Mythology around Runes: Ehwaz

Ehwaz

Mythology:

The most obvious mythological link with Ehwaz is Sleipnir, the steed of Odin, which was said to have eight legs reminiscent of the runic symbolism of eight hooves pounding the ground. However, there is a semi-legendary link to be found in early English History. The first Anglo-Saxons to come to England during the reign of King Vortigern were called Hengist and Horsa. These names mean "stallion" and "horse" respectively. To this day, the symbol of the English country of Kent, the Landing place of Hengist and Horsa, is still a white horse. Thissymbol is seen on a vast scale in southern England as well, where the equine form has been cut into chalk hillsides. It is also interesting to note that England itself may take its name from a horse god named Ing, who was considered to be an aspect of fertility god Frey. It is therefore likely that when Hengist and Horsa landed on the shore of England, a land that was unknown to them, they bore a banner that was emblazoned with the rune Ehwaz.