Rune-imations, wait... that doesn’t sound right... - 3: Tyr

I am now coming to the end of my 9 days of contemplation of the Runes, so I will continue to compile and post my notes on each of them as and when I am able to do so. This installment is focusing on the first Rune of the third Aett, Tyr. Since this Rune literally pertains to the God of the same name, I have found that to understand the Rune, I must also understand the deity and his story, and so much of my analysis is of the Deity and how he translates into human life and consciousness.

ᛏ, Pronounced “T-ear”. Other variations are Tiu, Tiae and Teiwaz.

Meaning: Tyr, God of Justice and courage in battle.

Element: Fire, Air. Gender: male

Tree association: Oak

Relates to the warrior, divine spinner, justice, self sacrifice, analysis, rationality, honour, righteousness, sovereign order, law, fairness, peacekeeping, faith, loyalty, victory, honesty.

My Free-word association list:

Tyr, bravery, benevolence, fairness, friendship, Fenrir, animal, fear, danger, courage, strength, taming, binding, training, discipline, regiment, structure, order, precision, analysis, detail, observation, listening, equality, support, community, cooperation, benefit, survival, safety, building, growth, drive, passion, fire, determination, power, control, leadership, mastery, godhead, Ascension, manifestation, creation, contribution, giving, charity, sacrifice, death, ego, awakening.

Since the meaning of this Rune is Tyr, that is where I began with my analysis.
Tyr was once the king of the Aesir, but stepped down to allow Odin to take the throne, following the war with the Vanir. This demonstrates a willingness to relinquish one’s hold on power when it is right to do so or when necessity demands it. It is a lesson to those who feel the need to control everything in their lives, to let go and occasionally allow oneself to be led by orders or by events. It is Tyr who advises Odin as to which fallen warriors are bravest, suggesting that taking a back seat can give one greater perspective and thus afford the individual more power over a situation.

Tyr was the only God brave enough to feed Fenrir, for he knew that the wolf's size and power were an advantage if understood and directed properly. This teaches us that, although the darker aspects of nature are frightening and potentially destructive, they can also become a great asset, and even come to be loved if we do not fear them, but instead engage with them in the same way we would any other part of our psyche or spirit. It teaches us to master our darkest facets and nurture them rather than to reject or suppress them out of fear; this is emphssised by Fenrir turning against the Aesir after they bound him to Midgard, for if the shadow is rejected, chained, suppressed and ignored, it festers and becomes more poisonous and more destructive.

Tyr also demands that Fenrir’s life be spared until it is proven that he is the enemy they fear, And so Odin binds him instead. This acts as an example for us to operate with rational analysis, and to not jump to conclusions, assuming that all are innocent until proven guilty, or that the situation is not as it appears to be at first. It also teaches us that nothing can be achieved by force alone, and that benevolence and understanding are equally powerful actions. It is for this reason that Fenrir doesn’t kill Tyr at Ragnarok. If Odin represents sharpness of mind and wit, then Tyr represents strength of heart, and so stands as an example of listening to your heart and acting at times in a way which may appear irrational to others, but from a broader perspective, eventually comes to make perfect sense. This is why Tyr advises Odin just as the heart advises the mind.

Tyr willingly places his hand in Fenrir’s mouth to control him whilst he is being bound, even though he knows he may lose it. This symbolises self-sacrifice for the greater good, giving something of value for the benefit of your family or community or even the whole world. It symbolises selflessness and charity as well as strength and bravery in the face of adversity, opposition or danger. Together, all of the above constitute the qualities of a true leader, one who is fit to oversee their fellow man; in this sense, ᛏ epitomises kingship and/or regality, nobility, and respect both given and received. This ties in also to the law of attraction, for in the same way that when we give respect, we receive it in kind, so too do we get back from the universe what we put into it; therefore, ᛏ represents a positive attitude and a gratitude for what we have, so that we may be open to receive more. Continuing in this vein, ᛏ teaches us to feel, not only worthy, but deserving of receiving what we desire and helps us to overcome and do away with negative, self defeating thought patterns which prevent us from manifesting our perfect reality.

ᛏ’s association to the Oak tree consolidates it’s meaning of strength, for Oak is one of the hardest woods in the world. Furthermore, the roots of the Oak tree go deeper than any other deciduous tree in the north, making it virtually unmovable in violent storms. This teaches us two things, the first is to weather any storm, to be strong in the face of adversity and do not yield to external pressure; secondly it teaches us to stay true to our roots and to establish a firm foundation upon which to build a life for ourselves. It also indicates the importance of family lineage, Especially in Royal lines. This is a further link to the notion of royalty and nobility which is demonstrated by and epitomised within the Oak tree, which in most if not all Northern traditions is regarded as the king of the forest. Finally, ᛏ 's Association with Oak teaches us that, whilst we must always be prepared to stand alone, we must also always maintain strong roots to those closest to us, And be prepared to accept help when it is offered.

Visually, ᛏ is an arrow head, symbolising directness and efficiency, as well as swift action and decision-making; it can also mean having clear targets or goals and moving inexorably towards them. The arrow was also used to give direction when one is lost, so ᛏ can indicate that we need to stop and take stock of our options when at a crossroads in life. We can also see ᛏ as a cross-section of a structure, showing a sloping roof held up by a central supporting pillar; this denotes strength but also great responsibility, possibly leading to strain and stress. The upward arrow can also denote upward motion or growth, mental and emotional development, spiritual awakening and Ascension. It also teaches us to constantly move onwards and upwards, striving to achieve new goals and become/acquire something greater. It is a symbol of ambition, aspiration, drive, confidence, passion and persistence in pursuit of one's dreams.

My next article will focus on the second Rune of the Elder Futhark, Urur. Until then, love and blessings to all, and may your Gods be with you!

Enki Endymion. O(