What's with the runes?
Runes have existed for an incredibly long time. In our modern context, they have a surprisingly complicated history, functioning as a proto-alphabet, serving as sacred symbols for magical traditions, they’re used in modern branding (like Bluetooth!), they’re employed for aesthetic reasons by various bands in subgenres of music like black metal, they were appropriated by past dictatorial governments and extremist organizations, and more. Using them to brand my personal website or name CLI tools may seem a little odd, so I want to take some time to address that before anybody assumes anything untoward.
elhaz
elhaz is an open-source CLI tool which I released in early 2026. It was presented at the fwd:cloudsec North America 2026 conference and featured in TL;DR Sec.
As I state in the official documentation:
Initially, the intention was to name this project “assume”. However, that namespace was already taken and, frankly, “assume” is trite. The algiz rune (also called “elhaz”) is the 15th letter of the Elder Futhark alphabet. Elhaz symbolizes protection and defense, which are fitting themes for a local credential broker. Elhaz, like “sphinx” or “hugo”, is memorable and compact, which makes it a great fit for any CLI tool!
There is, however, a smaller backstory as to how elhaz was named too!
The door knob at the entry of my apartment building is emblazoned with elhaz (algiz) by the manufacturer. When I moved into this building, knowing what that rune represented, I thought to myself, “that’s such fitting branding.” Elhaz (algiz) is a common “charm” for protecting a home or building, but most people adorn their doorway with it. I moved into my current apartment building September 2024, and I remember distinctly thinking, “if I ever build anything related to keys or credentials then I may want to remember ‘algiz’ or ’elhaz’ as possible names if they aren’t already taken.” Fortunately for me, neither name was taken when I published elhaz! In hindsight, this moment – entering my building for the first time and noticing this charm – was prescient, as I had no idea at that time I would go on to create credential technologies.
After naming elhaz, it dawned on me that I may have inadvertently stumbled on a branding opportunity. Part of using runes in my branding is therefore a continuation of elhaz’s impact. When I stumble on something like this, I sometimes “trust the process” as they say. In this case, I am experimenting with an arcane alphabet as an instrument for personal branding.
Retinitis pigmentosa
It’s no secret that I have retinitis pigmentosa. I am open and transparent about that. My vision is gradually degenerating. Eventually, I won’t have much or any left. Sadly, there is no cure.
This is heavy but true all the same: I want to enjoy my vision while I still have it. It should surprise nobody therefore that I want to indulge my aesthetic tastes as much as possible while I can still see.
This is my inner child speaking now: runes look awesome. I like them. They’re cool. Nobody uses them really, which means I may build a distinctive and highly personal brand which isn’t in competition with anybody else’s branding. Frankly speaking, if there’s an opportunity to create a unique atmosphere on my personal website then I’d be a fool not to experiment. You can’t tell me you don’t like the snowfall effect in the background! Be honest!
Anyway, if it’s all right with all of you, in light of my condition, I’d like a little latitude to indulge my tastes while I can still cultivate and share them. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to hold onto the vision I have left. Maybe not long at all. Honestly, who knows. So please. Let me enjoy this. Try to enjoy it with me too. Even if you think it’s a little cringe.
There’s a human being behind this website. Try not to lose sight of that as I literally lose mine.