Sköll and Hati are two mythical wolves from Norse mythology, known for their roles in the cosmic chase that leads to the end of the world, Ragnarök.
Sköll and Hati: The Cosmic Wolves
Sköll:
Name Meaning: The name “Sköll” is often interpreted as “Treachery” or “Mockery.”
Role: Sköll is the wolf that chases the sun, personified as the goddess Sól, across the sky. According to the myth, Sköll is destined to catch and devour the sun during Ragnarök, plunging the world into darkness.
Hati:
Name Meaning: The name “Hati” can be translated as “Hate” or “He Who Hates.”
Role: Hati is the wolf that chases the moon, personified as the god Máni. Like his brother Sköll, Hati is fated to catch and devour the moon during Ragnarök, contributing further to the chaos and destruction of the cosmos.
Lineage and Symbolism:
Parentage: Sköll and Hati are often described as the offspring of the giant wolf Fenrir, another significant figure in Norse mythology. Fenrir himself is a son of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. In some accounts, the mother of Sköll and Hati is the giantess Iarnvidia (“Ironwood”).
Symbolism: The chase of Sköll and Hati symbolizes the inevitable passage of time and the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth in Norse cosmology. Their pursuit of the sun and moon represents the forces of chaos that threaten to bring about the end of the world.
Ragnarök and the End Times:
Ragnarök: During the events of Ragnarök, Sköll and Hati finally succeed in their eternal chase, swallowing the sun and the moon. This act is one of the key events signaling the destruction of the world. Following this, the world is engulfed in darkness and chaos, leading to the death of many gods and the eventual rebirth of the world.
Legacy in Mythology:
Cultural Impact: Sköll and Hati have become symbols of the relentless, inescapable forces that lead to the end of the world. Their imagery often appears in various forms of modern literature, art, and media related to Norse mythology.
In essence, Sköll and Hati are powerful symbols in Norse mythology, representing the forces of chaos and destruction that are an integral part of the cosmic cycle, leading to the inevitable end and rebirth of the world.
