Wunjo in the Younger Futhark – The Vanishing Joy Again, while I don’t personally practice this, I respect the cultural significance and personal meaning it holds for many. In modern times, some practitioners of runic magic use Wunjo in spells or rituals aimed at attracting joy, fulfillment, or satisfaction. Imagine a Viking etching this rune onto a talisman, hoping to bring joy and satisfaction into their life. Although we lack concrete evidence of specific spells or rituals, it’s plausible that practitioners invoked the rune’s associations with joy and fulfillment in magical contexts. Historically, people used Wunjo and runes in general in magical seidr practices. Elder Futhark Quizĭo you want to test your knowledge of Elder Futhark runes? Then this quiz is perfect for you! Wunjo, with its themes of joy and fulfillment, adds a layer of positivity to this aett, reminding us that life is not just about struggle, but also about finding joy and satisfaction. They embody the life-affirming energies of growth, prosperity, and love. This aett, or family of runes, carries themes of prosperity, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life.įreyr and Freyja, the divine Vanir siblings, are central figures in this aett. Wunjo belongs to the first aett of the Elder Futhark, a group of eight runes associated with the god Freyr and the goddess Freyja. Wunjo, with its associations with joy and fulfillment, reflects these themes, offering a glimpse into the values and beliefs of the ancient Germanic peoples. The Goddess of Love, Freyja, is a central figure in Norse mythology, embodying love, beauty, and fertility. James Doyle Penrose (1862-1932), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s a reminder of the importance of happiness and joy in life, and the role they play in a balanced and fulfilling existence. The rune is also linked to harmony and well-being, reflecting a state of contentment and peace. It represents the culmination of efforts, the reward at the end of a journey, or the realization of a wish. This rune is traditionally associated with joy, pleasure, and fulfillment. Now, let’s delve into the symbolic heart of Wunjo. In Old Norse, for example, it was pronounced as a “v.” Symbolic Meaning of the Wunjo Rune In the Proto-Germanic language, Wunjo represented the sound “w,” as in “wind.” As Germanic languages evolved, so did the pronunciation of this rune. However, the traditional form remains the most recognized and used. Some inscriptions show the rune with more curved branches or with the branches angled to the left. Historically, variations of Wunjo’s design have been found. It is forming a shape reminiscent of a flag on a golf course.

It’s composed of a vertical line with a leaf, or triangular flag, angled to the right at the top. Visually, Wunjo is a simple yet elegant rune. Space Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Consequently, this gives us a glimpse into the mindset of the ancient Germanic peoples, showing us that they valued joy and sought it in their lives. Rooted in the Proto-Germanic “*wunjō,” it’s associated with joy, pleasure, and even wishes. Transitioning to its origins, the etymology of “Wunjo” is intriguing. Wunjo, along with its runic siblings, belonged to this widespread alphabet, and we can find it today on ancient artifacts that could be as old as two thousand years. Germanic tribes of people from the Iron Age and into the Viking Age used the Elder Futhark across Europe. The name comes from Old Norse, translating roughly to “joy” or “bliss.” It follows Gebo and precedes Hagalaz from the second aett. Wunjo, the eighth rune in this alphabet is the last rune in the first aett, associated with Freyja and Freyr. Let’s start at the beginning, with the Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabets. Wunjo in the Younger Futhark – The Vanishing Joy.

Rune symbols elder futhark