A rune is a symbol that is part of various ancient Germanic languages, particularly those used by early Germanic peoples for writing and divination. The word "rune" comes from the Old Norse rún, which has been theorized to originate from the Proto-Germanic root rūnō, meaning "secret" or "whisper." In Hebrew, the term can be translated as רונה (ronah). Other relevant translations include runa in Spanish, rune in French, and Rune in German. Runic alphabets, such as the Elder Futhark, were used for inscriptions on stone, wood, and metal, and were later adapted into various regional scripts. Each rune has a name and symbolic meaning, often associated with aspects of nature, mythology, or human experience. Runic inscriptions have been found across Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, and have been used for both practical and ceremonial purposes.