Exploring Viking culture can be an enriching experience, and something that normally grabs kids attention. One of the most fascinating aspects is their unique writing system. The Vikings used runes, an ancient alphabet that comprised straight lines to make carving easier.
This activity, from the book Live Like a Viking, will guide you in making your very own Viking rune name sign, combining historical exploration with a fun, hands-on craft project.
Make a Rune Name Sign
Runes are the letters that the Vikings used to write down their language, Old Norse. They were not written on paper but were carved onto stone, wood, and bone.
Have a go at carving runes yourself and make a name sign for your room.
Runes were made up of straight lines, which made them easier to carve.
Make a Viking Rune Name Sign
Create a personalized Viking rune name sign using clay and acrylic paints! Discover the ancient Norse alphabet, carve your name in runes, and design a unique, historic piece to hang in your room. Perfect for history buffs and craft enthusiasts alike!
Materials
- Air-dry clay (3½oz / 100g)
- Rolling pin
- Blunt knife
- Blunt pencil
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
- Length of string (12in / 30cm)
Instructions
- Prepare the Clay
Roll out the clay to a thickness of around 3/16 inch (0.5 cm). Use a blunt knife to trim the edges into a rough rectangle with curved corners.
- Design the Border
Use a pencil to carve a simple design around the border, leaving the central area blank. Make two holes at the top of the sign by pushing the pencil all the way through the clay.
- Carve Your Name
In the center of the sign, carve the runes that make up your name (see box below). If any of the letters in your name don’t have a matching rune, just use the letter or combination of letters with the closest sound – for example, for D use T, for E use I, for G use K, for O use U, and for X use K and S. Leave the clay to dry (this will take several days).
- Paint Your Sign
Paint your sign and leave it to dry.
- Add the String
Thread string through the holes. Your name sign is ready to hang!
Writing with Runes
The Vikings did not write down very much. Their stories, histories, and laws were passed on by word-of-mouth instead, from one generation to the next. When they did write things down, it was often for practical purposes, such as labeling belongings or writing business letters. Runes were also carved onto objects to give them ‘magical’ powers, such as protection from illness, and were used to record the achievements of the dead on memorial stones.
For example, a comb found in England has runes on it that say, ‘Thorfast made a good comb.’
Bluetooth, a technology used on millions of electronic devices, uses two runes merged together as its logo: H and B. These are the initials of Harald Bluetooth, a Viking king.
The Futhark Alphabet
The rune alphabet is called ‘futhark,’ after the first six letters in it: f, u, l, th (a single letter), a, r, and k. Different versions of the futhark alphabet were used at different times and in different regions. The futhark used during most of the Viking Age had 16 letters.
Runes weren’t just letters. Each rune also had a special meaning; for example, ᚠ meant ‘wealth’ and ᚴ meant ‘sea’.
List of Runes and Their Meanings
| Rune | Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ᚠ | F | Wealth |
| ᚢ | U | Water |
| ᚦ | Th | Thorn |
| ᚨ | A | God |
| ᚱ | R | Ride |
| ᚲ | K | Ulcer |
| ᚷ | G | Gift |
| ᚹ | W | Joy |
| ᚺ | H | Hail |
| ᚾ | N | Need |
| ᛁ | I | Ice |
| ᛃ | J | Harvest |
| ᛇ | E | Yew |
| ᛈ | P | Joy |
| ᛉ | Z | Elk |
| ᛊ | S | Sun |
Creating a rune name sign is not only a creative activity but also a way to connect with the rich heritage of the Vikings. Through this project, you gain insight into their daily lives and the significance they placed on their written symbols. Hang your finished sign proudly and reflect on the ancient traditions that inspired it.
Live Like a Viking Book
This project is taken from the fun and informative book, Live like a Viking.
If your kids are interested in history, or perhaps studying the Vikings at school then this book is a great way to let them dig into different aspects of viking life, and explore their fascination more.
It’s a great blend of hands on activities along with tonnes of information and has something to offer for a wide range of kids.
Live Like a Viking is a fascinating and informative journey back in time to find out what it was really like to live in the Viking age. Dotted throughout are fictional accounts by a young girl that bring the Viking era to life and enable readers to understand what it was like to live like a Viking.
The Vikings have a fearsome reputation as warriors. In reality, they were much more than that. From farmers and craftsmen to musicians and explorers, Viking society and culture has left a lasting impression on our modern world.
At the peak of their power, the Viking population soared to two million! Get ready to discover what it was like to live in this epic era. Learn about out how these master seafarers invaded countries across Europe using iconic wooden longships, about family life, their beliefs, the place of women in society, how they dressed and what they ate, as well as their language, customs and rituals.
The book also includes step-by-step craft activities and recipes to have a go at
This project is featured with permission from the book Live like a Viking.
Live like a Viking by Claire Saunders, illustrated by Ruth Hickson, Button Books, RRP £12.99, available online & from all good bookshops
For another Viking inspired project, try making your own weaving loom.
If you enjoyed making your own Viking rune name sign, please share this blog post with your friends and family! Let’s spread the fun and creativity of this unique craft activity.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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