Originally a household goddess in ancient Germany and accredited with being the mother of the Huns, Alrunes ("secret") was demonized under Christian influence.
She has been described as both a magical wooden doll and a type of female sorcerer. As a magical wooden poppet, she can be asked questions regarding the future and she will answer with small motions of her head or by making faint sounds. Dolls of Alrunes stood about a foot tall, and each one was named and dressed in expensive clothing. Typically they were placed in a comfortable and dry niche somewhere in the main body of the house and served food and drinks at every meal. If the doll built to honor Alrunes was neglected, it would bring misfortune down upon the household and cry out in anguish and anger.
As female sorcerers, they are said to have shape-changing abilities but cannot alter their sex.