Viking Rune Rings

43 pieces

Viking rune rings carry runes around the band: a full Elder Futhark row, a single rune set in knotwork, or runes framing a symbol such as the Valknut or Jörmungandr. This page brings together all our rune rings in 925 sterling silver, bronze and 14K gold. Almost all of them are handmade; two are stainless steel bands.

An honest note on the alphabet, because most sellers skip it: the Elder Futhark, the 24-rune row on most of these bands, is the older script and was largely out of use before the Viking Age began. The Norse of the Viking Age wrote in the Younger Futhark of 16 runes. We use the Elder row because it is the one people recognize and it reads well as ornament, and, apart from the Hail Odin designs, we do not sell it as a translated inscription. If you are choosing a rune ring as a wedding band, read what to engrave and what not to, and for every other design see our full Viking rings collection.

Choosing a Rune Ring

A full rune row or a single rune?

The wide bands carry a row of runes all the way round and work as everyday rings or wedding bands. The single-rune rings set one named rune in Norse ornament: Algiz, Ansuz, Raido and Sowelu, also written Sowilo. Each of them has its own article on the name and its meaning.

Runes with a symbol

Some rings set runes around a symbol. The Valknut and the world serpent Jörmungandr appear in Viking-Age art. The Vegvísir and the Helm of Awe, in the form drawn on these rings, come from post-medieval Icelandic manuscripts, long after the Viking Age, and we sell them as that later Icelandic tradition.

Rune Rings, FAQ

Which runes are on Viking rune rings?

Most of our bands carry the Elder Futhark, the 24-rune alphabet. It is the older of the two runic alphabets and was largely out of use before the Viking Age; the Vikings themselves wrote in the 16-rune Younger Futhark.

Do the runes on a rune ring spell something?

Usually not. On most bands the runes are an ornamental row, not an inscription. The single-rune rings carry one named rune, and a few designs, such as the Hail Odin rings, spell a modern phrase in runes.

Can a rune ring be a wedding band?

Yes. Many rings here are made as wedding bands in silver and bronze, and the 14K gold bands can be worn the same way. If you want the runes to mean something, a real Old Norse word works better than English names spelled in runes, and our rune wedding ring guide explains why.

How do I find my ring size?

Each ring lists its available sizes on the product page. Our ring size guide shows how to measure your finger at home.