rune

A Finnish poem or section of a poem.

Any of the characters in several alphabets used by ancient Germanic peoples from the 3rd to the 13th century.

A similar character in another alphabet, sometimes believed to have magic powers.

A poem or incantation of mysterious significance, especially a magic charm.

A letter or character used by the peoples of northern Europe from an early period to the eleventh century; in the plural, the ancient Scandinavian alphabets, believed to be derived from a Greek source; especially, the letters carved on stones, weapons, etc., found in Scandinavia, Scotland, and Ireland. Runes are found in almost all the maritime parts of Europe.

A short mystic sentence embodying the wisdom of the old Northern philosophers.

A secret; mystery; obscure saying.

Early rimes or poetry expressed, or which might be expressed, in runic characters.

Any song, poem, verse, or the like, which is mystically or obscurely expressed.