Runes have always intrigued scholars and history enthusiasts alike, with their mysterious origins and their profound influence on the cultures of Northern Elder Futhark. The word "rune" itself derives from the Old Norse word "rún," which means "secret" or "mystery," reflecting their spiritual and magical significance to the ancient peoples who used them. These symbols were more than just a writing system; they were thought to hold power, capable of influencing fate and communicating with the gods.The first appearance of runes dates back to around the 2nd century AD, a time when the Germanic tribes, scattered across modern-day Scandinavia, Germany, and the British Isles, began to develop a written form of communication. The earliest runic inscriptions were found on stone monuments and small artifacts, often associated with funerary practices or military victories. This written form was rudimentary compared to modern alphabets, with each rune representing a sound, but over time it evolved into a full-fledged alphabet.

The Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet, is composed of 24 characters. These symbols not only represented phonetic sounds but were also imbued with meaning and symbolism. Each rune had its own particular significance, often linked to elements of nature, animals, or deities. The names of the first six letters of the Elder Futhark—Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, and Kenaz—hint at their connection to cattle, strength, gods, and travel, which were central to the lives of early Germanic people.Over time, the Elder Futhark gave way to regional variations of the runic alphabet. The Younger Futhark, used in Scandinavia during the Viking Age (8th to 12th centuries), had only 16 characters but still preserved the mystical power of the earlier runes. In addition to their use as a writing system, runes became entwined with the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Norse peoples. Runes were often used for divination, where individuals would cast or carve the symbols to gain insight into the future or to invoke magical protection.

With the rise of Christianity in Scandinavia during the 10th and 11th centuries, runes began to fade from common use. Christian scribes adopted the Latin alphabet, and the old traditions of rune writing were marginalized. However, runes were not completely lost. They continued to be used sporadically in Scandinavia, particularly in inscriptions on gravestones, buildings, and other significant cultural markers.