LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Runes: Northern Europe
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In Western Europe during the Dark Ages runes were believed to possess potent magical powers. These magical powers attributed to runes were believed to be released in the etching of names, phrases, memorial inscriptions, and spells upon bones, metal, wood, and stone. The were inscribed on grave stones to described the deeds of the departed and to ward off grave robbers. It was thought that a swords having a runic inscription became more powerful to inflict more pain and death upon the enemy. The powers of runes was sought for various things such as victory in battle, healings, acquisition of psychical powers, protection from the evil eye, cursing, love, fertility and other enchantments. Such belief and interest in the runes was diminished by the Inquisition.
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The runes are a form of alphabet developed in Northern Europe, essentially they represent the Old Norse language used by the Scandinavian peoples up to about 700AD. The precise origins of the runes is unclear and the subject of scholarly debate but it is thought that the evolution of the German rune alphabet was complete by 200AD. The word itself is thought to translate as 'secret whisper', another possible translation is from the German 'raunen' meaning 'to carve'.
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The runes, primarily in their Younger form, remained in common use until well into the 17th. century. Up until this time, they were found on everything from coins to coffins, and in some places their use was actually sanctioned by the Church. Even the common people knew simple runic spells, and the runes were frequently consulted on matters of both public and private interest. Unfortunately, as with most of the magical arts, they were officially banned in 1639 as part of the Church's efforts to "drive the devil out of Europe". The rune masters were either executed or went underground, and the knowledge of the runes may well have died with them. Some say that the knowledge was passed on in secret, but it is almost impossible to separate ancient traditions from more modern esoteric philosophies in such cases.
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One who aspires to become adept with runes must have some knowledge of the mythology, history, and culture of ancient Europe and Scandinavia. Much of what you find here will merely point you in the right direction. The rest is up to you. Delve as lightly or as deeply as you wish.
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In the later Middle Ages, runes were ... used in the Clog almanacs (sometimes called Runic staff, Prim or Scandinavian calendar) of Sweden. The authenticity of some monuments bearing Runic inscriptions found in Northern America is disputed, but most of them date from modern times.
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Today, most people interested in Runes fall into two categories. Some are Historians studying pre-Christian European cultures and languages. Or they may be medieval or fantasy RPG (Role Playing Game) players engaged in re-creating aspects of pre-Christian European cultures.
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Northern Europe