Wolves are a recurring theme in Norse Mythology, with friends and foes from Óðinn to Víðarr.
1. Fenrir
The monstrous wolf of Norse Mythology Fenrir, has many names and kennings: “Fenrisúlfr “Fenrir’s wolf”, Vánagandr (“monster of the [River] Ván”) and Hróðvitnir (“famous wolf”).
Fenrir is a son of Norse God Loki and the sire of Sköll and Hati. Prophecied to kill the god Odin at the duof Ragnarök, he will in turn be killed by Óðinns son Víðarr.
2. Sköll
As discussed on a previous post, the notion of a wolf pursuing the Sun is an ancient aspect of the Germanic creation story. As one of two wolves that prowl the celestial sky, it is Sköll (treachery)who chases the fiery chariot of Sól (the Sun) across the sky.
3. Hati Hróðvitnisson
Hati (‘Hater’ or ‘He who hates’) is Skölls counterpart, who forever chases Mani (the moon).
Sköll and his brother Hati are both sons of Fenrir, but only Hati takes the unique patronymic of Hróðvitnisson (Son of Famous Wolf).
4. & 5. Geri and Freki
The names of the two hounds of Óðinn, Geri and Freki, both translate as “hungry” or “greedy”. The hunger in this case is likely connected to the scavenger behaviour of wolves and Óðinns attributes as a God of War. Post-battle human corpses of the vanquished were literal and symbolic fodder for the ever hungry totems of Óðinn. Eg in in Helgakviða Hundingsbana I, verse 13, where they’re described as “greedy for the corpses of those who have fallen in battle”. It is also for this reason that they are linked to the Ulfhéðnar wolf Warrior cult.
Of Wolf and Man 