diff --git a/mods/runes/glyphs.lua b/mods/runes/glyphs.lua
index ff9ba344..2551658f 100644
--- a/mods/runes/glyphs.lua
+++ b/mods/runes/glyphs.lua
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ function register_glyph(name, basics, tab)
 	runes.glyphs[name] = {}
 	runes.glyphs[name].mana_cost = basics.mana_cost or 0
 
-	def = table.copy(tab)
+	local def = table.copy(tab)
 	def.groups.glyph = 1
 
 	def.description = basics.description or "Mysterious Glyph"
diff --git a/mods/runes/scrolls.lua b/mods/runes/scrolls.lua
index c92a8bb9..fa6c42be 100644
--- a/mods/runes/scrolls.lua
+++ b/mods/runes/scrolls.lua
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ runes.scrolls = {}
 function register_scroll(name, type, data)
 	if not data then return end
 
-	def = {
+	local def = {
 		inventory_image = (data.texture or "runes_scroll_unknown.png"),
 		groups = {scroll = 1},
 		description = (data.description or "Mysterious Scroll"),