the Viking alphabet, called futhark for it's first six characters, consisted of 16 runes - each of which represented a sound in the spoken language and also had a name and meaning of it's own.

"Let no man carve runes to cast a spell. save first he learns to read them well."

Vikings believed that runic inscriptions were a potent gift from the gods and indeed could be used to cast spells. Dire consequences were feared should the author make a foolish error.

they were also revered as a way to pay tribute to those whose accomplishments might otherwise be forgotten.