tongue, On the wolf's claws bared, and the eagle's beak, On bloody wings, and bridge's end, On freeing hands and helping foot-prints. On the powerful bear paws we can find Thurisaz, the rune of powerful and uncontrollable force, linked to the thurses, the giants bestowed with the power of wild nature. The bear is a powerful creature which aptly symbolizes the wild side of nature and places still unexplored by man. Its claws scratch deep and draw blood, just like thorns, another symbol of Thurisaz. The uncontrollable force is also typical of the berserkir, who are not without reason called “bear warriors”. They throw themselves into battle without a second thought, as the god Thor also is often wont to do, conquering all adversaries with warrior-like fervor.
90 Norse Grimoire 91 mines to obtain Brisingamen, her famous gold necklace, and was always the envy of the other goddesses due to her opulence. Freyja is also the goddess who cries tears of pure rose gold, tinging the sky at dawn and sundown. Charms were responsible for protection, just like the rune Algiz does, defending those who invoke it with its powerful elk’s antlers. Wine, on the other hand, is the drink of intoxication, connected in the Greek world to the figure of Dionysus, who is considered its inventor. He is a fertile, boundless god, who represents the primordial forces of nature, and thus it does not seem strange that he is also invoked in the form of a bull. The rune Uruz represents precisely this spontaneous and natural energy, often the source of excesses, and not for nothing is its symbol an urus, an enormous bull. Must is raw wine, grapes pressed to create a liquid substance, which is then fermented for months to become wine. In the ancient world, the harvest and pressing were times of great celebration. The community came together to dance, play and have fun, and in some cultures even perform orgiastic rites in order to celebrate the prosperity of the land, nature and human beings. For this reason, the rune which could be associated with such behavior is Pertho, with its playful and fertile nature. In the same line we find reference to well-loved seats, and thus fertility and procreation, both the prerogative of Yngvi-Freyr, the progenitor of the Scandinavians, to which the rune Ingwaz is connected. Gungnir is the runic spear of Odin, the same which he stuck in his ribs when he hanged himself for nine whole days and nights from the world tree, leading to However, at the end of the bridge awaits Isa, the ice rune. As we saw in the rune poems, the hardening of the water’s surface meant being able to cross it on foot, and thus the ice becomes a bridge, just like the sparking Bifröst, the rainbow which joins the world of men to that of the gods. On the hand of the midwife can only be Berkana, the birth rune. The same Sigdrifa tells Sigurd to draw it on the palms of his hands to be able to help women give birth. The helping footprints, on the other hand, probably represent a crossroads, where two different paths meet, forming a cross, just like the rune Gebo. Those who help are giving a gift (material or symbolic as it may be) to the other, but at the same time are drawing benefit from it; this is why it is not a one-way road, but two paths which cross. The Sigrdrifumal continues, explaining to us where else the runes were represented: On glass and on gold, and on goodly charms, In wine and in must, and on well-loved seats, On Gungnir's point, and on Grani's breast, On the nails of Norns, and the night-owl's beak. Glass, which sparkles like a gemstone or ice in the sun, is reminiscent of the description of Hagalaz in the rune poems. Although it is dangerous, like how glass can cut when shattered, spraying its fragments all around, not dissimilar to hailstones, it is nevertheless magnificent to see just like a precious stone. Gold equates to riches, and so it is spontaneous to link it to Fehu, the rune which represents herds, meant as material possessions, and whose patron is Freyja, the goddess who is described as adorned with riches more than any other. She went down into the dark dwarf
90 91 The Elder Futhark liquor that Odin stole and then spat back out, thus giving it to men and gods. The runes are therefore not the prerogative of everyone, but only of those who have been blessed by divine inspiration, such as bards and soothsayers. This part of the poem concludes, finally, with an invitation to understand the runes and make correct use of them: There are bokrunes, those are biargrunes and all alrunes, and precious powerrunes, for those who can, without confusion or corruption, use, if thou hast understood them, until the powers perish. With Sigdrifa’s invitation to make use of these powerful symbols, we can finally move on to practical matters, in other words understanding the runes from a divinatory point of view. the creation of the runes. For this reason it may make sense to associate it with Wunjo, the rune of Wotan (that is to say Odin) which represents fullness and fulfillment, the joy obtained by reaching one’s goal. Grani, on the other hand, is Sigurd’s horse, selected through a trial of courage where all the other steeds failed, and approved by Odin in person. Sigurd needed a stallion which was worthy of him, because a hero can certainly not go into battle on the saddle of a common mount. Grani’s breast may therefore bear Ehwaz, the horse rune, which indicates the correct means with which to bring one’s journey to an end. On the nails of Norns we find Nauthiz, the rune of necessity, and probably this refers to the nail of Skuld, the one which represents precisely this concept in the mysterious triad. It is the only rune which is nominated directly by the Valkyrie who also suggests that Sigurd carve it on his nails in the same stanza. Finally, we find the night-owl’s beak, which is not easily interpreted, since this animal is not contained in Norse mythology. In many cultures, this nocturnal bird of prey equates with magic, divination and profound wisdom. It is not only symbolism linked to the owl, but also the little owl, an animal sacred to the Greek goddess Athena, emblematic of philosophy and knowledge. This rune is not described between the bird’s claws, but rather in its beak, so this detail could also hide a useful clue. The rune which is held in the owl’s beak is therefore Ansuz, the mouth of truth, the rune of wisdom and good advice. Now that we have found the correct place for each of the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark, we can see what else the wise Mimir adds in his discourse. All were erased that were inscribed, and mingled with the sacred mead, and sent on distant ways: they are with the esir, they are with the elfs, some with the wise vanir, some have Manhome's men. It is almost a shock to discover that these runes were removed, but immediately thereafter the wise talking head of Mimir reassures us that they were not lost. They were mixed with the sacred mead, maybe the same that confers knowledge and poetic inspiration, together with the gift of prophecy. It may be the same
92 Norse Grimoire 93 glyph similar to a twig which none other than the rune Tiwaz repeated multiple times to invoke the god Tyr. An example of two different runes merged together could be the modern Bluetooth symbol, formed by the ligature of the initials expressed in the Younger Futhark of Harald Bluetooth, the Viking king who unified Denmark and was therefore chosen to represent connection even at a distance. In addition to the symbols that we have learned to understand to date, sources and artefacts have provided us with other ways to represent the runes, often deliberately cryptic and complex, designed specifically to contain coded messages, or used in order to simplify writing. Bind runes This system was used primarily to make writing a word simpler or faster. Two runes were joined together, usually by making use of the vertical axis, and in this way they were represented in less space. In Icelandic, the symbols thus obtained were given the name “bandrun”. We find ligatures of two different runes, but sometimes even of the same rune, such as in the case of the Kylver stone, which at the end has a The Cryptic Runes The Cryptic Runes
92 93 The Elder Futhark Coded Runes In Iceland the tradition of Lonnruner, or “secret runes”, remained for a long time; this consists of writing encrypted messages in runes, so much so that we have various works on them written between the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the most complete is Runologia by Jon Olafsson, which presents various methods used to create coded messages. The key to understanding this system lies in the division into aettir of the runic alphabet. We know that there are three aettir, and that each consists of eight runes; therefore, we only need to know the number of the aett (one, two or three) and that of the rune (from one to eight). This allows us to find out the coordinates of any rune. Here is an example with the system called Isaruna, in other words using the Isa rune. We will see that the longer strokes are never more than three, since they refer to the relevant aett, while the smaller ones range from one to eight, giving the position of the rune in that given group. This gives us a system which is relatively simple, for those who know it, yet sufficiently enigmatic to keep unwanted persons out of one’s communications. In the example I specified the number of long and short lines which act as coordinates to identify the letter of interest, until we obtain the word Airikr, which is none other than the Norse form of the name Erik. This system also features on the Rotbrunna Stone, but sometimes it is not the long lines which represent the aett, but rather the contrary, in order to ensure it is not too easy to decipher. The shrewdness of the Nordic peoples went further, however, because often in these encrypted systems the aettir are in reverse order; in other words, the first counts as the third and vice versa, in order to further confuse anyone trying to decipher them. Bind runes are sometimes also a way to insert a phrase or a word in an image, also giving it a decorative function. In this case, the runes were arranged at the two sides of a long vertical line, which could become the mast of a drakkar inside an image, or form the waves under the keel. Inscriptions of this type exist in the Scandinavian world, while the Anglo-Saxons did not use this method. In this example, we see the words Thrutar Thiakn making up the mast of a longship carved on a rune stone found in Sweden, erected in memory of Ketilhofdi, a powerful thegn, or Viking nobleman, by his children. They read from bottom to top and are alternate, one from one side and one from the other of the vertical axis. The three runes which appear on the right, on the other hand, mean uit, and invite readers to take the inscription seriously. On the right I have transcribed the runes without ligatures: can you recognize them on the single line? As regards the term uit, made up of the three runes next to the ligature, this is an invitation which has also been found on other runestones.
94 Norse Grimoire 95 Once again in Bryggen, enigmatic carvings have been found where the beards of the men depicted hide a code. The system is always the same, and as we can see, it can be applied to many different forms. In this case, the hairs on the left indicate the aett, and those on the right the specific rune. An interesting variant could be the tent runes, in other words made up of a cross where we have to take into account only the pair of strokes oriented upwards or downwards each time, reading them clockwise to determine the aett and the position of the rune inside it. At the top left we therefore have the aett of the first rune, followed by its positioning, while in the bottom right stroke we will find the aett of the rune immediately following it, with the order within that aett on the left. It is easier to follow with an example: In this case, I have added the runes which would otherwise only have been indicated via the segments. They are to be read vertically, revealing the word Thorualdr, or the name Thorvald. There are also the so-called branch runes, which use the usual system but distinguish the various words by arranging the various twigs upwards or downwards. As well as Isa, Eihwaz was also used for this purpose, orienting it towards the left to indicate the relevant aett and to the right to specify the rune which was part of the set. We can find evidence of this on the side of the Rök Stone. The systems is the same, as this example shows: This method could be applied to numerous other runes or symbols. For example, the aettir could be written to the left of a vertical line and the number of the corresponding rune to the right, as is always the case on the side of the Rok runestone, or even add further strokes to Algiz. The scales of fish or the hairs of a stylized man’s beard have even been used to this end: essentially, there are innumerable possibilities to use Lonnruner to create new enigmas. In this case, by giving the aett to the left and the rune to the right in these symbols similar to spruce branches, the word runar, meaning “rune”, is represented. Numerous examples of these curious coded runes have been found in the area of Bryggen. They are stylized fish which use the same method used by other cryptic symbols in the form of their scales. In this case, the inscription means: kuthkifi, a term for which a translation has not yet been found.
94 95 The Elder Futhark The fact that they were also used in such an enigmatic manner only serves to increase the sense of mystery surrounding the runes, making them powerful and ancient symbols, born of the blood of a god who is in turn controversial, as patron of war and also of magic, a masked traveler and wisest of all, who hanged himself from the world tree for nine whole days and nights to give us an extraordinary gift. The runes flowed out from Odin’s blood, and this gave them an essence made of enchantment, but at the same time out of mystery. In this book, we aim to present the main aspects of this ancient alphabet, relying as much as possible on the sources which have been handed down to us over the centuries. We hope that the information provided can be useful to you over the course of your journey. We’ll let Odin himself conclude this treatise on runes. Here are the words with which he concludes his speech in the Havamal, the second canto of the Poetic Edda: Now the sayings of the High One are uttered in the hall for the weal of men, for the woe of Jötuns, Hail, thou who hast spoken! Hail, thou that knowest! Hail, ye that have hearkened! Use, thou who hast learned! Here, for example, two distinct words are written: the first is ek. The second, which has branches starting from below to indicate that it is a new term, is witki. Ek witki can be translated as the Charmer, the Shaman or the Wizard. The word in itself has the same root as wisdom, therefore witki is someone who knows. On the baptismal font of the church of Kareby, in Sweden, there is an unusual inscription which reads: “Interpret, if you can, the name Orklaski”. While the rest of the phrase is incomprehensible, the last word appears enigmatic, and it invites us to solve a mystery. This is another type of code, and solving it requires us to replace each rune of the name Orklaski with that which occupies the same position in the previous aett. The writing uses the Younger Futhark, which has only two aettir, and making the necessary substitution transforms the obscure word Orklaski into the much more widely known name Thorbjorn. This kind of runic enigma is called rad rett runar, as it usually begins with an invitation to interpret something correctly (which is said rad rett). Sometimes, in order to make the inscriptions even less comprehensible, segments are added to the runes, or some are omitted, as with the Torvika stone.
Chapter three Galdrastafir
98 Norse Grimoire 99 Iceland was a poor country and its inhabitants were engaged in a constant struggle for survival; for this reason, many of the spells are linked to the problems of day-to-day life, like how to be successful in fishing, have cattle in good health, and defend themselves from thieves or foul weather. In this case, it is magic which is easy to perform even for the inhabitants of the most isolated farms, requiring a piece of wood or leather on which to carve the symbol, a knife with which to do so, and sometimes some blood or saliva as the vehicle for the powers of the spellcaster, and little more. If the spell is to be cast on another person, it could be carved into bread or cheese and then given to the victim to eat, while if it was to act on an animal, it was possible to draw it on cloth and then attach it to their hide. In some cases, it was carved on a fragment of wood or bone and positioned under the pillow in order to work during the night. The spell with which Egil Skallagrimsson cures the daughter of a farmer uses precisely this methodology. The protagonist of Egil's Saga finds himself receiving the hospitality of a farm where there is a rather poorly girl. A neighbor had tried to heal her by carving runes on a whalebone and placing this under her bedding, but this only made things worse. Egil, who knows the art of carving runes in order to cast spells, finds the whalebone and discovers why it did not worked: the runes carved in it are completely wrong. He scratches them off, but not content with this, then throws the bone into the fire, carving new runes, this time aimed at healing the girl, and places them under her pillow. When the girl wakes from a long, restorative sleep, she feels much better. Egil does not miss the opportunity to warn everyone using runic magic without sufficient preparation: Galdrar: The Spells Galdrar: The Spells
98 99 Galdrastafir Runes none should grave ever Who knows not to read them; Of dark spell full many The meaning may miss. Ten spell-words writ wrongly On whale-bone were graven: Whence to leek-tending maiden, Long sorrow and pain. In order not to run the risk of doing precisely what Egil warned about, it is advisable to learn more of the meaning of these arcane symbols. The Icelandic marks are called galdrastafir (galdrastafur in the singular), and their name bears an ancient Norse heritage. Galdr, as we have seen, means “spell”, or “magical chant”, while stafur is the “staff”, the stick or wooden substrate on which they were carved. It’s interesting to note that even when the spell required the symbol to be drawn, and not actually carved, the verb rísta, meaning to carve, was still used. Landvaettir: the Spirits of the Land The landvaettir are protective spirits linked to Iceland. They live in the rocks, the rivers and the mountains, and look after their island, bestowing prosperity on those who respect them. Icelanders have always considered them of great importance, so much so that the Book of Settlements tells us of the existence of a law which forbade bringing Viking ships too close to the shores if they had dragon’s heads on their bow with open mouths and sharp fangs on display, out of fear that they could scare the landvaettir and make them flee. It was Ulfjot, one of the first colonists, who proposed this ban around 920 CE, establishing that Iceland should have its own laws so that the settlements there could prosper. The Book of Settlements says the following about it:
100 Norse Grimoire 101 Scandinavian colonists arrived. The Book of Settlements tells the tale of a man called Bjorn who one night dreamed of a bergbui, or inhabitant of the mountains, who proposed an alliance. Bjorn accepted, and from that point on, his farm became prosperous, thanks also to a mysterious billy goat which appeared out of nowhere and joined his herd, siring numerous kids and thus growing his fortune. Everyone knew that the billy goat had been sent by the landvaettir, and so they started to call its owner Goat-Bjorn. People with second sight, those who were able to see beyond simple reality, saw all the land-spirits walking with Bjorn and following him when he went to the Thing. Belief in these spirits is also evident in the Kristni Saga, which recounts how Iceland was Christianized. We find a rock where Kodran and his clan used to make sacrifices, believing that it was inhabited by their protective spirit. Kodran did not want to be baptized until he had had proof that the bishop was more powerful than his guardian spirit. So bishop Fridrekr went to the rock and recited his incantations, making the stone split in two. Kodran thus understood that the spirit had been defeated, and agreed to convert. The landvaettir are also described in the Heimskringla, the collection of sagas about Norwegian kings written by Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson, author of the Prose Edda. In the Saga of Olaf Tryggvason, he recounts an episode in which Danish king Harald Gormsson unjustly took possession of the precious cargo of an Icelandic vessel which had been shipwrecked off the coast of Denmark. The rebellious and proud temperament of the Icelanders is evident in the way they reacted to this act, as it was decreed by law that every inhabitant of Iceland must compose a satirical verse about king Harald Gormsson. The king was furious and wanted to attack the island, but first he decided to send a warlock to scout the terrain. He turned into a whale and swam towards the coast, and Snorri describes his journey thus: ... he saw that all the mountains and hills were full of guardian spirits, some large & others small. When he was arrived at Vapnafjord there went he up and was like to have gone ashore when, lo! a great dragon came down from the valley, & in its company many serpents, toads, and vipers, and these beasts belched venom at him. So swam he away westward all alongside the land even the whole way until he was come to the mouth of the Eyjafjord, & The start of the new pagan laws stated that ships must not bear fearsome carved heads, and if they were so equipped, they must be removed before arriving in sight of land. It was prohibited to navigate to the coast with ferocious heads or those with open mouths, in order not to terrorize the Landvaettir. The gestures that Egil Skallagrimsson, one of the most famous heroes of Icelandic sagas, made in order to curse Norway and disperse its protective spirits while king Eric Bloodaxe was in power, are based precisely on this principle. Raising a pole with a bloody horse’s head on it and carving the spell in runes on the wooden pillar aimed to scare off the Norwegian landvaettir, making them flee and thus depriving Norway of its protectors and bringers of prosperity. Egil’s Saga describes the action of the hero against the king, his bitter rival, thus: And when all was ready for sailing, Egil went up into the island of Herdla. He took in his hand a hazel-pole, and went to a rocky eminence that looked inward to the mainland. Then he took a horse's head and fixed it on the pole. After that, in solemn form of curse, he thus spake: “Here set I up a curse-pole, and this curse I turn on king Eric and queen Gunnhilda. (Here he turned the horse's head landwards.) This curse I turn also on the landvaettir who dwell in this land, that they may all wander astray, nor reach or find their home till they have driven out of the land king Eric and Gunnhilda.” This spoken, he planted the pole down in a rift of the rock, and let it stand there. The horse's head he turned inwards to the mainland; but on the pole he cut runes, expressing the whole form of curse. Just as sailors had to be careful not to disturb the spirits with fearsome sculptures on the bows of their longships when approaching the Icelandic coast, Egil used the Icelandic pagan law in reverse. While in Iceland care had to be taken not to frighten the landvaettir, Egil raised a severed horse’s head to confuse and scare the Norwegian guardian spirits as long as king Eric remained in power. The following year, a new pretender to the throne arrived in Norway and managed to defeat and exile Eric, who would never again return. The spirits of the land had done what was required of them, chasing off the unworthy sovereign from the regions of which they were custodians. These spirits inhabited Iceland long before the first