Óss is one of the few runes for which the various versions of the Icelandic rune-poems all agree:
| Óss er aldingautur, | Óss is (Odin) |
| og Asgarðs jöfur | and Asgard's warrior-king |
| og Valhallar vísi | and Valhalla's ruler |
| Júpíter oddviti | King of gods (Jupiter was the king of his pantheon) |
While most scholars leave out the Latin endings, since they are certainly added on centuries after the runes were in use, they do serve as a clue to the meaning of each rune. In this case, the kennings are all very much aligned. Óss means Odin, and the things he symbolizes. I used R.I Page's The Icelandic Rune-Poem from 1999 as a main reference, adding in my own discussion regarding the Latin parts.
The other runic traditions do not align with the Icelandic one. The Norwegian poem states:
| Óss er flæstra færða | Estuary is the way of most journeys; |
| for; en skalpr er sværða. | but a scabbard is of swords. |
Óss directly translates to estuary or "mouth of a river", the place where a river meets the sea.
In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Ansuz is associated with the concept of eloquence, wisdom, and inspiration. It highlights the importance of noble speech and the ability to convey knowledge and inspiration to others.
| Ós byþ ordfruma ælere spræce | Ós is a source of origin for every noble utterance, |
| wisdomes wraþu and witena frofur | a flowing stream of wisdom and a comfort to wise men |
| and eorla gehwam eadnys and tohiht | and to every nobleman a hope and inspiration. |
It is interesting, I think, that while the three traditions all differ in their interpretations, they form a sort of harmony. There is a connection there between the Norwegian estuary and the Anglo-Saxon "flow" of wisdom and Odin being commonly connected with wisdom and knowledge.
In conclusion, the Óss rune is a powerful symbol of wisdom, communication, and inspiration in Viking culture. It is associated with the god Odin and has been used for thousands of years to enhance one's ability to communicate and seek knowledge. Whether used in magic or simply as a symbol of inspiration, the Óss rune continues to hold deep meaning and significance for many people today.
