As noted from an earlier post about the Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet is divided into three families, or aettir, each capturing a distinct realm of existence. The First Aett, often called the Aett of Creation, is ruled by Freyr and Freyja, and represents the primal forces of life, creation, and the foundational energies that sustain the cosmos.

In this blog post, I want to go through in depth the story and the mythology behind the First Aett in detail, starting from their rulers and investigating each of the runes as a pair. I don't know about you, but as a lover of mythology in general, I was so excited to discover some of the mythological connections of these tools.

I'm hoping knowing the stories of each of these runes can give you even more depth and insight to your rune readings!

The Deities of the First Runic Aett

Freyja: The Goddess of Magic, Love, and Fertility

Freyja, whose name means "The Lady," rules over magic, fertility, female sexuality, and love. Her connection to the natural world, represented by her falcon-feathered cloak and her glorious cat-drawn chariot, ties her to the cycles of life and the sacredness of love and beauty. Freyja’s necklace, Brisingamen, is a powerful symbol of divine magic and value, echoing the wealth and abundance of Fehu.

Freyr: The Lord of Fertility and Prosperity

Freyja’s brother Freyr, meaning "The Lord," governs male fertility, prosperity, and sacred kinship. As a god of growth and rain, Freyr’s energy is nurturing yet expansive, complementing his sister’s deep connection to life. Together, they embody the balance of masculine and feminine forces that animate the natural world.

The Cosmic Polarities: Fehu and Uruz

The journey begins with Fehu and Uruz, two runes that embody the primordial elements of fire and ice.

• Fehu (Cattle): Symbolizing the fiery, creative energy of Muspelheim, Fehu is associated with wealth, abundance, and the vitality of new beginnings. It represents the potential of raw energy and the importance of nurturing it into sustained prosperity.
• Uruz (Aurochs): Uruz reflects the icy, enduring strength of Nifelheim. This rune embodies resilience, primal instinct, and the structure necessary to channel creativity into lasting form.

In Norse mythology, these polarities of fire and ice met in the void of Ginnungagap, giving rise to existence itself. From their union came the cosmic cow Audhumla, the first feminine creative principle, who nourished the universe into being. Fehu and Uruz, though opposites, are complementary forces—fire as the energy of creation and ice as its enduring foundation.

Chaos and Communication: Thurisaz and Ansuz

The third and fourth runes of the First Aett move us from elemental forces to the beings and divine actions that shaped the world.

• Thurisaz (Thorn): Representing the giants, or Jotnar, Thurisaz carries the energy of chaos, challenge, and protection. It is both a destructive and a defensive force, reminding us that growth often comes through struggle.
• Ansuz (God’s Breath): Ansuz is the rune of divine inspiration and communication, associated with Odin, who discovered the runes. This symbol reminds us of the power of words and wisdom in shaping reality.

These runes reflect the Norse myth in which the cosmic cow uncovered Buri, the first of the Aesir gods, from the icy stones. From him came Odin, the god of wisdom and inspiration. Ansuz signifies Odin’s journey to uncover the mysteries of the runes, offering their power to humanity. When I think of these, I think of them with the idea of how listening to messages and communication can dispel conflict.

Cycles and Illumination: Raidho and Kenaz

With the world taking shape, the next two runes capture the order of the cosmos and the light of knowledge.

• Raidho (Journey): This rune represents rhythm, cycles, and movement. It reflects the celestial paths of the sun and moon, as well as the natural order of life. Raidho invites us to align with the flow of the universe.
• Kenaz (Torch): Symbolizing light, knowledge, and creativity, Kenaz is the illuminating spark that guides us through the darkness. It represents both practical skills and the fire of inspiration.

In mythology, these runes echo the Aesir’s role in setting the sun and moon into motion, creating the cycles of day and night. Kenaz connects to the celestial torches that illuminate both the heavens and our own inner paths. In this pair, I consider the concept of knowledge illuminating the cycles and rhythms of life so we can make informed steps forward (and sometimes avoid the repetition of old patterns in our new journey).

Gifts and Completion: Gebo and Wunjo

The First Aett concludes with Gebo and Wunjo, runes that celebrate the divine gift of life and the harmony of creation.

• Gebo (Gift): Representing exchange, generosity, and relationships, Gebo is the sacred gift given by Odin and his brothers to humanity. This rune emphasizes balance in giving and receiving, as well as the connections that sustain us.
• Wunjo (Joy): Wunjo signifies the culmination of the creative process—a state of harmony, bliss, and fulfillment. It is the joy of a world in balance, the Golden Age of Norse mythology.

In the myth, Odin, Vili, and Ve crafted humanity from two trees, gifting life to Ask and Embla, the first humans. Gebo embodies this sacred act of creation, while Wunjo reflects the joy and harmony of a world in its first bloom of life.

How to Work with the First Aett

The runes of the First Aett are ideal for exploring themes of creation, growth, and foundational energies. Here’s how to incorporate them into your practice:

1. Daily Draw: Pull a single rune from the First Aett and reflect on its role in your current life stage.
2. Meditation: Visualize the interplay of fire (Fehu) and ice (Uruz) as you meditate on balance and creation.
3. Rune Spread: Use the First Aett in a reading to explore beginnings, opportunities for growth, and areas requiring balance or illumination.

Understanding The Sacred Story of the First Aett

The First Aett of the Elder Futhark is more than a set of symbols—it’s a narrative of existence, a map of creation, and a guide for navigating life’s beginnings. From the fiery spark of Fehu to the joyful harmony of Wunjo, these runes teach us to embrace the polarities of life, honor the cycles of growth, and find balance in the gifts we give and receive.

Whether you’re a seasoned rune reader or just beginning your journey, the First Aett offers profound wisdom to inspire your path.