E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
The earliest alphabet in use among the Gothic tribes of Northern Europe. The characters were employed either for purposes of secrecy or for divination. Rûn is Gaelic for secret, and helrûn means divination.
There were several sorts of runes in Celtic mythology: as (1) the Evil Rune, employed when evil was invoked; (2) the Securable Rune, to secure from misadventure: (3) the Victorious Rune, to procure victory over enemies; (4) Medicinal Rune, for restoring to health the indisposed, or for averting danger; and (5) the Maledictory Rune. to bring down curses on enemies. (Compare Balaam and Balak.)