Sköll and Hati: Eclipsing Stories in Norse Mythology

Welcome to the fascinating world of Norse mythology, where deities, giants, and mythical creatures live amidst cosmological wonders and epic sagas. Here, every story, every character, imparts a deeper understanding of the ancient Norse worldview. Among these tales, few are as intriguing as those of the wolves Sköll and Hati. These siblings stand as embodiments of primal forces, persistently pursuing celestial bodies in an eternal celestial chase. By exploring the tale of Sköll and Hati, we delve into the heart of the Norse cosmic narrative, shedding light on the intricate web of beliefs that shaped Norse perceptions of time, destiny, and the cyclical nature of existence.

The Identity of Sköll and Hati

To fully appreciate the tale of Sköll and Hati, we must first understand who they are, their origin, and their role in the grandeur of Norse mythology. These wolves are more than just characters in an old myth; they are symbols of greater cosmological principles, giving us valuable insights into the Norse understanding of the world.

Who Are Sköll and Hati?

Sköll and Hati, two mighty wolves from the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, are the embodiments of relentless pursuit. Their names are foreboding, with Sköll meaning “Treachery” and Hati meaning “He Who Hates.” Sköll hunts the sun, personified by the goddess Sol, while Hati chases the moon, personified by the god Mani. Their unending pursuit across the sky is a daily spectacle in the Norse cosmos, representing the dichotomy between light and dark, day and night. It is a perpetual cycle, a chase without end – until Ragnarök, the foretold doom of the gods, when it is said they will finally catch their celestial prey.

Their Parentage and Lineage

Sköll and Hati hail from a powerful and fearsome lineage. They are the progeny of the monstrous wolf, Fenrir, and a giantess from the land of Ironwood. Fenrir himself is a son of Loki, the trickster god, and Angrboda, a giantess. This lineage ties them to some of the most formidable figures in Norse mythology. These associations not only amplify their inherent power but also reflect their inherent danger. The same blood that courses through the veins of Fenrir, who is prophesied to slay Odin during Ragnarök, also runs in Sköll and Hati. Their role in the Norse cosmic order, pursuing the sun and moon, reflects the inescapable destiny dictated by their parentage, representing the constant threat to cosmic stability and order.

Sköll and Hati in Norse Literature 

The captivating tales of Sköll and Hati find their origins in the wealth of Norse literature. These sources serve as our primary window into the world of Norse mythology, with their stories providing not only entertainment but also profound insights into the Norse cosmos. Delving into these ancient sagas brings to light the intriguing roles of Sköll and Hati, and how their ceaseless pursuit is deeply interwoven with Norse cosmological beliefs.

Their Mention in Ancient Sagas 

The tales of Sköll and Hati have been preserved in two critical sources of Norse mythology, the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The Poetic Edda, a collection of ancient poems, and the Prose Edda, a detailed guide to Norse mythology written by the historian Snorri Sturluson, depict the chase of Sköll and Hati as a constant celestial event.

For instance, the ‘Grimnismal’, a poem in the Poetic Edda, refers to Sköll and Hati as the wolves that chase the sun and the moon. Furthermore, the ‘Gylfaginning’ section of the Prose Edda provides a more detailed account, explicitly naming Sköll and Hati as the wolves in pursuit of these celestial bodies. It describes how Sköll and Hati were bred in Ironwood by a troll woman, who raises giant, wolf-like creatures, including Sköll and Hati’s father, Fenrir.

Interpretations and Symbolism

The chase of Sköll and Hati is laden with symbolic significance, mirroring the cyclical patterns of time and life that were crucial to the Norse cosmological view. Their relentless pursuit symbolizes the natural cycle of day turning into night and vice versa, a representation of the endless rhythm of the cosmos.

The wolves themselves represent destructive forces. In the Norse worldview, wolves were often seen as destructive beasts, and this perception extends to Sköll and Hati. Their pursuit of the sun and moon, and the prophecy that they will eventually swallow these celestial bodies during Ragnarök, symbolizes the inevitable end of the world.

But it goes even further. The fact that they are children of a giantess and Fenrir, who is destined to kill Odin during Ragnarök, ties them to the concept of ‘chaos’. Their existence and their actions are a constant reminder of the Norse belief in the cyclical nature of chaos and order, creation and destruction.

By understanding the symbolic meaning behind Sköll and Hati, we gain deeper insights into the Norse perception of the cosmos and the inevitability of destiny, which were essential elements of their belief system.

Sköll and Hati in the Framework of Norse Cosmology 

Within the Norse cosmological framework, Sköll and Hati play a unique and prominent role. The Norse cosmos is intricately structured, featuring Nine Worlds interconnected by Yggdrasil, the World Tree. The ceaseless chase of Sköll and Hati is a constant fixture within this cosmic order. Their pursuit of the sun and moon across the sky serves as a celestial clock, marking the passage of time.

Moreover, their role also represents the delicate balance of the cosmos. The impending catch of the sun and moon by Sköll and Hati, foretold to occur during Ragnarök, symbolizes the catastrophic imbalance that will lead to the end of the current cosmic order. Hence, they embody the ever-looming threat of cosmic disarray and the inevitable cycle of destruction and renewal in the Norse cosmological model.

Sköll and Hati’s ceaseless pursuit of the sun and moon is more than a captivating myth; it provides a valuable framework for understanding how the ancient Norse may have conceptualized time and structured their calendar systems.

The Norse had a largely lunar calendar, with the month beginning and ending with the new moon. The role of the moon in their calendar gives Hati, the wolf that chases the moon, a particular significance. Meanwhile, the sun’s journey across the sky, perpetually pursued by Sköll, marked the progression of the day. This celestial chase, endlessly repeating, symbolizes the cycle of days into nights and the progression of months.

These cycles of time, personified by Sköll and Hati, were likely pivotal in shaping the annual calendar and the rhythm of daily life in Norse societies. For instance, the changing length of daylight throughout the year, represented by the varying lead the sun had over Sköll, might have signified the transition between seasons.

Moreover, the myth of Sköll and Hati offers a symbolic explanation for solar and lunar eclipses, which were probably significant calendar events for the Norse. The moments when Sköll and Hati ‘caught up’ with the sun and moon might have been interpreted as eclipses, representing a temporary victory of the wolves before the celestial bodies escape and the chase begins anew.

Therefore, Sköll and Hati’s roles extend beyond their mythological narrative; they offer an intriguing lens through which we can explore the potential interplay between Norse mythology and the practical, observational aspects of ancient Norse timekeeping and calendar systems.

Sköll and Hati and the Ragnarök Prophecy 

One of the most foreboding elements of Norse mythology is the prophecy of Ragnarök, the end of the world. According to these predictions, Sköll and Hati play a significant part in the unfolding of these events.

The prophecy tells of a time when Sköll and Hati will finally succeed in their pursuit. Sköll will swallow the sun, and Hati will devour the moon, plunging the world into darkness. This event marks the beginning of Ragnarök, setting off a series of cataclysmic events, including the release of their father Fenrir and the onset of a devastating battle.

The successful capture of the sun and moon by Sköll and Hati signifies the disruption of cosmic order, reinforcing the Norse belief in the cyclical nature of the universe. The world, as it is known, ends, only to eventually give rise to a new world after Ragnarök – a testament to the resilient theme of rebirth following destruction in Norse mythology.

Comparative Mythology: Sköll and Hati vs. Other Mythological Wolves 

Across various mythologies, wolves often serve as symbols of strength, cunning, and sometimes, destructive forces. In comparing Sköll and Hati to other mythological wolves, we find both common threads and distinctive features.

In Roman mythology, the she-wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, stands as a protective figure, differing from the destructive image of Sköll and Hati. However, both sets of wolves share a link to foundational cosmological events – the establishment of Rome and the daily Norse cosmic cycle, respectively.

On the other hand, Fenrir, the father of Sköll and Hati in their own mythology, shares their destructive symbolism. Destined to break free from his bonds and participate in Ragnarök, Fenrir’s story echoes his offspring’s roles as harbingers of cosmic upheaval.

Thus, while Sköll and Hati share common motifs with other mythological wolves, their unique role in symbolizing cosmic cycles and their integral part in Norse eschatology distinctly sets them apart. Their story, hence, offers an intriguing exploration of shared and unique elements in comparative mythology.

 

Sköll and Hati in Modern Pop Culture

Even centuries after the Viking Age, the enigmatic tale of Sköll and Hati continues to permeate modern pop culture. From literature to film to video games, the timeless narrative of these celestial wolves has been adapted and reimagined in various contexts, reflecting their enduring relevance and appeal.

Their Depiction in Movies and Literature

In the realm of cinema and literature, Sköll and Hati have appeared as formidable forces tied to the elements of destruction and chaos. For instance, in fantasy novels such as those in the “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” series by Rick Riordan, the wolves are integral to the plot surrounding the Norse apocalypse. Similar themes are echoed in films and TV series where Norse mythology forms the central narrative, with Sköll and Hati often depicted as ominous beings that hint at the looming Ragnarök.

Moreover, the wolves have also been used metaphorically, representing natural cycles or inescapable destiny, in narratives not explicitly tied to Norse mythology. Their tale has served as a rich source of symbolic imagery, enhancing the depth and complexity of contemporary storytelling.

Their Influence on Modern Mythology 

Beyond their direct portrayal, Sköll and Hati have left a significant mark on modern interpretations of mythology. Their story has influenced the way we view cosmic cycles, the struggle between order and chaos, and the inevitable confrontation with destiny.

These themes have been extrapolated and incorporated into various facets of modern mythology. From comic books to video game lore, the influence of Sköll and Hati can be seen in many narrative structures that feature apocalyptic events, the tension between light and darkness, and the cyclical nature of time.

Conclusion 

The tale of Sköll and Hati serves as a captivating journey through the world of Norse mythology, transporting us into the heart of a cosmos marked by cyclical patterns, inevitable destiny, and the constant interplay between order and chaos. From their portrayal in ancient sagas to their influence on modern pop culture, these celestial wolves remain timeless symbols of Norse cosmological beliefs.

Understanding Sköll and Hati, therefore, is not merely about unraveling an ancient myth; it’s about gaining insights into a worldview that sees the universe as an endlessly turning wheel of time, where destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin. As we continue to delve deeper into their story, we not only connect with the past but also gain a renewed perspective on the narratives shaping our present.