{"product_id":"perle-viking-rune-algiz-bronze","title":"Viking Rune Bead Algiz: The Cutting Reed","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAlgiz — the rune said to be \"for protection,\" and what the source really says\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA shaft topped with three branches open upwards, engraved in a cartouche on a \u003cstrong\u003ebeard and hair bead\u003c\/strong\u003e made of patinated bronze. \u003cem\u003eAlgiz\u003c\/em\u003e is the most requested rune of the Elder Futhark after the Vegvísir — and one of the most misquoted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind this model in our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/perles-viking-barbe-cheveux\"\u003ecollection of Viking beard and hair beads\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat sets this beard bead apart\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eA design open at the top, often read as a raised hand or elk antlers — two modern images, but which explain its popularity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eThe sign is reversible: upside down, it becomes a distinct symbol that manuals call Yr in the Younger Futhark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eA slider, not a clasp:\u003c\/b\u003e the bead slides onto the lock of hair before braiding. It is the thickness of the braid that holds it in place, so there is nothing to break.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eApproximately 6 mm bore:\u003c\/b\u003e the only criterion that really matters. It must be slightly narrower than the finished braid, and slightly wider than the loose lock of hair.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Zinc alloy, patinated bronze finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eInner hole:\u003c\/b\u003e approximately 6 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e approximately 10 mm high, 8 mm in diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eWear:\u003c\/b\u003e beard, mustache, or hair, on a braided plait\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eSold:\u003c\/b\u003e individually\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only ancient source that comments on it, the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, speaks of neither protection nor elk: it describes \u003cem\u003eeolh-secg\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003esedge (marsh grass)\u003c\/strong\u003e, a plant \"which grows most often in water, burns the blood, and wounds cruelly any man who grasps it.\" It is not a shield, it is a vegetal weapon. The protective interpretation, very widespread today, comes from 20th-century esotericists and not from the texts; the idea remains beautiful, but it does not date back to the Viking Age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more, our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/news\/coiffure-viking\"\u003eViking hairstyle guide\u003c\/a\u003e details cuts, braids, and beards, with sources to support them, and our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/news\/futhark-ancien-alphabet-runique-viking-complet\"\u003eFuthark alphabet guide\u003c\/a\u003e covers each sign one by one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete your set\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/perle-viking-rune-tiwaz-bronze\"\u003eViking Rune Tiwaz Bead: The God Who Gave His Hand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/perle-viking-rune-berkano-bronze\"\u003eViking Rune Berkano Bead: The Birch and Birth\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/perle-viking-triquetra-argent\"\u003eViking Triquetra Bead: The Endless Knot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n","brand":"Le Comptoir Viking","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57913616499070,"sku":"LCV-PERLE-RUNEALGIZBRONZE","price":7.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0974\/0569\/8430\/files\/perle-viking-rune-algiz-bronze-ambiance.jpg?v=1787662054","url":"https:\/\/www.le-comptoir-viking.fr\/en\/products\/perle-viking-rune-algiz-bronze","provider":"Le Comptoir Viking","version":"1.0","type":"link"}