There is some evidence that, in addition to being a writing system, runes historically served purposes of magic. This is the case from the earliest epigraphic evidence of the Roman to the Germanic Iro
Bracteate G 205 (c. 5th to 7th century), bearing the inscription alu
Runic divination using ceramic tiles
In old Germanic culture, a galder, among other forms in old Germanic languages, refers to a spell or incantation; these were usually performed in combination with certain rites.
Runic magic
…advice on the use and divination practice of runes, including theoretical Galdrar (chanting) of the rune names of the Elder Futhark for ritual use. Galdr Germanic neopaganism…
The völvas were pagan priestesses that specialized in chanting galdrs.
The runic galder on the Högstena bronze plate [sv] (Vg 216).
Excerpt of Icelandic galder staves from the manuscript LBS 2413 8vo (c. 1800).
Excerpt of Icelandic galder staves from the manuscript LBS 4375 8vo (1924 copy of a 1676 original).