Isaz


*Isaz is the reconstructed Proto-Germanic name of the i-rune, meaning "ice". In the Younger Futhark, it is called Iss in Icelandic and isa in Old Norse. As rune of the Anglo-Saxon futhorc, it is called is.
The corresponding Gothic letter is ? i, named eis.
The rune is recorded in all three rune poems:
Rune Poem:English Translation:

Anglo-Saxon

Is byþ oferceald, ungemetum slidor,

glisnaþ glæshluttur gimmum gelicust,

flor forste geƿoruht, fæger ansyne.

Ice is very cold and immeasurably slippery;

it glistens as clear as glass and most like to gems;

it is a floor wrought by the frost, fair to look upon.

Old Icelandic

Íss er árbörkr

ok unnar þak

ok feigra manna fár.

glacies jöfurr.

Ice is bark of rivers

and roof of the wave

and destruction of the doomed.

Old Norwegian

Ís kǫllum brú bræiða;

blindan þarf at læiða.

Ice is called the broad bridge;

the blind man must be led.