Runic refers to the characters of the ancient writing system used by the Germanic peoples, particularly in Northern Europe. These characters, known as runes, were used for various purposes, including inscriptions on stones, wood, and metal. The runic alphabet, or futhark, consists of symbols that represent sounds and concepts, and it is believed to have originated around the 2nd century AD. The use of runes declined with the spread of the Latin alphabet, but they remained significant in Norse culture and mythology. Runes were often associated with magic and divination, and they were thought to hold special powers. Today, they are studied for their historical and linguistic importance, as well as their connection to Viking heritage.