The Rune Converter transforms Roman alphabet, as used in modern English, into five systems of Germanic runic writing: Elder Futhark, Anglo-Saxon runes, Long Branch Younger Futhark, Short Twig Younger Futhark and staveless runes (note that it does not translate the words themselves, it only converts letters into runes). A possibility to choose between these allows to establish a connection with a certain bloodline, tradition or historical period: for instance, if one wishes to emphasize the Viking connection, why use the Elder Futhark, if Vikings did not use it? One should choose between one of the Younger Futhark options instead.
Note that the present converter works with modern English only. Letters with Old Norse (or any other) diacritics will not be converted into runes.
Got Old Norse Word or Phrase to Convert Into Runes?
Here is the guide that will help: How to Write in Old Norse With Futhark Runes. Convert Old Norse texts manually, the choice of runes depends on grammar.
What Types of Runes Are Supported?
- Elder Futhark is the most ancient Germanic runic alphabet that was in use from the 2nd to 8th centuries by all Germanic tribes. This system of runic writing has a very peculiar and complex inner structure.
- Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.
- Long Branch variant of the Younger Futhark, also known as Danish runes, is the normal or standard representation of the Younger Futhark, which began to develop at the end of the 8th century and was accepted by the 10th century in the whole of Scandinavia.
- Short Twig variant of the Younger Futhark is also known as Rök runes. It was used in Norway and Sweden along with the Long Branch variant that was more characteristic for Denmark.
- Staveless or Hälsinge runes were used only in a restricted area and may be a good example of minimalism. They also may be interpreted as a secret writing system.
What To Write With Runes?
Perhaps the most obvious idea is to write with runes one’s own name. For more creative solutions and complex phrases one may find helpful to read about the magic runes or runic love quotes. Note that Scandinavians had a tradition to write with runes various Latin sentences.
Before You Ask a Question in the Comments Section Below
Make sure you checked the following articles:
How to Write in Norse Runes
How to Write A Name in Runes for a Tattoo
How to Translate into Runes Correctly
How to Write an Authentic Runic Inscription
Should I Write in Runes Phonetically?
Please do not post requests to translate anything into Old Norse. This page is about how to convert letters into runes, not about how to translate from English into ancient languages.
Waiver of Liability
Keep in mind that computer generated texts should be used with caution for any permanent use like tattoos or engravings. This tool is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind.
Hello, I am so glad I came across this website. I was doing a search on Viking runes as I am teaching a class explaining the progression of the alphabet through history. It sounds complicated but is a basic look into writing throughout history for middle school kids. I was wondering if I could gain your permission to use your alphabet chart in my class so kids could create their names to add to a journal of all types of alphabets throughout history. I would also like to use the rune converter to create a quick game to be used in class where kids decode runic words and could create their own words for classmates to figure out.
I work for an online teaching platform and I get paid for each student that attends my class. I would like to create a worksheet with the alphabet chart to give out to kids in class. It is not something I post to anyone online, only my students. I would like for them to be able to print the alphabet for reference. If you would prefer, I could just put the alphabet on the screen and they could just access the alphabet in class. I am responsible for creating my own curriculum and need to obtain permission for any source I use that is not in the public domain. By the way, the converter is an awesome addition to your website for various reasons!
If you are not able to give permission due to me collecting payment for online students, that is perfectly fine and I understand. Thank you for your time either way.
Hello Laura,
Yes, sure, do use both the printed alphabet chart and the rune converter in class.
Hi, my friends and I are obsessed with Vikings and Norse history and this website has been a big help, we’ve been able to translate so many things thanks to this website, wrote an essay each that we didn’t have to write for history and gotten ahead of our classmates. We’re extremely grateful for this website, thanks a lot for making it.
Thank you, I am glad this site was helpful.
I’m using this to draw something for my little brother since he loves vikings. This website helped A LOT!
Thank you for sharing this.
Question sweetie.
I have accidentally written my ‘N’ with the stave facing right to left instead of left to right.
Is this a problem or is it alright?
Hello. In the Younger Futhark it’s a different rune.
honestly it is
Hello,
Like a lot of folks on here, I’m also planning on getting a tattoo that incorporates Nordic runes but I am trying to figure out whether to use Anglo-Saxon or Elder Futhark. Based on my ancestry DNA results, I have lineage mainly from southern England as well as along the east coast of mainland Europe (From Germany down to France), so if any of you have a good guess as to which of those two runes might have been primarily used in those regions back in the day, I would love to hear your feedback! Thanks!
Anglo-Saxon Futhorc in England and Friesland, Elder Futhark in mainland Europe except Friesland.
Awesome! Thank You!
Some years ago I was teaching older primary children and The Anglo Saxons was one of our topics. We looked into runes and found out that the straight nature of the characters came from a need to have letters which were easier to carve – often in wood. The kids were fascinated and runic messages appeared everywhere all round the class and on their belongings. Converting my name -as above – brought it all back! Wonderful and thank you.
Sounds great Sue. Teaching children is a calling and few can really spark interest and enthusiasm in the classroom. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Awesome and informative
Thanks John Paul.
Wondering if you have a book, I would love to sit down and learn more and read more about this in detail. This is actually something I am very passionate about and would love to get more in depth about.
Hello Angelica. For further in-depth study I would recommend my guide How to Write in Old Norse With Runes. It sums up years of research.
Hello, I am using the converter to translate my boys names. Once translated how are the names / runes separated? Do you use a dot (.) or (:) as I have sometime seen? What is the meaning (if any) of the dot (.) or (:) in a series of runes?
Many thanks
Hello Jim. Viking Age runic inscriptions either do not have any separators between words or use crosses, dots or combinations of dots for that. There is no difference between them, they are all just separators.
I’ve read before that one dot in the middle (located here -) can be used to separate words and that two dots (like a colon :) can be used to separate sentences, although traditionally there were many continuous writings