Tyr's Aett · Rune 17

Tiwaz

Q: What does the rune Tiwaz mean?

Tiwaz (ᛏ) means "Tyr, Justice". Tiwaz is the rune of Tyr, the one-handed god of justice, law, and honorable warfare. Tyr sacrificed his right hand in the jaws of the wolf Fenrir so that the gods could bind the great beast, placing duty and the greater good above personal safety. As the first rune of the third aett, Tiwaz sets the tone of self-sacrifice and social responsibility. In Heathen practice, this rune embodies the warrior's honor, the keeping of oaths, and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of the community. It guides the practitioner toward right action and just conduct.

Q: What are the keywords of Tiwaz?

justice, honor, sacrifice, victory, law, duty, warrior, courage, Tyr

“Tyr, Justice” · sound: T

Keywords
justice · honor · sacrifice · victory · law · duty · warrior · courage · Tyr

ᛏ

What Tiwaz means

Tiwaz is the rune of Tyr, the one-handed god of justice, law, and honorable warfare. Tyr sacrificed his right hand in the jaws of the wolf Fenrir so that the gods could bind the great beast, placing duty and the greater good above personal safety. As the first rune of the third aett, Tiwaz sets the tone of self-sacrifice and social responsibility. In Heathen practice, this rune embodies the warrior's honor, the keeping of oaths, and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of the community. It guides the practitioner toward right action and just conduct.

Tiwaz in the historical rune poems

Three medieval poems preserve the meanings of the runes — the oldest testimony we have.

Tiw is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes; it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

Tyr is a one-handed god; often has the smith to blow.
Norwegian Rune Poem

Tyr is a one-handed god, and leavings of the wolf, and prince of temples.
Icelandic Rune Poem

Correspondences

Deities

Tyr

Element

air

Color

bright red