Overview
Hrimfaxi (Old Norse *Hrímfaxi*, “Frost-Mane”) is the magnificent horse who draws the chariot of Nótt, the goddess of Night. As he races across the darkened sky, the foam from his bit and the dew shaken from his icy mane fall gently onto Midgard, becoming the dew that glistens each morning.
Hrimfaxi appears in the *Vafþrúðnismál*, where the giant Vafþrúðnir explains to Odin the origins of night and day. The horse’s frosty nature symbolizes the cold stillness of night and the glimmering drops that greet the dawn.
Together with his blazing counterpart Skinfaxi, who pulls the chariot of Day, Hrimfaxi is part of the cosmic cycle that orders the passage of time in the nine realms.
Key Roles
Bearer of the Night Chariot
Hrimfaxi pulls the chariot of Nótt each night, blanketing the realms in darkness and ushering in the quiet hours before dawn.
Bringer of Dew & Frost
The shimmering dew found each morning is said to be the icy foam shaken from Hrimfaxi’s bit and mane as he runs across the night sky.
Symbol of Quiet & Renewal
Hrimfaxi embodies stillness, frost, dreams, and the soft renewal that night brings to the world.
Counterpart to Skinfaxi
While Hrimfaxi brings darkness and dew, Skinfaxi brings daylight and the sky’s radiance. Together they create the balance of time.
Quick Facts
Related Stories
Domain
The Night Sky
Hrimfaxi traverses the vault of heaven each night, leaving dew upon the fields and signaling the coming of dawn when his journey meets Skinfaxi’s.