Odal Rune

The Odal rune, or Othala rune, is one of several Germanic runic letters adopted by the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organisation. 

These runes were based on older Germanic runic alphabets, which were popularised in the late 19th and early 20th century by German nationalist figures before being co-opted by the Nazis, particularly the SS. Runic letters continue to be used by neo-Nazi groups internationally.

The Odal rune was used by Nazi military units as a unit badge and symbol, including the 7th SS Mountain Division “Prinz Eugen”, a Waffen-SS division.

For hate groups, the Odal rune is intended to represent concepts including kinship and homeland. Most hate groups use the serifed or “winged” version of the Odal rune, while some have also used the version without serifs or “wings” on the bottom. 

The Odal or Othala rune can also 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. As such, its use should always be identified and evaluated in context.