An ancient Germanic letter, also known as Runes, has various synonyms that describe its shape, purpose, and history. These synonyms are largely associated with the Nordic languages and the early Gothic alphabet. Some of the synonyms for ancient Germanic letters are Old Futhark, Viking runes, and Elder Futhark. The word "futhark" is, in itself, one of its synonyms and refers to the entire runic alphabet. Ancient Germanic letters also have equivalents in modern alphabets, such as the Latin alphabet, which displays great similarity to the runes in their early forms. The Germanic letters, though rarely used today, provide a peek into the linguistic and cultural heritage of the early Europeans.