The Futhark is the name given to the runic alphabets used by ancient Germanic peoples, including the Vikings. The term Futhark" is derived from the first six letters of the runic alphabet: F, U, &THORN. (Th), A, R, and K. There are several variations of the Futhark alphabet: Elder Futhark : Used from about the 2nd to the 8th century, it includes 24 runes. It is the oldest and most widespread of the runic scripts. Runes were not only used for writing, but also had magical and divinatory meanings. They were often engraved on stones, weapons, jewelry, and other objects. Runic inscriptions are valuable sources for understanding the culture, language, and history of the ancient Germanic peoples. "