Runes

Runes are an alphabetic script used by the peoples of Northern Europe from the
first century c.e. into the Middle Ages, when they were last in current use in Iceland. They were used for more than 400 years and proceed the New Testament. Besides their use as a written alphabet, the runes also served as a system of symbols used for magic and divination. They were carved on drinking cups, battle spears, and onto Viking ships’ prows. As the Roman alphabets became the preferred script of most of Europe, runes were no longer used. Standing stones, runic lore, and the 24 Runes themselves, are all that remain of this ancient script.