Unicode:
ᚾ
Pronunciation (Proto-Germanic):
NOW-theez
Phonetic Sound:
“N” as in “now”
IPA [n]
Translation:
need, constraint, hardship
Alternative Names
Old Norse, Younger Futhark
nauðr (ᚾ or ᚿ)
Old English, Futhorc
nȳd (ᚾ)
Associated Concepts and Interpretations
Compulsion, obsession
Constraint, limitations, bound, lack of choice
Transformation of perspective or perception
Dynamic tension, friction, change rune
Hardship, need, necessity, “need-fire”
Innovation, self-reliance
Patience/endurance/strengthening resilience
Period of learning, spiritual development
Recognition of ørlǫg
Skuld (Norn, “what shall be”, future)
Transience, impermanence
Associated Rune POEMS
As translated by Bruce Dickins, 1915; public domain.
Norwegian
Nauðr gerer næppa koste;
nøktan kælr í froste
Constraint gives scant choice;
a naked man is chilled by the frost
Icelandic
Nauð er Þýjar þrá
ok þungr kostr
ok vássamlig verk.
Grief of the bond-maid
and state of oppression
and toilsome work
Anglo-Saxon
Nyd byþ nearu on breostan;
weorþeþ hi þeah oft niþa bearnum
to helpe and to hæle gehwæþre,
gif hi his hlystaþ æror
Trouble is oppressive to the heart;
yet often it proves a source
of help and salvation
to the children of men,
to everyone who heeds it betimes
A list of references is available. Audio associated with this rune is a creation of the author’s and is released to the public domain. Attribution is appreciated, but not required for use or distribution of the audio portions of this page.
This page was last modified:
Comments or suggestions?