Álfröðull (Old Norse "elf-beam" or "elf-beam") is a term and common kenning in Norse mythology. It is ambiguous, referring both to the rider (the sun herself) and to the sun-chariot of the sun goddess Sol. Álfröðull is pulled by two horses, Arvak and Alsvid. The chariot is pursued by the wolf Skoll. According to Norse mythology, prior to Ragnarök, Álfröðull will give birth to a daughter and then be eaten by the wolf, but the daughter will take her place.

Vafþrúðnismál

According to the poem Vafþrúðnismál:

Óðinn kvað:

"Hvaðan kemur sól

á hinn slétta himin,

þá er þessa hefur Fenrir farið?"

Vafþrúðnir kvað:

"Eina dóttur

ber Álfröðull,

áður hana Fenrir fari.

Sú skal ríða,

þá er regin deyja,

móður brautir mær."

Modern poetic English translation:

Odin spoke:

"From whence will come the sun

To span the skies,

When Fenrir has destroyed the girl?"

Vafþrúðnir spoke:

"A daughter born to Alfrodull,

Before the Fenris wolf destroys her.

The girl will ride her mother's paths

When the gods are slain."

Notes

References

• Faulkes, Anthony (Trans.) (1995). Edda. Everyman. ISBN 0-4608-7616-3
• Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell. ISBN 0 304 34520 2