Bind rune
（重定向自Bindrune）
![A boat of which the mast is formed with the bind runes þ=r=u=t=a=R= =þ=i=a=k=n, on the runestone Sö 158 at Ärsta, Södermanland. The bind runes tell that the deceased was a strong thegn.](/Images/godic/202412/24/Samstavsrunbåt5511.JPG")
![Cryptic runic inscription on a silver knife mount, with several bind runes](/Images/godic/202412/24/British_Museum_Runic_Silver_Animal_Head5511.jpg")
![The](/Images/godic/202412/24/British_Museum_Runic_Bone_Plaque5511.jpg")
A bind rune (Icelandic: bandrún) is a ligature of two or more runes. They are extremely rare in Viking Age inscriptions, but are common in earlier (Proto-Norse) and later (medieval) inscriptions.
On some runestones, bind runes may have been ornamental and used to highlight the name of the carver.