How the Nordic Runes correspond to each Elemental

Unlock the hidden power of Nordic Runes and see how each symbol fuels the strength of Elementals in battle, protection, and beyond.

I’ve already posted twice about the Nordic Runes. First, I talked about how they work in divination—both in the real world and in the Elementals Universe. The second post focused on the runes and their magickal properties.

If you’re just starting with the Nordic Runes, I’ll leave a few book recommendations at the end of this post, as they are an interesting niche in the tradition.

Oh, and just a quick reminder—we’re working with the Elder Futhark, not the Younger Futhark. That could change later, but for now, it’s all Elder Futhark, both in these posts and throughout the Elementals Universe.

Fire

The runes Thurisaz (ᚦ), Nied (ᚾ), Kenaz (ᚲ), and Sowilo (ᛋ) belong to our Fire Elementals and Fire Masters. Like those corresponding to other Elementals, they’re great for warding buildings—walls, doors, exits—you name it. Want to trap yourself inside a space? These runes work like a charm.

Each rune also boosts something in battle. Thurisaz strengthens defenses, Nied helps keep emotions in check, Kenaz brings inner clarity, and Sowilo amps up your odds of winning.

Fire Elementals can activate these runes with a simple motion—index and middle fingers pointed forward—and summon a small ember to draw them. Of course, they can also use their sword if they’re lucky enough to have one. That spark holds power whether they’re locking down a room or throwing up a ward mid-combat.

Air (Wind)

Wind Elementals use Ansuz (ᚨ), Tiwaz (ᛏ), Eihwaz (ᛇ), and Raidho (ᚱ). Like Fire, these runes double as wards, but here’s the catch—ward strength depends on combat levels. If a Fire Elemental wants to break a Wind ward, they need to be at least 50 levels higher. Another Wind Elemental just needs to be one level up.

In combat, Ansuz boosts communication, Tiwaz adds energy, Eihwaz strengthens defense, and Raidho enhances stamina and keeps up their energy during things like windsurf maneuvers.

Water

Water Elementals work with Hagall (ᚺ), Isa (ᛁ), Perdhro (ᛈ), and Laguz (ᛚ). Like the others, they can draw these runes to create wards around rooms, buildings, or specific spots.

But each rune also comes with unique perks. Laguz raises intuition, Hagall improves targeting, Isa gives control over dangerous waters, and Perdhro lets them summon water—even in a desert.

These runes are especially useful when drawn with a blade for Water Masters or with the fingers for everyone else.

Earth

If I had to pick a side, I’d say I’m closest to Earth, even though my main characters who I based on myself—Sion Zona and Braden Hawk—lean Wind. Earth didn’t offer as much creative spark, but the runes? They’ve got power.

Earth Elementals use Jera (ᛃ), Berkana (ᛒ), and Othala (ᛟ). Not a big group, but the quality makes up for it. Othala locks down a space as a claim. Berkana is perfect for summoning or shifting land. And Jera? It ties everything together—unity, teamwork, and manifestation.

A lot of Earth Elementals use these three together in battle. Defense, strength, and coordination all in one.

Spirit

Tarja Titan stands as our main Spirit Elemental in the Terrian Chronicles. Spirit Elementals tap into more runes than anyone else—16 total: Ansuz, Raidho, Perdhro, Laguz, Eihwaz, Elhaz, Ehwaz, Sowilo, Tiwaz, Ingwaz, Dagaz, Othala, Nied, Wunjo, Gifu, and Fehu. They’re the only ones who can use Wyrd, too.

Note: I don’t use Wyrd in real-world divination or consider it part of the Elder Futhark, but I added it to the Elementals Universe because of its symbolic tie to fate and higher knowledge.

Spirit Elementals can ward and fight with all of these runes. They can also draw runes that belong to other Elementals—but only to use on others, not themselves. In Wind Master, for example, a Spirit Elemental rune-ups a character using Hagall.

Their strength lies in magickal and psychic abilities—Ehwaz for astral travel, Laguz for intuition, and so on.

Metal

Metal Elementals, or Metal Morphers, bring pure strength. The only Elemental they’re weak to is Spirit. They don’t get a wide selection of runes, just Fehu (ᚠ) and Ingwaz (ᛜ), but they make them count.

Ingwaz boosts defense, especially when metal’s in the earth. Fehu helps track shrapnel both above and below ground.

Wood

Wood Elementals rely on one rune—Mannaz (ᛗ). But that’s all they need. Mannaz improves mental agility and powers up their wood-based attacks. Simple, sharp, and effective.

Blood

Blood Elementals use Gifu (ᚷ). This rune helps sharpen their attack abilities and plays a key role in unlocking one of their specialties—elemental surfing.

Each Elemental has a surf move. Fire surfs on flames. Water rides waves. Wind floats on nothing. But Blood Elementals can’t surf until they draw blood. After a successful hit, their surf ability unlocks—and Gifu helps speed that process up.

Vape (Smoke)

Mina Hirai, the main character in Chronicles of Rondure, leads the way for Smoke Elementals. Elhaz (ᛉ) and Dagaz (ᛞ) are their key runes.

Elhaz powers up their smokescreens. Smoke Elementals are defensive by nature, and smokescreens protect both them and their allies. Dagaz cranks up speed and agility. It also enhances their vape maneuver—where they shift into smoke and reappear elsewhere. Kind of like how witches and wizards Apparated in the Harry Potter movies.

Smoke Elementals don’t fight the same way as others. Most of their defenses double as offense and speed. They’re tacticians through and through, which made writing Mina’s story so exciting.

How Elementals use Nordic Runes

Elementals either draw runes with their index and middle fingers or wield an Elemental Sword for stronger results. But either way, success depends on visualization. The clearer they picture the rune’s effect, the more likely it works.

Visualization plays a role in both runic spells and elemental combat. It’s all connected. Some weaker Elementals master runes better than their raw element, and that can still give them the edge. Don’t be surprised if you meet a few characters like that in future stories.

And if you want to learn more about the runes, check out Runes for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain. It’s one of my go-to references.