The centuries-old alphabets of the Germanic and Nordic tribes known collectively as Runes were used to write spells of protection and blessings for the tribes, and came to be used as a tool of divination that is still practiced today. The word Rune itself is said to mean "secret," and the legend of Odin states that his time spent hanging on Yggdrasill, the World Tree, was rewarded with the knowledge of them.
