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.
I am wanting a tattoo done in Old Norse runes to read “I will not go quietly”. I do not want the runes to be formed from English. I want it formed from the Old Norse. The closest I’ve come to Old Norse is Icelandic “Ég mun ekki fara hljóðlega”. Thank you in advance for your help.
Modern Icelandic ég stands for Old Norse ek. As for the rest, it’s identical to Old Norse. Follow this tutorial to write it in runes: How to Write in Old Norse with Runes.
Hi,
i would like to convert the word “Helvete” to runes, can you help? :)
Do you have any difficulty in using the converter above?
Hello,
Im thinking of getting the words “till valhalla” tattooed on me and i was wondering if you can maybe tell me how it would have looked if that were written back around the time of eric the red
Hi!
I wanted to convert an old norse word into runes, and I have done so, but could you, as an expert do it for me so I know that it’s correct?
The word in question is “orka”, meaning “strength, might”. Thanks!
Hi I’m trying to find a consistent way of writing dates using futhark Anglo-Saxon of elder futhark. Thanks
Hello Dan. This problem apears in the comments time and again. I am not aware of any consistent solution. Ancient runic inscriptions simply do not have dates, so we have no pattern to imitate.
Hi, I need to translate into runes the name Óláfr (Olaf in Old Norse). Thanks!
How to Write in Old Norse with Runes
Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me decipher a silver bracelet with letters in the Runic Alphabet ( Anglo Saxon? ) on it..I have an Auction & Consignment Shop in New Mexico & the piece is intriguing with a message that I seem to think it bears.I could send a photo if necessary.Thank You for any assistance.Conan Brooks
Hello Conan. Post the photo on my Facebook page.
Hi, im trying to get a tattoo in honor of Norwegian grandfather who was a descendant of the 246 settlers who developed Port Shepstone in 1882. I would like the quote to say ” It is the still and silent sea that drowns a man”. I want the quote to be in the most viking form which i believe is younger futhark, how should i get this translated into the runes? also for each gap i believe will use a colon like this :, is that true? thanks for your help and hard work
Hello Mark. The rune converter above was designed just for that: you type in your English phrase into the form, hit the Convert button, and get the same English phrase in runes. You may want to choose either long branch or short twig version of the Younger Futhark. The Viking Age runic inscriptions usually did not have separators between the words at all. Sometimes they had dots, combinations of dots or crosses between words. So : is an acceptable option.
Can you add more history please?
I will do what I can.
Do you know of any resources that would translate phrases into futhark?
Having said that your translator is very helpful, thanks for putting in the work to share with everyone
I read your linked articles and answered my own question, apologies. I’m sure you’ve had the same question asked more than enough
That’s okay, Gary. I’m glad you’ve found the answer. That’s what I’m running this website for.