There is a pair of inseparable wolves in Nordic mythology whose sole purpose was to relentlessly hunt the sun and the moon in order to devour them. They were known as Skoll and Hati. They are mentioned only a few times in the Prose Edda written by Snorri Sturluson. Then, we don't have a lot of information about these two supernatural creatures apart from the fact that the two wolves were the children of the giant wolf and feared by the gods.
WHO ARE SKOLL AND HATI?
Skoll and Hati are two giant wolves in Norse mythology. They are the offspring of the wolf god, Fenrir, and the giant, Iarnvidia. Skoll and Hati are said to chase the sun and the moon, respectively. According to the legend, these two wolves, children of Fenrir the giant wolf, are destined to one day catch and devour their celestial prey. In Norse cosmology, the sun and the moon are seen as the eyes of the sky god, Odin. According to the legend, when Hati and Skoll finally catch their prey, it will mark the end of the world, known as Ragnarok.
Skoll and Hati are two of the most feared creatures in Norse mythology. They embody destruction and chaos, and their ceaseless pursuit of the sun and moon represents the unstoppable forces of nature. These giant wolves are a reminder that even the mightiest beings can be brought down by the relentless passage of time.
In the beginning, Odin gave to the god of the sun, Sol, and the moon, Mani, two magical chariots to quickly cross the sky once a day and thus bring light to the whole world. What Odin did not foresee was that the two gods were very easily distracted. The sun liked to take the time to watch the waves crashing on the cliffs and nature from the sky. As for the moon, she liked to watch what humans were doing.
However, their actions had a great impact not only on the gods but also on humans. No one knew when to sleep or stay awake anymore because the sun and the moon were out of control and the day and night were completely unbalanced.
Then, Odin, furious, decided to threaten Sol and Mani with his magic spear, but knowing that they were the only ones who could do this job, the Sun and Moon gods did not take his threats seriously. Finally, Loki found the solution to the problem, he went to meet the wolves Skoll and Hati, the child of his son Fenrir, so that they could chase the sun and the moon. As a reward, they could devour them if they managed to catch up with them.
Not wasting any time, the two wolves set off in pursuit of the gods of the Moon and the Sun who, in panic, seeing the two wild beasts melting down on them at full speed, immediately set off on their usual course. Thus, the cycle of day and night finally returned to its normal rhythm.
According to legend, at the end of time during Ragnarök, Skoll and Hati would finally catch the sun and the moon and devour them, while at the same time the world would be plunged into such a cold universe that would freeze the hearts of men and gods. There will be no more light on earth, and that is where the beginning of the end will begin.
SKOLL AND HATI FATHER
Skoll and Hati are said to be the offspring of Fenrir. This makes them part wolf, and part god. Like their father, they are symbols of both destruction and protection.
HATI AND SKOLL MOTHER
Hati and Skoll were born to a giantess named Larnvidia. Larnvidia marries Fenrir and mates with him after his father-in-law, Loki, has turned her into a she-wolf.
SKOLL AND HATI COLORS
Skoll has a black fur, while Hati has a white fur. The colors of Skoll and Hati's fur are said to be symbolic of the cycle of life and death. The black fur of Skoll represents death, while the red fur of Hati represents life. This cycle is said to be eternal, and it is represented in the never-ending chase of the sun and moon by these two wolves.
In some cultures, Skoll and Hati are seen as benevolent beings who help to bring about balance in the world. In others, they are seen as dangerous creatures who should be avoided at all costs. Either way, these two wolves are an important part of Norse mythology and their colors are said to hold great meaning.
SKOLL AND HATI SYMBOL
Skoll and Hati are important symbols in Norse mythology. They represent both destruction and protection, and are a reminder that everything is connected in the cycle of life and death. In many ways, they are like yin and yang, two forces that are opposite but complementary.
The symbolism of the wolf is also very present in many other cultures. Here are the symbols assigned to Skoll and Hati:
- Eternal cycle of life and death: The two wolves represent the eternal cycle of life and death. The skoll and hati symbol is a reminder that everything in life is temporary and that nothing lasts forever. It is a reminder to live in the present moment and to enjoy the good times while they last. The symbol can also be seen as a warning against chasing after things that are unattainable or impossible to catch.
- Chaos: The names Skoll and Hati respectively means “deception” and “hate”, and symbolize the chaotic nature inherent in every human being.
- Time: These two Managarm wolves, sons of Fenrir and Larnsarxa, are also representatives of the passing of time, chasing the Moon and the Sun in perpetual motion around the Viking universe and the Midgard. The story of Skoll and Hati serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of change. The sun and the moon represent the passing of time, and the wolves chasing them symbolize the constant pursuit of progress and the never-ending cycle of life and death.
- Power: During Vikings age, these two beasts were symbols of chaos but also power and strength. Both frightened and admiring, the Viking tribes forged items in the effigy of the wolves brothers such as this amazing Moon and Sun necklace.
- Repulsion: Also, according to Norse mythology, Skoll is also the symbol of repulsion. In Norse or Asian myths, the idea of a dog or a wolf chasing the stars was widespread.
As a brief sum-up, the story of Skoll and Hati is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present and making the most of the time we have. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and harmony in our lives, as the pursuit of progress and change should not come at the cost of destroying the natural order of things.
In modern times, the imagery of Skoll and Hati has been adopted by many as a symbol of their personal journey and the pursuit of their goals. Some people see the wolves as a symbol of determination and perseverance, while others see them as a reminder to stay true to one's self and follow one's heart.
SKOLL WOLF, THE SUN DEVOURER
Sköll, of is old Norse name is a giant wolf and Hati's brother. This beast chases the horses Árvakr and Alsviðr, that drag the chariot which contains the sun through the sky of Midgard, trying to eat it.
Skoll wolf would reach the Ragnarök and swallow the Sun who would die in a splendid eclipse.
HATI WOLF, THE MOON DEVOURER
Hati is the giant wolf in constant pursuit of the moon. Like his brother Sköll, he's one of the Managarm wolves. However, Hati wolf is in pursuit of the god Mani (the Moon) whom he will also swallow during Ragnarök.
DESCRIPTION OF SKOLL AND HATI, SONS OF FENRIR
The sons of Fenrir Hati and Skoll are giant wolves, 15 feet tall at the withers. Sköll has a black coat with bright red symbols on his back including a sun on his forehead and red eyes.
Hati has a white coat with bright blue symbols including a moon on his forehead and blue eyes.
ABILITIES OF THE NORSE WOLVES OF SUN AND MOON
These two Norse wolves of sun and moon had incredible abilities that have earned them the title of wolf gods:
- Fangs: Although less powerful than their father's, Sköll and Hati's fangs are extremely dangerous.
- Claws: Sköll and Hati's claws are extremely powerful and can cut through almost any material.
- Immense Speed: They have a speed similar to that of the gods, which makes them particularly dangerous and makes their opponents vulnerable to their fangs and claws.
- Immense Stamina: their skin is very dense and protects them from the most powerful attacks and their powerful legs allow them to cover very long distances without ever running out of energy.
TO SUM UP...
These two northern wolves terrorized the people by bringing the Ragnarök as their father, Fenris, had tried to do in the past. However, Skoll and Hati played an important role in balancing the cycle of day and night. Without them, the days might never have returned to normal.
If you like the story of these incredible wolf, then you will love our amazing Skoll bracelet and Hati bracelet. We also invite you to discover the story of Odin's wolves, Geri and Freki!
