According to Norse legend, Odin “swung” by his feet, for nine (long) nights from the Tree of the World (Yggdrasil tree). “Wounded by my own blade”, Odin was in physical pain, thirsty and hungry. Legend has it, he “spied” the runes and “with a roaring cry” he “seized them up” and fell from the tree. It is said that from this absolute knowledge, Odin carved 18 runes. Rune Masters, shamans or chiefs, practiced high magic, using the runes for divinatory purposes. They also had practical influences, i.e. for healing, love, weather, fertility and more.