Last Updated on September 25, 2024
Víð (Við, Vid), also called “Broad” or “Wide,” is one of the ancient rivers flowing from Élivágar. Its vastness represents expansiveness, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Víð’s wide and powerful currents signify the boundless nature of existence and the deep potential lying within every individual. This river embodies the vastness of the unknown, urging those who honor it to explore life’s mysteries.
In Asatru, Víð teaches the importance of embracing life’s broad horizons and limitless opportunities. It represents the endless possibilities available to those who journey through life with courage. Víð’s flowing waters reflect the idea that life is a broad, ever-changing journey. Whether calm or turbulent, the river flows onward, just as life pushes us forward, with or without our consent.
Víð also serves as a symbol of unity in diversity. Its broad expanse contains many currents, each moving at its own pace, yet they all flow toward a common destination. Asatruar see this as a reflection of community life, where diverse individuals contribute to the strength of the whole. This river embodies the concept that individual paths may differ, but all contribute to the greater journey of life.
The Rune Raido: The Journey Begins
The Elder Futhark rune Raido aligns with Víð. Raido represents the journey, travel, and movement. It captures the essence of Víð’s broad, expansive nature, as both the rune and the river encourage exploration and growth. Raido, like Víð, reminds Asatruar that life is a journey with ever-changing landscapes and unforeseen challenges.
Raido teaches that forward motion is essential. Just as Víð’s currents flow with great breadth and power, so too must individuals move through their lives with purpose and courage. It emphasizes the need to take control of one’s journey while remaining adaptable to the river’s shifts. Together, Víð and Raido encourage us to explore the vastness of life, face its challenges, and find our unique paths within the broad flow of existence.
