Runes are the letters in a set of related alphabets known as runic alphabets, which were used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet and for specialised purposes thereafter.

Runes are an alphabet that was used in Northern Europe before the eventual adoption of the Latin alphabet.

Each rune has both a name and a sound, as well as a given meaning. "ᚢ," for example, is the Ur rune meaning "ox," or "water." Because of their imbued meanings, runes are sometimes used to try to read the future.

Runes had magical powers, they could predict the future, counteract harmful forces, provide various qualities, or they could be used in incantations, curses and magic spells.

Most of the known runic inscriptions are of a more down-to-earth nature and were for everyday use.