The wolf that chases the moon and devours it at Ragnarök.
Hati is the wolf that pursues the moon's chariot and whose chase determines the moon's speed. His name means 'hater'. In Grímnismál 39 he is mentioned in connection with a wolf chasing the moon, and in Gylfaginning 12 it is specified that Hati is the moon-chaser's name. He is a son of Fenrir and belongs to the wolf kin descending from the great wolf.
The parallel with Sköll, who chases the sun, is evident; the two wolves form a symmetrical pair in Old Norse cosmology. At Ragnarök, Hati completes his pursuit and reaches the moon, contributing to the great darkness that ushers in the end. This eschatological function grants the wolf a more prominent role than his sparse textual appearances might suggest.
Sources in the Eddas
- Grímnismál 39
- The wolf Hati is named as the moon's pursuer. Own translation.
- Gylfaginning 12
- Snorri specifies that Hati chases the moon. Own translation.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Hati is the moon's pursuer among the wolves, attested in Grímnismál and Gylfaginning.
B What we think we know
Hati and Sköll form a symmetrical pair whose chase reflects the perpetual threat to cosmic order.