The Hagall (or Hagalaz or Haglaz) rune is one of several Germanic runic letters adopted by the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organisation.
The Hagall rune and symbols resembling it can also sometimes appear in non-hateful contexts, including by practitioners of pagan religions and beliefs, as well as by individuals with interests in pagan, Nordic and Germanic cultures and runic writing systems. The Hagall rune also resembles a common asterisk symbol. As such, its use should always be identified and evaluated in context.
These runes were based on older Germanic runic alphabets, which were popularised in the late 19th and early 20th century by German nationalist figures and subsequently co-opted by the Nazis, particularly the SS. They continue to be used by neo-Nazi groups internationally.
The Hagall rune was engraved on rings given as an award to senior SS officials. It also appeared on the insignia of the 6th SS Mountain Division Nord, a Waffen-SS division.
For hate groups, the Hagall rune is intended to represent faith in Nazism.
A Hagall rune (right) on a banner at a far-right march in front of marchers holding black-white-red flags. The text reads “Together for Europe” in German and Bulgarian; the symbol on the left of the banner is that of a Bulgarian far-right organisation, while the central figure is of a Bulgarian pro-Nazi military figure
Sofia, Bulgaria - February 2018
Michael Colborne