Runes in Modern Warfare: Ideological and Propaganda Weapon
13.06.2024
During the Russian aggression against Ukraine, runes, nearly two thousand years old symbols, were used to emphasize their identity and justify their actions. The Azov Regiment, one of the most well-known units of the Ukrainian National Guard, was accused by Russian propaganda of using the Wolfsangel rune in its symbolism. At the same time, Russian paramilitary groups, such as the Wagner Group, have used various runic symbols to denote their military identity and historical continuity. In the Kharkiv region, Russia has used a specific rune to emphasize its claims of the region’s “historical belonging” to Russia.
What are the runes?
Runes are characters used by the ancient Germanic peoples, dating back to around the 2nd century. These symbols were originally used in the Futhark alphabet, which consisted of 24 runes. Each rune symbolized a specific sound and held deep mythological and magical significance. Runes were used for writing, but also in mystical and religious rituals where they were intended to bring protection, healing, or luck.
The meanings of runes were diverse, and they were often used as talismans to bring strength and protection to the bearer. For example, the rune “Algiz” symbolized protection, while “Fehu” represented wealth. In warfare, runes were used on warriors’ equipment and weapons to ensure victory in battle and to protect against enemy attacks.
In modern war symbolism, the use of runes has resurfaced, primarily among extremist and paramilitary groups seeking inspiration from the past and the power of symbols. For instance, neo-Nazi groups have used runes and other ancient Germanic symbols to express their ideologies. These symbols, such as the hammer of Thor, the thunder god and son of the chief god Odin, and the swastika, carry messages of strength, purity, and historical justification.
Runes as a propaganda tool
The Wolfsangel rune, historically associated with both National Socialists and ancient Germanic tribes, symbolizes strength and protection but is also a controversial symbol due to its historical context. The Azov Regiment members were accused have worn symbols that reference National Socialism, including the Wolfsangel rune, also known as the “wolf hook,” which is linked to historical Nazi Germany symbolism.
The Azov Regiment is surrounded by numerous myths created by Russian propaganda to justify Russia’s brutal destruction of Mariupol. Russian and pro-Russian media have accused the Azov Regiment of being a neo-Nazi unit, using the unit’s symbol similarity to a rune as evidence to support these claims.
The Wolfsangel rune, historically associated with both National Socialists and ancient Germanic tribes, symbolizes strength and protection but is controversial due to its historical context. Members of the Azov Regiment have been accused by Russian propaganda of wearing symbols that reference National Socialism, including the Wolfsangel rune, also known as the “wolf hook,” which is linked to historical Nazi Germany symbolism. Those statements were debunked by numerous Ukrainian and Western sources (https://www.azovcontrafake.com/, Euromaidan Press article)
On June 11, 2024, the U.S. confirmed that “the 12th Operational Purpose Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine” (the official name of the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine) has passed the vetting required by U.S. law and is eligible to receive security assistance from the United States.
Russian Paramilitary Groups: On the Russian side, several paramilitary groups have used runes and other symbols to emphasize their military identity and historical continuity. For example, the Wagner Group, a well-known Russian private military company linked to numerous war crimes and human rights violations in various conflict zones, has used runic symbolism on their uniforms and in their propaganda. This references their connections to Vikings and ancient warrior cultures, symbolizing military power and fearlessness in battle.
Kharkiv Oblast rune: a specific rune called the “Gungnir rune” – Odin’s spear, associated with power, protection, and strength – was adopted. Russian occupation authorities in Kharkiv Oblast have used symbols and runes to emphasize their claims of the region’s “historical belonging” to Russian territory. The use of these symbols is part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing Russia’s claims to justify its control and potentially annex the region in the future. For example, Russia has used symbols in Kharkiv Oblast that refer to the region’s historical ties to Russian culture and history.
Russians use symbols associated with Vikings to emphasize a long history. The ancient Rus’ state was founded by Swedish (Rus) Vikings. According to myths, Odin himself came to the Nordic countries from the Scythian steppes, the Black Sea region, as recorded in the Ynglinga saga. There is a belief that Odin’s symbols and ritual items could only be worn by warriors chosen or blessed by Odin himself, which in the current context refers to Russian forces.
The Impact and Meaning of Symbols
The use of ancient symbols, such as runes, in a modern context has become a powerful tool in ideological and propaganda warfare. Amid Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of territories, symbols historically associated with Vikings and ancient Germanic tribes are being revitalized, emphasizing claims of historical continuity and cultural roots.
On one hand, Russian occupation authorities and paramilitary groups, such as the Wagner Group, use these symbols to strengthen their identity and create the image of fearless warriors. On the other hand, Russian propaganda tries to discredit Ukrainian forces by accusing them of using Nazi symbols, which has been refuted by numerous Ukrainian and Western sources.
The example of Kharkiv Oblast shows how historical symbols can be used to justify occupation and create the myth of “historical belonging.” This underscores the importance of a critical approach and fact-checking in the context of information warfare.
Ultimately, the revival and interpretation of these symbols in a modern context serve not only for propaganda and justifying political ambitions but also for creating a new layer of historical memory that will influence future generations.
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