The Sun Goddess Sól in Norse Mythology
In the realm of Norse mythology, Sól, known as the Sun goddess, is characterized by her vibrant associations and familial connections. She is the offspring of Mundilfari and Glaur and is wed to Glenr. Sól is synonymous with various names including Sunna, an Old High German term, and Sigel or Siȝel in Old English. The Proto-Germanic language refers to her as *Sôwilô or *Saewelô.
Sól’s Role in Norse Cosmology
Each day, Sól traverses the sky in her radiant chariot, drawn by the two steeds Arvak and Alsvid. This journey is marked by the constant pursuit of a wolf — named either Sköll or Fenrir in differing accounts — who aims to consume her. A solar eclipse serves as a foreboding sign, indicating that Sköll is perilously close to Sól, momentarily overshadowing her. The prophecy foretells a day when Sköll will ultimately succeed in his chase, leading to Sól’s devouring, after which her daughter will take on the duty of following the Sun’s path. Sól’s passage through the sky is safeguarded from overwhelming heat by Svalin, a mythical shield that stands guard between her and the Earth. Not only does Sól embody the Sun, but her light is also depicted as emanating from the manes of her horses, Arvak and Alsvid. Sól’s other names, such as Sunna and Sunne, are derived from the Old English lexicon related to the Sun and its day, Sunday. The Sun itself is referred to in poetry as Álfröðull, translating to “glory of the elves.”
Sól’s Depiction in the Poetic Edda
The figure of Sól appears multiple times within the Poetic Edda. For instance, in the Vafþrúðnismál, she is discussed by the god Odin as he queries the giant Vafþrúðnir about the origins of the Sun and Moon. Vafþrúðnir clarifies that Mundilfari is the progenitor of both Sól and her brother Máni, tasked with their daily journey across the heavens, marking the passage of time for humanity. Odin later questions what will happen when Fenrir apprehends Sól, to which Vafþrúðnir prophesizes the birth of a new Sun who will assume her duties post-Ragnarök. Further in the Grímnismál, Odin provides vivid imagery, illustrating Sól’s chase by the wolf Sköll, while the Moon is pursued by Hati, creating a dynamic interplay between light and dark.
The Alvíssmál features Thor challenging a dwarf named Alvíss about various names attributed to the Sun across different realms, demonstrating the cultural significance and varied interpretations across the mythological landscape.
Sól in the Prose Edda
The Prose Edda’s Gylfaginning also references Sól, detailing her lineage and the charming features that earned her the moniker of the Sun. Gangleri, representing King Gylfi, inquires how Sól is governed. In response, a Völva, or seeress, recounts how the gods were incensed by the vanity of Mundilfari and his offspring, leading to their celestial roles. The divine chariot, forged for illuminating the cosmos with embers from Muspelheim, plays a critical role in their journey. To provide relief to the horses, the gods created two bellows named Ísarnkol.
As Gylfaginning unveils, the Völva emphasizes the urgency of Sól’s pace, propelled by the fear of being caught by Sköll. The narrative reveals that the pursuit is relentless, with Hati running after Máni, promising an intertwined fate for both Sun and Moon.
Moving to a prophetic foresight, the Völva claims that following Ragnarok, Sól will pass her roles to a daughter, as splendid as herself, ensuring the continuity of light across the skies as detailed previously in Vafþrúðnismál.
The Sun Rune
In ancient runic tradition, the letter ‘s’ has been symbolized by the rune ᛋ known as Sol — a tribute to both the goddess and the celestial body she represents. The older fuþark rune ᛊ carries the reconstructed Proto-Nordic name *sôwilô.
