The language of the Saxons was of Low-German origin. Many of the
words resemble the German of the present day. When written, the
characters were called runes, mysteries or secrets. The chief use of
these runes was to mark a sword hilt, or some article of value, or to
form a charm against evil and witchcraft.
It is supposed that one of the earliest runic inscriptions is the
following, which dates from about 400 A.D. It is cut on a drinking
horn,[1] and (reproduced in English characters) stands thus: