Runes are characters from ancient alphabets used by Germanic peoples, primarily in Northern Europe. They were used for writing, divination, and magical purposes, often carved into wood, stone, or metal. The most well-known runic alphabet is the Elder Futhark, consisting of 24 characters, each with its own meaning and significance. In addition to their practical use in communication, runes held spiritual and mystical importance. They were often associated with various deities and were believed to possess magical properties. Today, runes are studied for their historical significance and are popular in modern esoteric practices, such as divination and paganism.