Most people associate the runes with the Vikings, but their history begins much earlier.

The origin of the runes as an alphabet began in about 1300 BC with the early civilizations in the Indo-European area, located where today you would find northwestern India, Pakistan and the lowlands of Afghanistan.

However, many of the runic symbols have been found throughout the world in archaeological sites dating back thousands of years earlier.

During the Bronze Age, the runes as a true alphabet evolved along with the Proto Indo-European Language and spread primarily in a north-western direction.

This Proto Indo-European Language eventually developed into a wide variety of modern languages, including German, English, Greek and the various Scandinavian languages.

It is also the root of Latin and interestingly and kind of surprisingly, Persian.

You will notice that the runes have many similarities with some of the alphabet that you use today.

Time, culture and technology are responsible for the evolution of the runes into the A.B.Cs- some of them have not changed a bit, some only changed by rounding sharp angles into curves.

The runes are all straight lines for the practical reason that straight lines are easier to carve, engrave or chisel than are curves.

In the days before paper, pen & ink, the means of written communication was usually carving into wood or stone, and getting uniform curves into these materials was not easy.

As the use of clay tablets started to spread, curves became less difficult, so in some cases the runes began to be modified into more rounded figures.

Then as early forms of paper such as parchment, papyrus etc. began to appear, further modifications into a more flowing script became popular.

What was a convenience with carving became a hindrance because, generally, curved lines are faster to put onto paper than straight lines and sharp angles.

Although the cultures using runes as an alphabet are diverse, most of the symbols are the same throughout, and although the phonetic spelling of the names of individual runes may vary, the meanings usually are fairly consistent.

Also, you should be aware that while English and most modern occidental languages are read from left to right, the runes were often written right to left or even vertically or around in spirals etc.

So if you are trying to translate a rune inscription and it is just not making sense, you may be reading in the wrong direction.

Fortunately, for our purposes here, historical translations will not be of major importance, as generally we will be dealing with the meanings and purposes of individual symbols for something other than extensive communications or literature.

Most of the following information is based on general traditional understanding.

These symbols are presented in more or less modern alphabetical order rather than the traditional FUTHARK order.

 OS=A
In one context, OS refers to the Divine, Primarily to (the) God(s) of creation and specifically to the Father Deity.
It is also a rune of communication, poetry and music.
OS can represent the link between the Gods and humanity.
Other symbolism for this rune includes: Pine trees, Good fortune, Immortality, Inspiration and Personal power.

 BOERC = B
Relates to birth, healing, forgiveness and atonement for misdeeds. It refers to the birch tree and symbolizes shelter, concealment and (passive) protection [concealment].

 KEN (can be used as C, K or Q)
Relates to light and the controlled power of fire It is the rune of knowledge and technological advance. The knowledge of Ken is that of the student, the scientist etc. and does not necessarily indicate wisdom.

 DOERG=D
In general, it represents the wheels of a chariot and thus can refer to travel. In specific application, it represents the "SUN CHARIOT" and indicates the light of day and the diurnal cycle.
It is symbolic of personal growth, the gaining of wisdom and leaving the past behind.

 EHWIS =E
Is symbolic of the horse and also of two specific gods- twin brothers who roamed the world to help people in trouble. As such it can indicate divine aid in a time of need.
It is also representative of partnership- (platonic, not romantic).

 FEOH =F
Is symbolic of cattle, one of the main measures of wealth among early peoples. As such, it is indicative of wealth, money and material possessions.
It can be a sign of fertility, and it may also be indicative of psychic power or spirituality.
FEOH is the direct root of the word FEE, and therefore may indicate a payment due or other debt.

 GYFU =G
The word gift is a direct root of gyfu; Therefore it indicates sharing, hospitality or sacrifice. It can also have a meaning of partnership; Unlike EHWIS, this is directed more at matrimonial matters or sexuality, rather than just comradeship.

 HAEGL =H
Is the rune of winter. It symbolizes snow ice, the cold north wind, and frost. The modern word HAIL is directly derived from this rune. It is also a rune symbolic of "The Trickster" (Loki, Coyote etc.)
Haegl is indicative of bondage, frustration and unpleasantness. In its best connotation, it means overcoming all of these negatives and achieving greatness.

 ISA =I
Is a rune of strength and masculinity. It is symbolic of the spear, the staff and the Shepard's crook.
In one aspect it is confrontational, aggressive and indicates strife, stress and struggle. However in its other aspect it is protective, it signifies leadership and overcoming difficulties.
It is also symbolic of the Norse god Odin and the Celtic god Lugh (Llew) who are known for their magical spears.