Runes are one of the more interesting writing styles i came across in my study of literature vs orality.
the Rune represents a sound but it also represents an idea. the anglo-saxon rune 'eh' stands for the sound [e] but it also represents the animal 'horse' and it's not just horse, having a horse is a sign of both wealth and warrior prowess, a pleasure and a mark of pride, a horse is friends, adventure and travel.
so runes are extended metaphors... interesting.