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.
Hi guys how are you. I need to I need help translating Elder Futhark to English.
Berkano, Isa, Raidho, Sowilo, Isa, Raidho, Fehu, Isa, Raidho
Birsirfir…I think
Hello Flint. I think someone tried to spell the word berserker.
WOW! this site is great! I’m a great fan of the Norse cultures since long ago, and this is one of the best sites that i have seen!
Greeting from Cuba, far from the North, but with the Wisdom of the Ases in our hearts
Thank you, Danys.
I just wanted to say thank you for this magnificent site! I make custom leather books/binders/movie props and the like, and I recently received a commission to make a large journal with an image of Mjölnir, the hammer of Thor. The lady customer wants the journal as a present for her son, who is a scholar of Icelandic. With the help of your ‘converter’ I have put together a suitable border of runes. I learnt a lot in the process, and it was very enjoyable!
I am glad this worked. The converter required a lot of time and effort to put it online for everyone free of charge.
Hey, I am wanting to get a tattoo in viking runes of my last name (and possibly first name) in a band around my arm, could you help me out. My name is Spencer Robinson thanks a lot!
Hello Spencer. The converter above was made just for that. Fill in the form and hit the Convert button.
Hi my nane us Tamny just wondering I want to get “Hansen” in viking translation from Denmark as that’s where my ancestors came from what runes would I follow
Hello Tammy. I think, Younger Futhark would be your choice.
I am doing a project on Leif Ericsson (or however you spell it). Which type of rune writing would be best for his time period (970-1200 AD)?
Thanks!
Younger Futhark
What runes were used in the Hobbit/LOTR?
Thanks
The Hobbit used a variation of Anglo-Saxon runes. LOTR used mostly elvish runes, which were an invention of Tolkien. There were variations of all of these.
For the saying “For The Fallen” what type of rune should I use to convert for the most accurate result?
What do you mean by ‘the most accurate result’, Ben? Choose any variant that suits best your own goals.
How are you, I was curious as to which rune style alphabet would be associated with the timeline of the show Vikings (if you know).
I was also looking to translate a saying I just didn’t know if the converter was correct do to it being a sentence rather than a few words.
“The gods are man’s creation, to give answers that they are too afraid to give themselves.”
Thank you for any help
Brian
The runic system used in the Viking Age was the Younger Futhark. The converter above doesn’t translate anything. It substitutes letters for runes.
What are runic symbols for past, present, future
Marta, Viking Age runes were normally used as letters, they stood for sounds, not whole concepts.
Nevertheless, if you look for Norse symbol of Past, Present and Future, you should check out the Norns https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norns Uror, Verdandi and Skuld.