10 Powerful Protection Runes

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Discover the protective properties of Norse runes like Algiz

Co-authored by Michelle Arbeau and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Elder Futhark Protection Runes

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How to Use Protection Runes

Protection runes come from the Elder Futhark runic alphabet, a symbol-based language used starting in the 2nd and 3rd centuries of A.D. by Germanic and Scandinavian civilizations. While these runes were used as a means of writing and communication (especially by the Vikings), each symbol also carried a specific meaning, like protection.^{[1]
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Research source} In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which Norse runes represent protection, along with how to use these runes in your daily life.

Things You Should Know

Algiz is a trident-like rune that represents protection and strength that comes from the Elder Furthark runic alphabet.
Eihwaz is a rune that looks like a backward Z. It represents strength and getting rid of evil.
Uruz is a rune that looks like the lowercase letter n. It symbolizes encouragement and empowerment in times of fear.

Section 1 of 2:

Elder Futhark Protection Runes

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Algiz The most well-known Viking rune out there, Algiz resembles a trident, or a lowercase l with a v intersecting along the top. Algiz stands for protection as well as other important qualities, like defense and one’s ability to survive.^{[2]
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- This symbol was also known as the “Elhaz” rune, which means elk. It was sometimes associated with elk, along with qualities like nobility and integrity.
- Warning: During WWII, the Nazis unfortunately commandeered this rune as a symbol of their cause. While Algiz doesn’t have the reputation of other negatively repurposed symbols (like the swastika), it’s still important to analyze this symbol carefully whenever it’s used in modern contexts.
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EihwazThe Eihwaz rune resembles a backwards Z tilted on an angle, and symbolizes the yew tree.^{[3]
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Research source} Yews are associated with themes of banishment, strength, and expelling evil, making it a powerful protective rune to have in your arsenal.^{[4]
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- The shape of this rune represents the vertical axis that goes through the very middle of the world, including Yggdrasill, the tree of life in Norse culture.
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Not to be confused with Eihwaz, this rune resembles the capital letter “M” and is a symbol for “horse.”^{[5]
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Research source} More specifically, Ehwaz represents Odin’s (the premier god of Norse mythology) horse Sleipnir, a special steed with 8 legs. The image of a man on horseback came to symbolize magical protection, and it was used on a lot of runic talismans.^{[6]
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Tiwaz The Tiwaz rune resembles an upward-pointing arrow, and is closely linked with Tyr, the Norse war god.^{[7]
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Research source} According to the myths of old, Tyr sacrificed his right hand to a wolf, which in turn gave him more power to protect his soldiers. With this story, Tiwaz has undoubtedly earned its place as a helpful protection rune.^{[8]
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- The Tiwaz rune was also associated with protection for people who were out at sea.
The Thurisaz rune is a straight vertical line with a small triangle attached to the right side, and is thought to symbolize themes like magical power and warning. While commonly connected with mjolnir, Thor’s (the Norse god of thunder) hammer, it’s also associated with thorns, a fierce structure that can hurt as well as protect.^{[9]
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The Ansuz rune resembles the capital letter F on an angle and is often associated with Odin. It represents themes like wisdom and knowledge, as well as communication and reason.^{[10]
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Research source} Some spiritualists find this to be a good protection rune to use when you need guidance, wisdom, and clarity.
The Uruz rune resembles an angular lowercase n and stands for themes like strength and good health (including fertility).^{[11]
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Research source} Some people find this rune to be especially empowering, and view it as a source of encouragement and strength when they’re feeling doubtful or afraid.
The Berkano rune resembles the capital letter B and represents fertility and new beginnings.^{[12]
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Research source} This rune mostly has caring, parental themes, but some spiritualists choose to view it as a source of protection for moms and their kids, too.
The Gebo rune resembles a capital X and represents themes of love and relationships.^{[13]
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Research source} Some spiritualists view this as a force of protection for their own relationships, allowing them and their partners to overcome difficult challenges and struggles.
The Ingwaz rune can resemble either two vertically stacked Xs or a small diamond. It’s closely connected to Freyr, a Norse god who represents themes like fertility and affluence.^{[14]
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Research source} Freyr is also associated with themes like war, and was viewed as a skilled warrior in mythology.^{[15]
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Research source} Invoking this powerful god’s rune isn’t a bad idea if you need a little extra protection!

Section 2 of 2:

How to Use Protection Runes

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Incorporate the runes into objects you use or carry. Draw or etch the rune onto a small object to create a simple talisman that’s easy to carry with you.^{[16]
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Research source} Feel free to add the rune’s blessings to your life by:
- Tracing the rune in the air above you
- Embroidering the rune onto your clothes
- Etching the symbol in wax before doing a candle spell
- Getting a tattoo of your favorite rune
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Create bind runes with multiple runes. Bind runes are combinations of multiple runes designed to create a symbol with a more specific intent/meaning. Start by deciding what you’d like your bindrune to accomplish, and choose runes that are most relevant to that goal. Keep that goal and intent clear in your mind as you design your bind rune.
- You might combine Algiz and Eihwaz to create a protective bind rune that protects and banishes evil, or combine Uruz and Gebo if you’d like protection and wisdom for your current relationship.
- Like protection runes, feel free to incorporate bind runes in all aspects of your life—you might make a sticker of the bind rune and personalize your phone case, or draw it on a decorative rock you keep around your home.