Thurisaz · Thurisaz

Freyr's Aett · No. 3 · Sound TH

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Pronunciation
*þurisaz/ˈθu.ri.sɑz/
English respellingTHOO-ree-sahz

Form after Guus Kroonen, Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Germanic (2013). The asterisk marks a linguistic reconstruction — no recording of Proto-Germanic exists. The IPA follows Ringe's (2006) sound system; the audio is a synthesised approximation. Trust the IPA over the audio.

Keywords
WarningConflictDefenceReactive force
Literal meaning

Giant, thorn

Symbolism

A stave with a triangle at its side — a thorn, or Thor's hammer Mjölnir. Both weapon and wound: the same force that defends you can also cut you.

Upright

Pause before deciding — something is not yet visible to you. This rune warns of oncoming resistance, or of a powerful force not yet under control. It can mean defending a boundary, or a conflict that growth requires.

Reversed (Merkstave)

Danger ignored, decisions made from anger, or being caught by a force you yourself raised. It can mean wounding others with words, or pressing ahead while the alarms are already sounding.

Advice

Wait, look clearly, then act. Speed is the enemy right now.

HistoryAbove is modern interpretation, which you can edit. Below is sourced historical material.
In daily life

A þurs is a giant or troll — nature as something actively hostile to people. The name appears in real medieval curse inscriptions, such as the Bergen rune-charm sticks from Bryggen, where þurs runes were carved to inflict sickness or compel love.

Rune poem · Icelandic Rune Poem
Þurs

Giant — torture of women and cliff-dweller and husband of a giantess.

Icelandic Rune Poem — oldest manuscript c. 1500 (AM 687 d 4°). Reproduced verbatim from Dickins (1915)

References →
Aett
Freyr's Aett
Element
Fire
Associated deity
Thor, the Jötnar
Sound
TH