The history of the runes is mysterious. According to Norse mythology, Odin, the chief of the gods, sacrificed himself for nine days and nights in order to receive cosmic wisdom, which was granted to him in the form of the runes. These runes make up an alphabet that was used across most of northern Europe from pre-Christian times until the thirteenth century. Complete with 25 runes, a drawstring pouch, and a 120-page book, The Book of Runes explains the meanings of the runes and the Norse mythology that underpins their basic concepts. Discover the powers these symbols contain by creating your own rune stones and using them for divination and other magical purposes, from making talismans to petitioning the Norse gods.