Norse runes are a writing system first developed by the Germanic people of Scandinavia. Runic symbols were believed to have mystical powers. Runes evolved as they were shared from culture to culture. The runic alphabet even influenced English letters. Fehu, Othila, Sowilo, and Tiwaz became F, O, S, and T respectively.

Norsemen and other Scandinavians used an alphabet system of writing called the Futhark. The Elder Futhark were first used by Germanic tribes around the transition to the Common Era (CE). Each rune served as both a phonetic element and an inherent meaning that played into its ritualistic use and purported magical powers.

Viking runes come from two Nordic alphabets: the Elder Futhark and the Younger Futhark. Both are important, but the Younger Futhark was used more in Viking times. Viking runes are thought to have mystical powers that can be used for divination, protection, meditation, and astrology.

The runes are presumed to have been derived from one of the many Old Italic alphabets in use among the Mediterranean peoples of the first century CE, who lived to the south of the Germanic tribes. Earlier Germanic sacred symbols, such as those preserved in northern European rock carvings, were also likely influential in the development of the script.