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The Younger Futhark is a runic alphabet that emerged in Scandinavia around the 9th century, evolving from the Elder Futhark. It consists of 16 characters and was widely used during the Viking Age. This rune set is divided into two main variations:
Danish (Long-Branch) Runes
Known as long-branch runes, this variant was primarily used in Denmark.
The characters feature elongated vertical strokes, making them more decorative and suited for inscriptions on monuments and stones.
These runes were commonly found on runestones, which were used to commemorate events, honor individuals, or mark territories.
Norwegian-Swedish (Short-Twig) Runes
Also called short-twig runes, this version was used in Norway and Sweden.
The characters have shorter vertical strokes, making them more compact and practical for everyday writing.
These runes were often used for personal inscriptions, such as messages carved into wood or metal.
Both rune sets were used throughout Scandinavia, sometimes mixed within the same inscriptions. Over time, the Younger Futhark evolved into Medieval runes, incorporating additional characters to accommodate changes in the Old Norse language.
The Younger Futhark is a runic alphabet that emerged in Scandinavia around the 9th century, evolving from the Elder Futhark. It consists of 16 characters and was widely used during the Viking Age. This rune set is divided into two main variations:
Danish (Long-Branch) Runes
Known as long-branch runes, this variant was primarily used in Denmark.
The characters feature elongated vertical strokes, making them more decorative and suited for inscriptions on monuments and stones.
These runes were commonly found on runestones, which were used to commemorate events, honor individuals, or mark territories.
Norwegian-Swedish (Short-Twig) Runes
Also called short-twig runes, this version was used in Norway and Sweden.
The characters have shorter vertical strokes, making them more compact and practical for everyday writing.
These runes were often used for personal inscriptions, such as messages carved into wood or metal.
Both rune sets were used throughout Scandinavia, sometimes mixed within the same inscriptions. Over time, the Younger Futhark evolved into Medieval runes, incorporating additional characters to accommodate changes in the Old Norse language.