Introduction to Máni
Máni is referenced in Norse mythology through texts such as the Prose Edda, Poetic Edda, and those of Tacitus in Germania. He is recognized as the moon deity and is the sibling of the sun goddess, Sól. His legacy contributes to the folklore character known as the “Man-in-the-Moon” in English tales.
Alongside Sól and their father, Mundilfäri, Máni plays a vital role in the management of time. He is often depicted as handsome, characterized by his dark hair and striking silver eyes. In the poem Voluspa, he is presented as serving the Æsir, enabling the measurement of the year.
Both Máni and Sól are relentlessly chased by two wolves, destined to be overtaken during Ragnarök. It was believed that lunar eclipses occurred when Hati, the wolf pursuing Máni, approached him. Modern interpretations suggest that the concept of Ragnarök may have been influenced by Christian writer Snorri Sturluson, positing that earlier myths of wolves gaining on celestial bodies were originally cyclical rather than catastrophic. Scholars speculate these legends could also reflect historical occurrences, such as a mini ice age triggered by a comet impact that obscured the sky.
Dual Nature in Myths
In various tales, Máni and his kin are depicted both as gods and as Jötnar, ancient entities that emerged at the cosmos’s creation. The theme of the sun and moon being drawn across the sky in chariots is prevalent in numerous Indo-European traditions.
Máni’s story includes two childlike figures — Bil and Hjuki. These characters are portrayed as carrying water pails and are likely the inspiration for the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill.” The name Bil suggests reduction or diminishing, symbolizing the act of pouring. In contrast, Hjuki indicates increase, as he fills his pails. Together, they embody the recurring cycles of the moon and its relationship with tides.
Máni possesses various poetic titles that align with the nine realms in Norse lore. He is known as “Moon” by humans, “The Fiery One” among the Æsir, “The Whirling Wheel” in Helheim, “The Hastener” by the giants, “The Shiner” to the dwarfs, and “The Counter of Years” among the Alfar.
Role and Influence of Máni
A central aspect of Máni’s role is aiding humanity in tracking time and date to determine optimal times for agricultural activities and significant life events, serving as a conduit of fate. He is not described as the moon itself, but as its charioteer, guiding the lunar body through the night sky. His journey and the phases of the moon reflect his constant evasion of the pursuing wolf. His chariot is pulled by Hrimfaxi, known for its frosty mane, a name that is also linked to Nött, the Jötun goddess representing night, reminiscent of the ancient Greek goddess Nyx.
Although Máni likely did not have specific indoor temples dedicated to him, Tacitus notes the reverence held for him by the Germanic tribes, indicating outdoor worship practices. Early European heathens did not distinguish between magic and religious practices; thus, Máni was often invoked in many spells across Scandinavia, Germany, and England.
He is associated with seiðr, a form of witchcraft. The Hávamál connects him with both curses and blessings; numerous gravestones and rock inscriptions invoke his protection for both the living and the deceased, seeking his aid in divination.
Interestingly, the name for Monday derives directly from Máni.
Reflections on Máni
Folktales associate the moon with various elements of fate and fortune. Different lunar phases were considered auspicious for launching certain endeavors — for instance, during the waxing moon, people sought his help for gaining, growing, and initiating new projects. Conversely, during the waning moon, individuals would call upon him to release, diminish, or banish aspects of their lives. Full moons were traditionally regarded as ideal for hosting gatherings and celebrations.
The Germanic peoples attributed the moon with masculine qualities, paralleling beliefs seen in ancient Egyptian culture, particularly with deities like Khonsu and Thoth. Numerous Anglo-Saxon texts, known as lunaria, forecast a diversity of events, from weather changes to human destinies, as influenced by the moon’s cycles. Astronomy and astrology were integral to the ancient Germanic and English lifestyles, as their calendars were based on lunar cycles. The lunula motif, signifying a crescent moon in jewelry, has persisted in various Norse and Slavic cultures as a representation of the lunar entity.
Symbols and Associations
Máni is symbolized by the moon, silver, astronomy, crescent shapes, and the lunula. His influence extends to various aspects of herbalism, timekeeping, magic, and monumental stone structures. Key associations include Monday, calendars, the tidal rhythm, and the night.
Notable Names
Máni is known by various names: Manni, Moon (English), Meness (Baltic), and the modern portrayal as Man in the Moon, as well as Hjuki-and-Bil/Jack-and-Jill.
