1-5“The Beguiling of Gylfi” Chapter 12

The Wolves Chasing the Sun and Moon

Why do the sun and moon hurry across the sky?

“The Deluding of Gylfi” explains why the sun moves in such a hurry. A pursuer is close behind. The sun has no choice but to race away, afraid of the wolf chasing it.

The wolf following the sun is called Skoll. One day, he will catch it. The other wolf, Hati, runs ahead of the sun. His prey is the moon. Hati, too, will get his wish and catch the moon.

These wolves belong to a family that came from Ironwood, a forest east of the human world. An old giantess lives there. Other giantesses also make their homes in this forest.

The old giantess gives birth to many giant sons. Every one of them has the shape of a wolf. Skoll and Hati belong to this family.

Illustration of The Wolves Chasing the Sun and Moon