Its association with the birch tree made it a powerful symbol for invoking growth, renewal, and fertility. Historically, runes were used in magic and spellwork, and Berkanan was no exception. The Berkanan rune, in runic divination, is often seen as a positive sign, a symbol of growth and new beginnings. But I can’t deny the fascination these practices hold for many. Now, I must confess, I’m not one for divination or magic. Elder Futhark Quizĭo you want to test your knowledge of Elder Futhark runes? Then this quiz is perfect for you!ĭon’t forget to play our other games as well! Berkanan Used in Divination and Magic The Berkanan rune, as part of Tyr’s aett, carries the warrior god’s spirit of sacrifice and renewal, inspiring us to embrace change and growth. It’s not just about individual runes, but how they interact and relate to each other within their aett. The aett system is a crucial part of understanding the Elder Futhark. Moreover, it’s a symbol of rebirth, much like Tyr’s self-sacrifice for the greater good. The Berkanan rune, with its symbolism of growth and renewal, fits perfectly within this aett. Tyr’s aett is a collection of runes that embody themes of courage, justice, and balance, much like Tyr himself, the god of law and heroic glory. Each aett is associated with a specific Norse god or goddess, and in this case, it’s the brave warrior, Tyr. The rune belongs to Tyr’s aett, one of the three groups of runes in the Elder Futhark. The Berkanan rune, with its connection to the birch, reflects these deeply ingrained cultural beliefs. It was a symbol of the cycle of life and death, a reminder of the constant change in nature. In the Viking Age, the birch tree was more than just a tree. Idun_sidhuvud, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons It’s no surprise then that Berkanan is often associated with the goddess of youth, Idunn. The birch tree, after all, is a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Its Proto-Germanic translation, ‘birch’, encapsulates its essence perfectly. The Berkanan rune is a symbol of growth, fertility, and new beginnings.

Whether in Old Norse, Old English, or Old High German, Berkanan continued to be associated with the ‘b’ sound, further cementing its connection to ‘bjarkan’, the birch. As the Germanic languages evolved, this phonetic value remained consistent. In the Proto-Germanic language, the Berkanan rune represented the ‘b’ sound. Despite these variations, the core symbolism remains unchanged – it is a symbol of growth and fertility. Also, famously the rune, in it’s Younger Futhark guise, has been used as part of the symbol for Bluetooth, combined with the Younger Futhark rune Hagalaz. Over time, variations of the Berkanan rune have appeared. This is the runes’ very essence, a symbol that captures the vitality and growth of nature. Picture a vertical line, with two leaves, or triangular flags, branching off towards the right, like the branches of a birch tree. The Berkanan rune is a simple yet powerful symbol. The birch tree, after all, was a symbol of new beginnings and fertility. Its enduring presence speaks volumes about its significance in the Viking Age. Its name, derived from the Old Norse word ‘bjarkan’, means ‘birch’.Īs the Elder Futhark evolved into the Younger Futhark, around the 8th century, the number of runes was reduced, but Berkanan retained its place. The rune is the eighteenth in this ancient alphabet, nestled between Tiwaz, the rune of justice, and Ehwaz, the rune of trust. Evidence of its use can be found on artifacts like the Kylver Stone from Gotland, Sweden. The Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabets, dates back to the 1st century. This is our journey, a journey into the heart of the Viking Age, exploring the mysteries of the fertility rune. Picture a Viking, carving this rune into a piece of wood, invoking its power. Now, let’s delve into the world of the Berkanan rune. Berkano in the Younger Futhark – The Unaltered Growth.

Rune symbols elder futhark