Number:                                     2                       
                                                                    

Phonetic Value:                             U                       
                                                                    

Word:                                      Urd                      
                                                                    

Planetary:                            Mars (passive)               
                                                                    

Element/s:                                Earth                 
                                                                    

Deity/ies                             Thor and Urd
                                                                    

Modern Translation:                 Aurochs (Wild Oxen)                     
                                                                    

Memory Keys:                                                        

            Word/Concept:        U is for untamed and unlimited strength.        
                                               
            Stave:     The head of the Aurochs with horns pointing downwards.
                    

Word/Concept:         The Aurochs was a form of large wild Oxen  
                      which could be found in Western Europe at the    
                      turn of the millenia.  Unlike the domesticated   
                      cattle which existed it was untamable.  It has been  
                      suggested that one form of initiation within the  
                      Central European Tribes was at puberty  for  
                      the individual to go out and kill the Aurochs to     
                      show their manhood;  the proof was seen as  
                      them returning with their first drinking horn, made   
                      from the horn of the wild beast.   This rune can      
                      therefore be seen to represent an initiatory     
                      experience, as well as the chance to prove
                      one-self due to a change in circumstances 
                      e.g. examination resulting in promotion. 
                      Some writes have also suggested that this rune 
                      can mean benefeit from hard work,  generally, which                            also fits comfortably into the concept, as later the     
                      Aurochs was tamed and became a beast of burden.       
                      "Urd" also refers to the goddess of the same name,
                      who is one of the three norns (or fates).  This rune    
                      is therefore associated with unforseen fortune - 
                      additional wealth from the capture of a wild Oxen. 
                      There is of course danger associated with this rune;                                            those trying to capture the Aurochs faced goring    
                      from its horns.  This rune worns of dangers 
                      associated with good fortune.