In Norse lore, runes hold significant meaning, as they are not merely letters but also symbols imbued with magical powers. According to myth, the god Odin sacrificed himself to gain knowledge of the runes while hanging from the World Tree, Yggdrasil. Runes are used for divination, spell-casting, and communication. Each rune has its own meaning and significance, representing fundamental aspects of existence, fate, and the interconnectedness of life and death within the universe.