The k-rune ᚲ (Younger Futhark ᚴ, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc ᚳ) is called Kaun in both the Norwegian and Icelandic rune poems, meaning "ulcer". The reconstructed Proto-Germanic name is Kaunan.
- ᚴ Kaun er barna bǫlvan;
- bǫl gørver nán fǫlvan.
- Ulcer is fatal to children;
- death makes a corpse pale.
- Icelandic (glossed as Latin flagella "whip"):
- ᚴ Kaun er barna böl
- ok bardaga [för]
- ok holdfúa hús.
- flagella konungr.
- Disease fatal to children
- and painful spot
- and abode of mortification.
In scenarios that assume a system of divination surrounding the Old Futhark, this is clearly seen as one of the less auspicious runes.
The corresponding Gothic letter is 𐌺 k, called kusma.
The Anglo-Saxon rune poem gives a name cen "torch", probably because the original name was no longer understood:
- ᚳ Cen byþ cwicera gehwam, cuþ on fyre
- blac ond beorhtlic, byrneþ oftust
- ðær hi æþelingas inne restaþ.
- The torch is known to every living man
- by its pale, bright flame; it always burns
- where princes sit within.
