So what where the runes used for and how might they have been used in magic? Well the runes served a number of purposes: to mark graves and to add power and magic to weapons and everyday items such as spearheads and shafts, combs, rings and even drinking horns.

Not all of the items that had runes carved on them were used in magic or for special purposes. Most of the time the runes may have been carved for decoration or to signify ownership by a certain person. As for magical properties, each rune held a specific magical purpose which would transfer over to the item it was carved on. For example, if you wanted to gain protection for yourself, you could carve the elder futhark rune Thurisaz onto your shield.