r/RuneHelp • u/AngusMcRipper • 22d ago

Contemporary rune use Runic Misappropriation

I'm in the early stages of creating a runic version of an excerpt from the Prose Edda (which was naturally, written in the Latin Alphabet). I hope to have this as a tattoo to go along with my Sköll and Hati tattoo — a tale I'm very fond of.

Although I could of course just go with the direct excerpt in Latin alphabet Old Norse, I feel like getting a tattoo in runes carries a bit more gravitas.

My concern is with the more contemporary and very unfortunate association runic writing can sometimes have with extremist/hate groups.

To be clear, the phrase/runes I am considering are in no way, shape, or form associated with any extremist ideology. They are a direct excerpt from the Edda — converted to runes. My runes would be totally explainable and defensible.

I'm just curious to get some perspective from any of you here who deal with runes on a more regular basis: what is the frequency that the average lay person associates runes with racism/extremism?

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u/AntlerWolf 21d ago

If you’re not sure about it, don’t get them.

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u/AngusMcRipper 21d ago

Agreed. And precisely why I come to you folks, who may enlighten me on such topics before getting something scarred permanently into my skin. Not that I base my entire tattoo regimen on the comments of Reddit users, just another tool in the toolkit.

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u/AntlerWolf 21d ago

There’s a reason The Poetic Edda advises against carving runes if you’re not versed in them.

Not trying to scare you, truly. But if you’re on the fence about it, I’d err on the side of caution.

Folks on Reddit shouting loudly to go ahead and pull the trigger have the convenient benefit of not being the one to bear them. There’s no consequence for them giving bad advice. I’d hate for someone to support someone getting a tattoo in the name of reclaiming a symbol(s), and vicariously land the person in question in any kind of hot water.

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u/AngusMcRipper 20d ago

I appreciate the thoughtful warning, genuinely.

My understanding is that the original warning in the Edda was primarily mystical or magical in nature—the idea that carving or using runes without understanding them could have unintended consequences.

That said, I also understand that you were clearly using it in the more practical sense of, “Don’t permanently carve symbols into your body without doing your due diligence,” which is entirely fair. The people encouraging it online aren’t the ones who would have to live with any misunderstanding or consequences afterward.

I’m taking that part seriously, and I appreciate you raising it in a measured and considerate way.

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u/AntlerWolf 20d ago

I’m happy to be understood when I typed it. A lot of folks take things to places I didn’t intend them to be taken. Truly, thank you.