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’m set on the idea of getting my last name tattooed in viking runes. My last name is Norwegian, it is MIDDAG. I’m having a hard time finding constant references for my tattoo. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hello Darcy. Use a single d in the middle of the word, and use the converter above with either long branch or short twig option.
Hi I was thinking of getting my daughters names tatooed on my arms in runes, and would like to make sure the that is done right, so I hope you would be able to help please, there names are ROBYN and CHLOE, thanks for any help you could give,
Hello Torben. There is no right or wrong way to write modern English names in runes. The way suggested by the converter above is based on my own understanding of historical phonology, it is up to you whether to accept it or not.
hi there!
I have always felt drawn to my viking heritage in my family and I am at point in my life where I have been thinking about a tattoo for my self in runes. The phrase I want in old norse is, Wanderess. Lacking the phonetic skills after typing in the word I don’t know how to pronounce it properly which I feel is very important if its something that is going to be on my body forever. I know you are probably thinking its a silly thing to get but I would love some help if you can offer it! Also your opinion in what dialect would be best would be greatly appreciated.
thanks so much!
Chelsea
Hello Chelsea. Would you like to get the word Wanderess in Old Norse or in English? The converter above keeps the original language but substitutes runes for letters. If it is okay for you to have the word in English, simply type it into the converter above and enjoy the result in runes. If you mean a certain type of runes by the word ‘dialect’, the choice is certainly up to you. The Elder Futhark was accepted by all Germanic tribes and usually looks the most impressive.
I was wondering what the English letter/number is for a rune that has three lines in a star shape with two triangles on the side of it. :P
Hello Kiera. Do you mean the logo that is used for Bluetooth technology? It is a combination of the runes Hagall and Bjarkan that stand for the initial letters of the name Harald Bluetooth.
Hey love this site, I am a veteran and I’d like to get a tribute tattoo to my fallen brothers in ancient Nordic runes, how would one write Valhöll in runes? Thanks!!
Hello Sean. As far as I know, the word is not found in the actual Viking Age runic inscriptions. However, based on what we know about the Younger Futhark, I think Vikings would write (or rather carve) it as follows:
Hey,
I just need to verify whether this text is correctly written.
I’m planning on taking a tattoo with the names of the 3 Norns (Urd Verdandi Skuld).
The tattoo is going to be written in Elder Futhark even though I researched it to the best of my abilities I still needed some verification to make sure their names are spelled correctly: http://i.imgur.com/KsEoYvK.png
Thanks in advance!
Hello Louis. No, the Norns’ names are not written correctly, since you use Old Norse names in their anglicized form in the Elder Futhark runes, which were never used for the Old Norse language.
Hi, I want to ask about the :
Do I have to put it between the names of my kids?
when do I have to put them in between ?
Hello Kim. The two dots were used to separate the words in the Viking Age runic inscriptions. If your inscription is not a phrase but just two names, you do not have to care about the separators.
I know this a long shot. Can we translate this into Viking age Swedish Runes. I am aware this might not have ever been spoken by a medieval Viking. I just think it sounds awsome. I would like to inscribe it into some leather armor. Can I just use the translator for each word in sequence?
Lo, There do I see my Father
Lo, there do I see my Mother
Lo, There do I see my Brothers and my Sisters
Lo, There do I see my people back to the beginning
Lo they do call to me
They bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla
Where the brave will live forever
Hello Eirik. Yes you can. Keep in mind that the converter above does not translate anything into Old Norse, it simply substitutes runes for letters.
Here is a possible translation into Old Norse:
Sjá, þar sé ek minn föður.
Sjá, þar sé ek móður mína, bræður ok systur.
Sjá, þar sé ek forfeður mína alla frá upphafi.
Sjá, þeir kalla til mín,
Þeir bjóða mér til sætis við öndvegi, hjá þeim í sölum Valhallar,
Þar sem hinir hugrökku mega lifa til eilífðar.
Hi! I’ve been planning on a rune tattoo for while since my interest in the Vikings has been in my family for some time, and our genetics jad been confirmed as Ultra Norse! I’d like to get a tattoo of lyrics from one of my favorite viking folk metal band and I’m concerned about some of the phonetics. The lyrics are “She danced around fire
In an old cloistered grove
The forest her temple”.
I’m concerned about the “sh” in she and the “ou” and the “oi”, and wether or not to incorporate the E at the end of “grove”
Hello Molly. I think my guide entitled Should I Write in Runes Phonetically? will answer your question.
Hi, i was hoping you could help me with a question or two? Is there a certain way that is correct to write the runes in, like… Left to right, up down, etc
and would it be weird to have ingwaz and dagaz next to each other? Hope you can help, I know this question isn’t about names.
Thanks
Hello Jennifer. Runic inscriptions usually go left to right. However, there are exceptions. As for *ingwaz and *dagaz next to each other, I cannot say if it’s good or bad without any context. Please give some more details please.