AETT is a term derived from Old Norse mythology, specifically associated with Norse rune poems. In Norse mythology, AETT refers to a grouping or family of eight runes. Each individual aett or family is seen as a distinct group of runes placed in a specific order. Aett literally translates to "eight" in Old Norse. These three aetts are the three sections or divisions of the 24-rune Elder Futhark, which was the oldest runic alphabet used by the ancient Germanic tribes.
The first aett, known as Freyr's Aett, consists of the first eight runes: Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kenaz, Gebo, and Wunjo. The second aett, known as Hagal's Aett, includes the runes: Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro, Algiz, and Sowilo. The third and final aett, known as Tyr's Aett, comprises the remaining eight runes: Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Ingwaz, Dagaz, and Othala.
These groupings serve as an organizational system, widely used by rune scholars and diviners to categorize and understand the meanings and associations of each rune within a specific aett. Scholars and practitioners examine the groupings to interpret the collective themes and symbolic significances of these runes together, considering their order and relationships within the aetts.
