Freya's Aett · Rune 7
Gebo
“Gift, Generosity” · sound: G
Keywords
gift · generosity · exchange · balance · partnership · sacrifice · hospitality
What Gebo means
Gebo is the rune of the gift and the sacred bond of exchange. In Heathen society, the giving and receiving of gifts created powerful bonds of obligation, loyalty, and mutual support. The X shape of Gebo represents the crossing point where giver and receiver meet in balance. This rune embodies the Heathen virtue of hospitality and the reciprocal relationship between humans and the gods through blot (sacrifice) and offering. As the Havamal teaches, 'A gift demands a gift.' Gebo cannot be reversed, reflecting the permanence of the gift-bond.
Gebo in the historical rune poems
Three medieval poems preserve the meanings of the runes — the oldest testimony we have.
Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one's dignity; it furnishes help and subsistence to all broken men who are devoid of aught else.
Correspondences
Deities
Odin
Element
air
Color
deep blue