Maðr in old Norse, representing the viking rune letter M, or mannaz in proto-Germanic elder futhark means human, man or mankind. The letter has two possible styles. The “long-branch” rune, mainly found in Denmark, has a style similar to a person raising their arms towards the sky. The “short-branch” rune, mostly found in Sweden and Norway, instead has a short line or dot at the top, likely symbolizing the head of a person.

Hvat verðr þá eftir, er brenndr er heimr allr ok dauð goðin öll ok allir Einherjar ok allt mannfólk? Ok hafið þér áðr sagt, at hverr maðr skal lifa í nökkurum heimi um allar aldir.

What remains when the whole world is burnt and all gods and all einherjers and all humans are dead? You have said that all men shall live forever, in one world or another.

Maðr symbolizes the human experience, social order, and the interconnectedness of individuals within a community. It reflects on the aspects of personal identity, societal roles, and the collective human spirit, emphasizing the importance of relationships, cooperation, and the social fabric that binds us together.

Maðr serves as a powerful reminder of our connection to others and the collective journey of humanity. It encourages us to reflect on our role within our communities, promoting values of unity, empathy, and mutual support. Maðr inspires us to honor our relationships, to contribute positively to our social circles, and to recognize the strength found in collaboration and togetherness.

By embracing the spirit of Maðr, we enhance our spiritual life through the cultivation of meaningful connections and the recognition of our shared human experience, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual growth.