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, my question is hopefully a simple one. I’m trying to translate the saying “Greatness From Small Beginnings” for a tattoo. I’ve done some research on the translation into the Elder Futhark runes and I’ve come across 1 speed bump. This translator is the best I’ve found thus far but I’m concerned on 1 thing. One thing I’ve found to be different is the rune for the letter “s”. This translator has the rune in the opposite direction than an S would normally been written while some other translators have the S rune in the same direction that an S would be written and am curious as to how it should/could be written.
Hello Josh. Both variants of the *sowilo rune may be found in the actual runic inscriptions.
I am trying to carve runes into a stone with family history etc. what advice can you give for applying runic inscription and patterns into a large granit/sandstone.
Regards, Jane Price
Outback Australia ( Danish origin)
Hello Jane. I never practiced carving runic inscriptions into stone. Please share with us the result when it is ready!
Good Morning,
I’m after my sons full name translated into norse. I have previously been using the long branch variant of norse but there are a few differences to some of the runes so I’m now a little confused and could use some help with the translation.
My sons name is Jorge Alexander Munslow
I appreciate any help.
Kind regards.
Adam Munslow
Hello Adam. What kind of assistance would you like to receive?
Hi.
I want to get a tattoo of my daughters name ‘Kate’, using danish/viking runes. I tried your converter, but was wondering if you might be able to help me confirm the most historically accurate manner in which to write her name?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Peter
Hello Peter. How a name that is not Scandinavian and was not in use in the Viking Age can be written in runes in a historically accurate manner?
I lived in Norway for about three years in aggregate and even studied a semester at UiO. There is a modern Norwegian phrase I’d like to get tattooed on my calf. I’m not sure how to handle the “å” in a rune context, however. Do you have any thoughts?
Hello Matt. The Norwegian å used to designate a long [a] sound, which before 1917 was written as aa. Now it sounds more like [o] as in song. I think both runes for [a] and [o] might work for the Norwegian letter å.
Hi there, I’m wondering if it’s possible to make any kinds of runes that have magical capabilities. Any thoughts?
Why, of course.
hi, I’m getting a tattoo and getting my 3 sons first and middle names incorporated
in the tattoo, do i us thomas spelling or tomas. now what about the namer chase.
thanks
Hello Matt. I am not a big fan of the so called phonetic use of runes. I would keep the modern English orthography in both cases.
Hi,can you tell me how i can write into runic alphabet?..
Hello Vasillis. Type English words into the form above and hit the Convert button. You will have the same English words represented in runes.
Do yo know if there is a correct younger futhark translation of The Havamal split into Gestaþáttr, Loddfáfnismá, Rúnatal, and Ljóðatal?
Hello Luke. No, I am not aware of a runic Hávamál text.
Hi rune guy! I’m looking for the runes associated with order, chaos and balance. I’m planning them for a tattoo and I’m trying to have them written in elder futhrak. I’m a bit hazy on how the appropriate translation would look like and how to put it appropriately in your translator. Thanks and I await your answer!
Hello Conner. Runes do not usually represent whole notions like order, chaos etc. Runic writing system is an alphabet: you write in runes like you would write using letters. If you’d like to write words ‘order’, ‘chaos’ and ‘balance’ in runes, you should first decide in what language you’d like to have them. If your choice is English, then simply use the converter above.