Uruz Rune Meaning: Strength, Love and Reversed
Nov 11, 2026 · The Editors
Uruz rune meaning: the aurochs rune of strength and health, its symbol and pronunciation, what it means upright, reversed and in love, the old rune poem and Uruz as a tattoo.
Uruz (ᚢ) is the second rune of the Elder Futhark. Its name is usually taken to mean aurochs, the huge wild ox of ancient Europe, and its meaning is raw strength, health, vitality and endurance — power that is untamed and has to be earned or harnessed.
Uruz rune symbol and pronunciation
| Symbol | ᚢ — an upside-down U with one taller stroke |
| Sound | "u" as in rule |
| Pronunciation | OO-rooz |
| Position | 2nd rune, first aett (Freyr's aett) |
| Name meaning | Aurochs (wild ox) |
The aurochs was larger than any modern cattle and was hunted until the species died out in the 1600s. In Germanic tradition, facing one was a test of courage.
What the rune poems say
The Old English rune poem describes the aurochs as fierce and proud, with great horns, a beast that fights with its horns and roams the moors. The Norse poems give the name a different sense — drizzle or slag in some readings — but modern rune readers follow the aurochs meaning.
Uruz meaning upright
Upright, Uruz means:
- Physical strength and stamina.
- Health and recovery — energy returning after illness.
- Courage to face a challenge head on.
- Determination and the will to keep going.
- Untamed potential that needs direction.
It follows Fehu, the rune of wealth. Fehu is tamed cattle, possessions; Uruz is the wild ox that nobody owns.
Uruz reversed (merkstave)
When Uruz lands upside down, readers call it merkstave. It can mean:
- Weakness or low energy.
- Illness or burnout.
- Missed opportunities through hesitation.
- Strength used badly — force where patience was needed.
Uruz meaning in love
In a love reading, Uruz points to passion and physical attraction, a relationship with energy behind it, or the strength to work through a hard patch together. Reversed, it can mean low energy between partners or one partner overpowering the other.
Uruz as a tattoo
Uruz is a popular tattoo for anyone who has come through illness or a physical challenge, since its meaning is strength and recovery. The simple shape works small, on a wrist or behind an ear. As with any rune tattoo, it is worth checking the shape carefully, since several runes look alike.
Reading Uruz in a casting
Drawn as a single rune of the day, Uruz says: you have more strength than you think, so use it. In a spread, read it alongside its neighbours — next to a rune of obstacle, it says the obstacle can be overcome by effort. Our guide on how to read runes covers casting and spreads, and Elder Futhark runes and their meanings lists all twenty-four.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Uruz rune mean?
Uruz means strength, health, vitality and endurance. Its name refers to the aurochs, a huge wild ox.
How do you pronounce Uruz?
It is pronounced OO-rooz, and the rune stands for the "u" sound.
What does Uruz mean reversed?
Reversed (merkstave), Uruz means weakness, illness, low energy or strength misused.
What does Uruz mean in love?
It points to passion, attraction and the strength to get through hard times together.
