When discussing mythology, we quickly uncover that duality is deeply embedded in the Viking mindset. The interplay of opposites—light and dark, above and below—appears frequently within Scandinavian thought. A remarkable instance of this can be found in Norse mythology.
In this brief exploration—essentially a rapid mythological overview—I’ll share how the Vikings understood the transition from day to night, illustrated through mythology alongside some visual representations.
For the Vikings, the embodiments of day and night were represented as deities traveling across the sky in chariots pulled by horses named Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi. Hrímfaxi, which translates to “frosty mane,” was the steed of Nótt (Night), whereas Skinfaxi, meaning “shining mane,” was the horse of Dagr (Day).
Dagr riding Skinfaxi, depicted by Peter Nicolai Arbo (19th-century artist).
Nótt riding Hrímfaxi, also illustrated by Peter Nicolai Arbo.
Another duo of notable horses in Norse mythology includes Arvak and Alsvid, meaning “Early Riser” and “Very Swift,” respectively. These horses pulled the chariot of the goddess Sól, who traversed the skies daily. The mane of her horses radiated light, while her own presence provided the warmth of daylight.
The portrayal of the Wolves Chasing Sol and Mani, created by John Charles Dollman in 1909, encapsulates the drama of this cosmic chase.
As Sól crossed the sky, she was pursued—and ultimately caught—by the wolf Sköll, while her brother Máni, the moon god, faced a similar fate at the hands of the wolf Hati, only to be succeeded again by his sister Sól upon his demise.
This cyclical understanding helped the Vikings grasp the phenomena they observed—the rhythm of day and night, and the alternating roles of the sun and moon, represented by Sköll and Sól, Hati and Máni.
Interestingly, in Norse culture, the gender associations of these celestial bodies differ from many others; Sól is considered feminine, while Máni is masculine.
References:
– MOGK, Eugen. Norse Mythology. Ed. Labor, Barcelona, 1932.
– NIEDNER, Heinrich. Norse Mythology. Ed. Edicomunicación, Madrid, 1919.
