Arvakr and Alsviðr are two horses in Norse mythology that play a key role in the journey of the sun across the sky. They are the steeds that pull the chariot of Sol (also known as Sunna), the sun goddess. This mythological image is part of the larger Norse cosmogony and is linked to the daily movement of the sun.
Arvakr: His name is typically translated as “early riser” or “early wake,” signifying his role in starting the daily journey of the sun. The name may suggest that he is responsible for pulling the sun up at dawn.
Alsviðr: His name means “very swift,” symbolizing the speed with which he helps the sun traverse the sky. Alsviðr is often portrayed as the faster of the two, racing through the heavens.
The Sun Chariot
The chariot they pull is driven by Sol, the sun goddess. The myth is said to explain the sun’s movement across the sky each day and its descent into the ocean at night. However, their path is not without danger—Sol is chased by the wolf Sköll, who is constantly trying to catch and devour her. The movement of the horses symbolizes the relentless chase and the constant motion of the sun as it continues its course.
