Among the runes of the Elder Futhark, none speaks more clearly of honor, sacrifice, and the grim realities of leadership than ᛏ Tiwaz. This rune, shaped like an upward-pointing spear, is associated with the Norse god Týr, a figure not of thunder or poetry, but of law, order, and selfless courage. Where other gods might seek glory in battle or riddles in song, Týr stands firm as the one who sacrifices for the greater good—even when the cost is steep.
Let us walk the long path through the ancient meanings of this rune—its linguistic roots, mythological weight, and spiritual legacy—through the lens of the old northern worldview, as preserved in the runes and stories passed down over centuries.
The Shape and Sound of ᛏ
The rune Tiwaz (ᛏ), phonetically representing the “T” sound, is as straightforward in form as it is in meaning. A single vertical stave with a symmetrical arrow at the top, it resembles a spear pointed skyward, or perhaps a tree of justice planted firmly in the earth. It is found in the first ætt (or family) of the Elder Futhark, and is the seventeenth rune in the 24-rune sequence.
This rune gives its name to the Proto-Germanic god Tīwaz, known in Old Norse as Týr, in Old English as Tiw, and in Old High German as Ziu. The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem speaks of this rune with brevity and reverence:
Tiw is a guiding star;
well does it keep faith with princes;
it is ever on its course over the mists of night
and never fails.
Though cryptic, the poem points to the guiding nature of Tiwaz—something fixed, certain, and trustworthy, like the pole star or an unwavering judge.
Týr: The One-Handed God
The mythology of Týr is sparse but powerful. His most famous story appears in the Prose Edda, compiled by Snorri Sturluson, where he is the only god brave enough to bind the monstrous wolf Fenrir. The gods feared what Fenrir might become, but the wolf would only consent to be bound if one of the gods would place their hand in his mouth as a sign of trust. It was Týr who stepped forward. When the magical bonds held and the gods would not release the wolf, Fenrir bit off Týr’s hand, leaving the god forever maimed.
This act encapsulates the meaning of the Tiwaz rune. Justice is not always victorious without loss. Leadership often demands sacrifice. Týr did not act for his own safety or gain—he did what had to be done for the safety of all. In this sense, Tiwaz is the rune of the leader who accepts personal pain for collective order. It is not the symbol of brute strength, but of moral courage.
Tiwaz in Daily Life: Ancient and Modern
To the rune users of old, Tiwaz was a warrior’s rune, but not in the same way as Algiz or Sowilo. It was not a rune for charging into battle, but for standing firm in battle’s aftermath—for holding the line, judging rightly, and leading with integrity. Leaders might carve it into weapons not to summon violence, but to ask for strength in righteous action.
In modern use, whether as a symbol in spiritual practice, personal growth, or Norse pagan revivalism, Tiwaz remains a rune of personal accountability. To invoke it is to ask for the fortitude to make hard choices, the integrity to stand by one’s word, and the courage to face consequences for the sake of truth.
Rune Magic and the Warrior’s Path
In historical practice, rune magic was not the elaborate ceremonial system it is sometimes portrayed as today. Instead, it was earthy, immediate, and functional. Runes were carved into swords, shields, and even fingernails, as the Saga of Egil Skallagrímsson tells us.
If one were to carve Tiwaz into an object, it would be to invoke just victory, not merely conquest. A sword marked with ᛏ would carry the weight of law, not bloodlust. A shield bearing this rune might signify protection not only of body but of honor. In talismanic use, it might be inscribed to give courage in facing difficult truths or hard decisions.
This is not magic for convenience—it is magic for character.
The Dark Side of Tiwaz
Every rune has a shadow. Tiwaz, so strongly aligned with justice and order, can become rigid when twisted. Justice without mercy becomes tyranny. Law without empathy becomes oppression. Leadership without listening becomes despotism.
The one who bears Tiwaz must always guard against moral arrogance. It is a rune that demands reflection: Are you upholding the truth—or enforcing your own version of it?
This is why in rune readings, a reversed or poorly aspected Tiwaz may indicate:
- A loss of direction or moral certainty
- An abuse of authority
- Or a refusal to take necessary responsibility
In such moments, the guidance of Tiwaz is not to double down on control—but to return to the roots of leadership: sacrifice, integrity, and service.
A Rune for the Present
In our modern world, where leadership often seems hollow and justice elusive, Tiwaz speaks louder than ever. It asks each of us:
- What am I willing to stand for?
- What truth am I willing to protect—even if it costs me something?
- How can I lead not with ego, but with courage?
It reminds us that real strength lies not in dominance, but in doing what is right when no one else will.
Closing Thoughts
Tiwaz is not the flashiest rune. It doesn’t promise wealth, charm, or mystic insight. It simply points up—like a spear, like a compass needle, like a leader’s gaze on the horizon. Its message is quiet but unshakable:
“Stand firm. Act with honor. Lead by example. And if sacrifice must be made, let it be yours.”
That is the way of Týr. That is the meaning of ᛏ.