Is this a real translation?

Not exactly, and the difference matters. The Elder Futhark is an alphabet, not a language. This tool transliterates - it writes English sounds using runic letters. A Viking-age Scandinavian would recognise the letters but would not read your English sentence.

Why did some of my letters change or disappear?

The Elder Futhark has 24 characters and English has 26. There is no C, Q, V, X or Y. Hard C becomes Kaunan, soft C becomes Sowilo, V becomes Wunjo, X is written as K and S, and Y becomes either the vowel I or the consonant J. TH and NG each get their own single rune.

How do I write a number or a date in runes?

You do not. The Elder Futhark has no numerals. Runic inscriptions spell numbers out as words. If you want a year on a tattoo, spell it out in words.

What is historical spelling?

Real runic inscriptions almost never carved the same rune twice in a row, even when the sound was doubled. A name like Anna was cut with one Naudiz, not two. Historical spelling follows that convention.

Can I turn this into a bindrune?

Yes. A bindrune stacks two or more runes onto a shared stave so a whole phrase becomes one symbol. It is a design decision rather than a mechanical process, and it is what our bindrune books cover in full.

Is it safe to use this for a tattoo?

Use it as a starting point. Check the letter-by-letter breakdown so you understand every rune, decide between historical and letter-for-letter spelling, and have the final piece drawn properly rather than typed in a font.

BETA

Elder Futhark Rune Translator

Type any word, name or phrase and see it written in the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet we have. Every rune is explained underneath, so you know exactly what you are looking at before it goes anywhere permanent. (This tool is in beta; if you have any problems, please contact us to help build the perfect product)

Word, name or phrase to translate

Word breaks

Historical spelling (no doubled runes)

ᚠᚢᚦᚨᚱᚲ