Skoll and Hati in Norse Mythology: Myths, Powers, and Symbols

Norse mythology is filled with fascinating stories of gods, giants, and legendary creatures, but few are as intriguing as the twin wolves, Skoll and Hati. These fearsome beings are locked in an eternal chase, pursuing the sun and moon across the sky, playing a role in the prophecy of Ragnarok. 

Whether you’re interested in wolves in Norse mythology or are perhaps looking for inspiration for a Sköll and Hati tattoo, this guide explores their myths, powers, and symbolism.

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Skoll and Hati are two monstrous wolves in Scandinavian mythology, known for their pursuit of the sun and moon. Their names carry powerful meanings—Skoll means “Treachery” or “Mockery,” while Hati means “He Who Hates” or “Enemy.” These names hint at their role in the cosmic order, constantly chasing the celestial bodies to bring about the end of the world.

They are often depicted as opposites, sometimes referred to as the sun wolf and moon wolf. Skoll chases Sol (the sun), while Hati pursues Mani (the moon). Their endless pursuit represents the cycle of day and night, but according to Norse prophecy, there will come a time when they finally catch their prey—bringing about the destruction of the world during Ragnarok.

Skoll and Hati’s myths encompass themes of time, fate, and the cosmic balance of the universe. Below are three myths associated with them.

The most well-known myth of Skoll and Hati revolves around their chase of the sun and moon. According to Norse belief, their pursuit is what keeps the celestial bodies moving. If they were ever to catch them, it would signal the end of days. This is exactly what is said to happen at Ragnarok, the great Norse apocalypse.

During Ragnarok, Skoll and Hati will finally succeed in their chase. With the sun and moon devoured, darkness will consume the world, setting the stage for the final battle between the gods and the giants. After Ragnarok, the world will be reborn, and a new sun will rise to take the place of the old one.

In some interpretations of Norse mythology, eclipses were thought to be caused by Skoll or Hati momentarily catching up to their prey. When the sun or moon darkened, it was believed that one of the wolves had almost succeeded in swallowing it. However, before they could fully consume their target, the celestial bodies would slip from their grasp, allowing the cycle to continue.

People in ancient times may have used this myth to explain the sudden and temporary disappearance of the sun or moon. It also reinforced the idea that the chase was ongoing, with Skoll and Hati always just behind their prey, waiting for the day they would finally catch them.

Some myths suggest that Skoll and Hati were not always chasing the celestial bodies but were instead sent on their mission by the gods or fate itself. One tale claims that the gods, fearing the growing power of the wolves, placed them in the sky and bound them to their chase to keep them from turning their strength against Asgard.

Another version suggests that they were born to an ancient wolf and raised to take on their role as hunters of the heavens. Whether they were destined for their task from birth or placed there by divine intervention, their pursuit was inevitable, reinforcing the theme of fate that runs throughout Norse mythology.

Beyond their apocalyptic significance, Skoll and Hati serve as symbols of inevitability and the passage of time. In Norse culture, the world was seen as a place of constant cycles—birth, life, death, and rebirth. The wolves’ chase mirrors this cycle, reminding people that time never stops and that even the gods themselves are not immune to fate.

As creatures of myth, Skoll and Hati are far from ordinary wolves. Their powers reflect their cosmic nature:

As mythological wolves, Skoll and Hati carry strong symbolic meanings.

Skoll and Hati are often described as the sons of Fenrir, the great wolf who is destined to kill Odin during Ragnarok. Fenrir himself is a child of Loki, making Skoll and Hati part of a powerful and feared bloodline.

However, some sources suggest they could be the offspring of an unnamed giant wolf, rather than Fenrir directly. Despite this, their connection to the Ragnarok wolves remains a strong part of Norse mythology.

Unlike Fenrir, who is known for his direct role in the downfall of the gods, Skoll and Hati are more abstract forces. They are not warriors or villains in the traditional sense but are instead cosmic entities fulfilling their destined roles.

What makes them unique is their relentless pursuit. They do not scheme or plan like Loki, nor do they engage in battle like Thor or Odin. Instead, they run—always chasing, never stopping. This makes them powerful symbols of persistence and inevitability.

Although not as famous as Fenrir, Skoll and Hati have found their way into modern culture, especially in literature, video games, and tattoos. They often appear as symbols of balance, time, and destiny.

If you’re interested in wolf Scandinavian mythology, a Sköll and Hati tattoo can be a meaningful way to represent these ideas. Many designs feature them chasing the sun and moon or depicted as mirrored opposites, reflecting their duality.

While the Norse people did not necessarily worship Skoll and Hati in the same way they did with other Norse gods, their presence in mythology made them a key part of Norse cosmology. The fear of Ragnarok was real, and Skoll and Hati played an essential role in that prophecy.

Even today, their legacy continues in various forms, from wolves in mythology to popular depictions in books, TV shows, and games.

Skoll and Hati are not evil in the way that Loki can be. Instead, they are simply fulfilling their destined role, chasing the sun and moon as part of the natural order. Their actions are not driven by cruelty but by fate, making them more forces of nature rather than villains.

There’s no clear answer to who is stronger, as they both have the same role but chase different celestial bodies. Some interpretations suggest that Skoll, who pursues the sun, is slightly more powerful. This idea comes from the fact that the sun is often seen as a greater source of energy than the moon, but ultimately, both wolves are evenly matched in their relentless chase.

Different depictions vary, but Skoll is often associated with the sun and depicted as a light or golden-coloured wolf, while Hati, who chases the moon, is shown as dark or black. These colours symbolise their celestial roles, with Skoll representing daylight and Hati embodying the darkness of night.

"Skol" is a Viking toast, meaning "cheers" or "good health." It is unrelated to Skoll the wolf but shares a similar name. The phrase has been adopted by sports teams and fans, particularly in American football, as a way of invoking Viking strength and camaraderie.

Norse mythology is full of fascinating gods, legends, and deeper meanings waiting to be explored. If you’re fascinated by Skoll and Hati in Norse mythology, why not take your knowledge further? At Centre of Excellence, you can enrol in the Norse Mythology Diploma Course for just £29! Learn about the gods, myths, and legends in greater depth and explore the rich history of the Vikings.