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.
Would like to burn the word ‘Yggdrasil’ or a phrase into a wooden model viking ship im making, does anyone know the icelandic or old norse of ‘Yggdrasil’. It would help out a lot.
Trying to use your converter and it’s not always using the h symbol.. So it’s a bit confusing… Trying to write this
Through honorable death in fighting our Father awaits us in the golden gates of valhalla.. .
Could you help need this in the nearest viking language
Daryl, writing something in runes does not mean you write it in the Viking language (which was Old Norse). This converter substitutes letters for runes, so that your English phrase remains English but written in runes instead of letters. H is not there for th, because it’s rendered with a single rune (þurs).
Th, is actually written in runes as thurisaz..pronounced thoor-ee-saws..which is unvoiced as in thorn, never the as in “the”..
Thank you so much, I found my father’s , I guess you could say , ‘diary’ and there is pages upon pages written in runic and I out it through the translator and found information I never new about him, he has been lying to us about who he was our entire life, thank you ;)
Sorry to hear that, Neel.
Hi I love this website, it is just filled with useful and interesting information. I was wondering if you could help me though.
I was wanting to design two things in runic writing. The first is the Norse God Freyr’s name. There are seemingly so many symbols and runes for him I have no idea which is correct! I would love to know if the results in the calculator would be correct or if you could link me to a proper runic writing (older the better) or symbol.
Also if they quote “Stand tall shake the heavens” would work correctly with the calculator.
I’m doing this for a modeling competition and would like to write some interesting runes for my piece/theme. Also maybe a tattoo some time later if I ever find the courage!
thanks!
Old Norse name Freyr would have been written in the Younger Futhark runes as follows:
The rune converter sems to work all right with your other phrase.
Thanks! You are super helpful!
hi
I found your website very informative, thank you, I used your Elder Futhark convertor to translate “Seize the day” is it correct? I am getting it tattooed so I need to know if it is correct, seize the day is the logo of Epilepsy Sucks UK, I did some charity work for them as my daughter suffers from epilepsy and I want to show my support for her, I also have a Nordic Germanic tattoo theme going on so it hopefully would sit in there nicely
Kind regards
Derek
Hello Derek. The result produced by the converter for the phrase “Seize the day” seems to be okay.
Thank you very much for the swift reply.
Regards
Derek
Hi I am Irekk. I have been writing in runes for almost two years now. I am 15. I must say that this language is the most interesting to me. I am a Christian and I don’t see how runes are associated with witchcraft. Can you please explain?
Please don’t quote me but it stemmed from Christians fear of Pagans and the way they worshipped. Pagans never worshipped the Devil but the Earth it’s self but, mistrust, misunderstanding, and spreading lies ultimately lead to some downfall. My suggestion is start with Stonehedge and work your way back in history to get a better understanding. Please remember I may be wrong but I hope this helps
Hello Irekk. Tacitus in his Germania describes how the runes were used for divination. According to Christianity, divination is a magical act (magic and witchcraft being more or less the same for a Christian). However, in Scandinavia runes were used by Christians for inscriptions with Christian content, including inscriptions on church bells. It is only in modern pop culture that runes came to be widely associated with witches and witchcraft.
I am thinking of getting another tattoo.. I want the phrase “love unconditionally, without reason” as much as ive found ive gotten it translated into norwegian “Kjærlighet betingelsesløst uten grunn” would it be better to translate the norwegian or english into runes.. And could elder futhark work?
Hello James. There is no correct or best way to write something in runes. It’s up to you to decide what is best for you. Yes, Elder Futhark is okay for anything (simply keep in mind that Viking Age people used the Younger Futhark). Yes, Both English and Norwegian are okay (but I can’t help with Norwegain, this page is about converting English words and phrases).
Hi Viking Runes i want to tatto Hail Odin in elder furthark so how do i do that do i tranfer english to runes or what ?
Hello Torstein. Yes, converting this English sentence into runes is a possible option.
Hi!
I’m interested in tattooing my son’s name using runes. I’m from Barcelona but we’re living in Norway so viking runes make some sense for me.
I’ve been investigating a little bit and the topic is quite complex. Considering only the viking age and Norway, I’ve found many options: younger futhark, short twigs, swedish-norwegian, norwegian…
I’ve checked also Omniglot.com, Arild-Hauge.com, Mylittlenorway.com and I’ve got a couple of consistent options. One of them is the one fro your short-twig converter.
The name is Pau (like Pau Gassol; it sounds almost as “owl” in English. You can type “pau” in google translator selecting Spanish as language and you can listen to it).
As I can’t type the runes, can I send you a picture of my options to your e-mail so you can give me proper advice?
Tusen takk!
Iban.
Feel free to contact me via my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/the.viking.rune
Hi – I’m looking to get numbers (300 and 308) translated either into runes or a Nordic tongue. What was most common?
Thank you!
Sarah, there were no runic signs for numerals.