Germanic rune tattoos symbolize ancient historical values. In the first and second centuries AD, these runes were embossed on the human body using pigments such as arsenic, beryllium, and lithium. These characters date back to thousands of years and each unique symbol carries an ancient heritage and charm.
These runes were common linguistic symbols among the ancient Germanic people. The origin of the word “rune” comes from the word “run” meaning “secret” or “hint.” In modern times, archaeologists have found runic engravings on ancient artifacts including jewelry, weapons, and large runestones preserved at famous landmarks around the world. Today these runes have gained popularity among tattoo lovers due to pop culture embracing the Viking era.
Origin of Germanic Runes
One of the most recognized and oldest forms of Germanic runes is “Elder Futhark” also known as Germanic Futhark. It is believed to be the forefather of all runic alphabets. Elder Futhark is comprised of 24 runes, and its name comes from the first six: F, U, Þ, A, R and K. These are usually arranged in the group of three to eight runes, also called “aetts.” With the passage of time, the appearance of runes also evolved and most notably the script derived into Anglo-Saxon Futharc and Younger Futhark, which remained in wide use in Early and Middle ages as popular native art.
What Inspires People to Have Germanic Rune Tattoos?
Each rune character holds a significant and profound meaning of its own, making them even more valued in eyes of archaeologists and historians, who admire and praise the significance of these symbols. Germanic runes are laced and embossed over the human body creating a distinct identity of every single character and recognized as one the most noticeable tattoo arts in the world.
Meaning of Several Germanic Rune Tattoos
Prosperity or possession of livestock such as cattle
Represents Aurochs, an extinct wild cattle which inhabited Europe, Asia, and North America
God (in ancient times, used to denote Thor the Giant)Symbolizes Esir, an ancient God
Symbolizes Esir, an ancient God
Ride into journey or travel
Torch or form of light
Gratitude or Gift
Happiness or Joy
Hailstone, ice pellets falling in cold weather
Need or necessity
Ice or snow falling
Prosperous year, good harvest
Yew tree
Ambiguous, or named after Elk
Source of light or Sun; symbolizes the god Tyr
Birch tree (a thin-leaved hardwood tree); the symbol of ‘Horse’; Man or Human being
The pool of water or lake
Symbolizes the form of God Yngvi; Inheritance or possession of land
Sunrise or Daytime
