Runic alphabet

Runes, known as the runic alphabet, were used by Germanic and Celtic peoples for writing and in magical rites. Their name derives from a word meaning "mystery." It was believed that the god Odin gifted humanity with this writing system, which was most likely borrowed from the peoples of northern Italy. The oldest runic inscriptions date back to the 2nd century, and until around 1000, they were used in various forms, until they were replaced by the Latin alphabet. Runes remain a fascinating testament to the culture and history of ancient societies.

Runes (runic alphabet) – an alphabet used for writing by Germanic and Celtic peoples. The term "runes" is sometimes also applied to the writing systems used by Turkic peoples (the so-called Orkhon alphabet) and Magyars (the so-called Székely Rovásírás). It is also used in magical rites. The word *run means 'mystery, secret'.

According to Norse beliefs, runes were given to humanity by the god Odin. This alphabet was most likely borrowed from the peoples of northern Italy (the Alpine alphabet). Some researchers point to its connections with the Hebrew or Phoenician alphabets.

Runes were used to write short inscriptions on wood, metal, or stone (so-called runestones). The shape of the letters in this alphabet was adapted to facilitate writing on such surfaces (mainly straight lines, with few arcs).

The oldest runic records date from 200 AD, but they are likely much older. These early runes were written until 650 AD in the so-called futhark (from the first six runes: f - u - th - a - r - k), which had 24 characters. These runes are very short and difficult to translate. Later, the runic alphabet began to diversify: in Norway and Scotland, a futhark with 16 or 18 runes was used, while in England, a futhark with 28 runes developed. Runes were primarily used to write Germanic languages, although a few Latin scripts have been found. Runes ceased to be used around 1000 AD, except in Scandinavia, where they survived for a few more centuries. But even there, they were eventually replaced by the Latin alphabet