Mythical animals, so-called "gripping beasts", were hallmarks of Viking ornamentation  imbued with great spiritual power. Images of these beasts were often bordered by runes, the sixteen-character early Scandinavian alphabet. Runes were made of straight lines to enable them to be carved into wood or stone. Each runic symbol had its own name, significance and magical power to convey wisdom from the gods about the forces of mind and nature.