The rune Reið, also known as Raidho or Rad, is the fifth rune of the Elder Futhark alphabet. Its name means "ride" or "journey" in Old Norse, and it is often associated with travel and movement.
In the Old Norse rune poem, Reið is described as the joy of the horsemen and the speedy journey of the warrior. This suggests that the rune may have been used as a symbol of transportation and communication, as well as a sign of victory and triumph.
Other rune poems offer additional insights into the meaning of Reið. In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Reið is associated with the concept of "road", and is described as the creation of the wheel, a sign of innovation and progress. The Norwegian rune poem describes Reið as the rope that binds the sea-farer to the mast of his ship, suggesting that the rune was also associated with the sea and navigation.
In addition to its practical associations with travel and transportation, some scholars have suggested that Reið may have had a more mystical or spiritual significance. According to one interpretation, the rune represents the journey of the soul, as it travels from one realm to another. In this sense, Reið may have been seen as a symbol of initiation or transformation, as the individual moves through different stages of spiritual development.
Overall, the meaning of Reið appears to be multifaceted, encompassing both practical and spiritual dimensions. It may have been used as a symbol of victory and triumph, as well as a sign of innovation, progress, and spiritual growth.
In conclusion, Reið is a fascinating rune with a rich history and multiple meanings. Whether used as a symbol of transportation and communication, a sign of victory and triumph, or a representation of spiritual growth and transformation, Reið remains an important and meaningful symbol in Norse mythology and modern runic traditions.
Sources:
- "Reið." Rune Secrets, https://runesecrets.com/rune-meanings/reidh-rad. Accessed 29 Apr. 2023.
- "Reið." The Poetic Edda, translated by Carolyne Larrington, Oxford University Press, 1996, pp. 239-240.
- "Reið." The Rune Poem, translated by R. I. Page, Boydell Press, 1999, pp. 22-23.
- "Rad." Rune Meanings, https://www.runemal.org/runic-meanings/rad.html. Accessed 29 Apr. 2023.
