‘Opfer’ and ‘Eif’ Runes

The Opfer and Eif are variations of several Germanic runic letters adopted by the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organisation. 

Symbols resembling these runes 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, Celtic, Nordic and Germanic cultures. 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 “Opfer” rune, with the serif on the left side facing downwards, symbolised self-sacrifice for the SS. The Nazis first began using it to commemorate party members who died in the 1923 Munich Beer Hall Putsch after World War I. The symbol became less common in the early 1930s.

The “Eif” rune, with the serif on the left side facing upwards, symbolised zeal and enthusiasm, and was a symbol worn by adjutants to Adolf Hitler.