Sól - Goddess of Norse Mythology

An imposing figure of Sól, .
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Sól, , depicted as an imposing figure.

Sól (pronounced: "soul") also known as Sunna, is a goddess in Norse mythology who is associated with the Sun. According to legend, she is the daughter of Mundilfari and Glaur, and the wife of Glenr. Sól is known for driving her chariot, pulled by the horses Arvak and Alsvid, across the sky every day. She is also pursued by a wolf named Sköll or Fenrir, who seeks to devour her.

The name "Sól" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᛋᚢᛚ

In Norse mythology, the Sun did not provide light; it emanated from the manes of Alsvid and Arvak. The Earth was protected from the excess heat of the Sun by Svalin, a shield located between the Earth and the Sun.

Sól is mentioned several times in the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems. In Vafþrúðnismál, Odin asks the giant Vafþrúðnir about the origin of the Sun and the Moon. Vafþrúðnir replies that Mundilfari is the father of both Sól and Máni, and that they must roam the heavens every day to count the years for men. In another stanza, Odin asks Vafþrúðnir where another Sun will come from when Fenrir reaches the current Sun. Vafþrúðnir replies that before Álfröðull (Sól) is reached by Fenrir, she will have a daughter who will replace her in her task after the events predicted for Ragnarök.

In the poem Grímnismál, Odin says that facing the Sun is a shield called Svalin, and that if it fell polished side down, the mountains would burn. In stanza 39, Odin (named Grimnir) says that the Sun and the Moon are chased through the skies by wolves. The Sun, mentioned as the shining bride of the heavens, is chased by the wolf Sköll, while the Moon is chased by Hati Hróðvitnisson.

In the poem Alvíssmál, the god Thor questions the dwarf Alvíss about the Sun, asking him what the Sun is called in each of the worlds. Alvíss replies that she is called Sun by mankind, light by the gods, the "trickster of Dvalin" by the dwarves, "ever-bright" by the giant jötnar, "the precious wheel" by the Elves, and "all-bright" by the sons of the Æsir.

Sól is an important figure in Norse mythology, representing the power and beauty of the Sun. She is revered for her ability to bring light and warmth to the world, and for her bravery in the face of danger. Despite her eventual fate of being devoured by Fenrir, Sól remains a symbol of hope and renewal, as her daughter will take her place and continue her important task.


Please note that the information provided about Sól and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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