WOLVES THAT PURSUE THE SUN AND MOON
the gods being incensed at Mundilfari's presumption, took his children and placed them in the heavens, and let Sol drive the horses that draw the car of the sun, which the gods had made to give light to the world out of the sparks that flew from Muspellheim. These horses are called Arvak and Alsvid, and under their withers the gods placed two skins filled with air to cool and refresh them, or, according to some ancient traditions, a refrigerant substance called isanikul.[1] Mani was set to guide the moon in his course, and regulate his increasing and waning aspect. One day he carried off from the earth two children, named Bil and Hjuki, as they were returning from the spring called Byrgir, carrying between them the bucket called Sægr, on the pole Simul. Vidfinn was the father of these children, who always follow Mani (the moon), as we may easily observe even from the earth."
12. "But the sun," said Gangler, "speeds at such a rate as if she feared that some one was pursuing her for her destruction."
"And well she may," replied Har, "for he that seeks her is not far behind, and she has no way to escape than to run before him."
"But who is he," asked Gangler, "that causes her this anxiety?"
"There are two wolves," answered Har; "the one called Skoll pursues the sun, and it is he that she fears, for he shall one day overtake and devour her; the other,
- ↑ A ferreous or glacial refrigeration.
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