Each rune not only represents a phonetic sound but also has its own distinct meaning often connected with Norse mythology (see clickable alphabet at left). Scholars believe that early peoples used ...

These alphabets were only consonants ... They’re not supposed to be here—they’re supposed to be in Europe. (Old Viking runes have, indeed, been found on many continents.) ...

Alternatively, students could be given the Norse alphabet and a message written in runes which they must try to translate. They could also be challenged to write their own secret messages in runes ...