A collection of symbols known as runes served multiple purposes throughout history, acting as an alphabet, a tool for divination, and a system imbued with magical significance. These symbols, etched onto objects like stones, wood, and metal, were employed by Germanic peoples, primarily during the Migration Period and the Viking Age. Runic inscriptions offer insights into the beliefs, practices, and daily lives of these cultures. For instance, an inscription on a comb might offer a simple dedication, while one on a rune stone might commemorate a significant event or person.
As a writing system, runes provided a means of communication and record-keeping. Their symbolic nature also lent them to divinatory practices, where castings of marked stones were interpreted to offer guidance or predict the future. This practice intertwined with the broader cultural context, linking the runes to Norse mythology and its pantheon of gods and goddesses. The study of these symbols offers valuable historical data, shedding light on ancient Germanic language, culture, and belief systems.
