Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, it retained its form and meaning, continuing to represent the ‘f’ sound. Fehu to Fe in the Younger Futhark – Unchanged JourneyĪs the Elder Futhark slowly transformed into the Younger Futhark, also known as Norse runes, around the 7th and 8th centuries, Fehu remained a constant. Its power to attract wealth and success makes it a popular choice, showing the enduring allure of this ancient rune. In the modern era, various neo-pagan groups have adopted Fehu’s symbolism, continuing its use in rituals and spellwork. Though we must tread carefully here, as historical evidence is somewhat scarce, it’s a captivating thought, nonetheless. They allegedly used the rune in spellwork, particularly in spells intended to attract wealth or guarantee a successful outcome. People historically believed that runes held magical properties. It heralds a period of growth, a promising sign for those in search of progress. It’s said that in runic divination, drawing Fehu signifies impending wealth or success. While I don’t really subscribe to the belief in divination and magic, it’s a realm that holds undeniable fascination. Elder Futhark Quizĭo you want to test your knowledge of Elder Futhark runes? Then this quiz is perfect for you! The Fehu rune, therefore, carries her blessings, an auspicious start to any venture, a beacon of prosperity in the journey of life. Our lady Freya, the enchantress of love and abundance, watches over this aett. Fehu, representing wealth and abundance, fits seamlessly into this narrative, embodying the material realization of these themes. The first aett carries themes of creation and fertility, aligning with Freya’s domain. As the first rune, it marks the beginning, the seed of potential. This grouping of eight runes is viewed as a cycle of initiation and growth, a journey from chaos to order. The fehu rune belongs to the first aett of the Elder Futhark, often associated with the Vanir siblings Freyr and Freya. It reflects the Germanic culture’s drive for exploration, trade, and expansion, a mirror to their ambitious spirit. It signifies not just possession, but the process of gaining wealth, the flow of prosperity. The fehu rune’s association with Freya adds a layer of sophistication to its interpretation, linking material wealth with spiritual abundance.Įduard Ade, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commonsįurthermore, the Fehu rune embodies a dynamic force. Cattle were not just livestock, but a measure of a person’s wealth, a tangible display of prosperity.ĭigging into the symbolism of the time, you find the enigmatic Goddess Freya, the Vanir goddess of love, beauty, and – fittingly – wealth. Symbolic Meaning of the Fehu RuneĪmong the Old Norse people, the Fehu rune meant ‘cattle’ or ‘wealth.’ A seemingly mundane interpretation, yet deeply symbolic in the context of the people of the Viking Age. From the Norse ‘fé’ to the Old English ‘feoh,’ the resonance of Fehu still echoes in the languages we speak today. Phonetically, the Fehu rune represents the ‘f’ sound in the Proto-Germanic language, a value that has persisted across the Germanic languages. Variations exist, of course, suggesting the alphabet and maybe this rune was important and a dynamic, changing character. Visually, the Fehu rune resembles part of an upward-pointing antler, a straightforward, vertical stroke with two shorter diagonal lines reaching up and to the right. Graphical Representation of the Fehu RuneĬlaesWallin, Own work, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Thus, it forms a fascinating puzzle piece in our understanding of the widespread Viking influence. Instead, it has turned up throughout the Viking landscape, from the chilly northern reaches of Scandinavia to the bustling trading posts of Central Europe.

The fehu rune’s presence is not limited to specific geographic areas. As an important rune in both of the fothark alphabets, this Old Norse rune is found etched on all kinds of ancient artifacts. While this might be by chance, I personally tend to think it is suggestive of its early significance. Interestingly, it holds the first place in both the Elder and Younger Futhark alphabets.

It emerged sometime in the Proto-Germanic era, around the 1st to 2nd century AD. The origins of the Fehu rune are shrouded in the mists of time.

Fehu to Fe in the Younger Futhark – Unchanged Journey.

The Fehu Rune Used in Divination and Magic.

Graphical Representation of the Fehu Rune.

Elder futhark rune divination