The Second Aett – Heimdall’s or Hagal’s Aett
The Second Aett of the Elder Futhark consists of eight runes, traditionally connected to Heimdall, the watchman of the gods, or to Hagal, symbolising transformation and the natural forces of life. This group of runes follows the first Aett of Freyr and moves from the themes of basic survival and prosperity into the more complex challenges of human experience, trials, growth, and the shaping of destiny.
Where the first Aett concerns the building blocks of life, the second is concerned with the tests that refine us. The runes of this set deal with disruption, defence, strength, need, and the lessons gained through both hardship and endurance. They are often interpreted as guides through life’s storms, showing how challenges can shape resilience and wisdom.
The Runes of the Second Aett
Hagalaz (ᚺ)
Phonetic value: H
Meaning: Hail
Symbolism: Sudden disruption, natural forces, destructive yet transformative energy. Represents challenges that break old structures and create opportunities for renewal.
Nauthiz (ᚾ)
Phonetic value: N
Meaning: Need
Symbolism: Restriction, necessity, endurance. This rune reflects hardship, patience, and learning to overcome difficulties through resilience and resourcefulness.
Isa (ᛁ)
Phonetic value: I
Meaning: Ice
Symbolism: Stillness, delay, frozen conditions. Isa often signals obstacles or the need for patience, but also clarity and focus through stillness.
Jera (ᛃ)
Phonetic value: J or Y
Meaning: Year, harvest
Symbolism: Cycles, rewards for effort, the natural turning of the seasons. Jera represents fruition, success after steady work, and the inevitability of change.
Eihwaz (ᛇ)
Phonetic value: EI or Æ
Meaning: Yew tree
Symbolism: Strength, resilience, protection, and endurance. The yew was associated with both death and rebirth, showing how endings can transform into new beginnings.
Perthro (ᛈ)
Phonetic value: P
Meaning: Lot cup or dice cup
Symbolism: Mystery, fate, and the hidden. Perthro is connected with chance, destiny, and things not yet revealed, reminding us of the role of the unknown in shaping life.
Algiz (ᛉ)
Phonetic value: Z or R
Meaning: Elk, protection
Symbolism: Defence, higher self, sanctuary. This rune is strongly associated with guardianship, spiritual connection, and shielding against harm.
Sowilo (ᛊ)
Phonetic value: S
Meaning: Sun
Symbolism: Vitality, success, illumination. Sowilo brings clarity, energy, and the life force of the sun, signalling victory, guidance, and a higher sense of purpose.
The Themes of Heimdall’s Aett
The runes of this Aett are often described as initiatory or testing runes. They confront us with the realities of disruption, hardship, and the limits of control, but also offer protection, growth, and enlightenment. Together, they describe the cycle of trial, endurance, and eventual triumph, reflecting the way challenges deepen wisdom and shape character.
This second Aett serves as a reminder that struggle and transformation are necessary parts of the human journey, and that through resilience, awareness, and connection to higher forces, we emerge stronger and more complete.