She

Backstory according to Norse mythology:

In Chapter 11 of the Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, a Völva describes Sól and her origins (Vikings Valhalla, 2023). The Völva says that Sól was the mortal daughter of a man named Mundilfari (Vikings Valhalla, 2023). Like her brother Máni, she was named after a celestial creation due to her outstanding beauty (Vikings Valhalla, 2023). She was named after the sun while her brother was named after the moon. However, this action by Mundilfari was perceived as arrogance by the Aesir, and as such they brought Sól and Máni to the heavens and forced them to "count the years for men" (Vikings Valhalla, 2023). Sól is described as being both the literal embodiment of the sun as well as a goddess who oversees the sun (Ýdalir).

Both Sól and Máni are said to drive horse-drawn chariots across the sky, representing the perceived movement of the sun and moon (Norse Mythology for Smart People). The horses who pull Sól's chariot are named Árvakr ("Early Riser") and Alsviðr ("Swift") (Norse Mythology for Smart People). Chasing after Sól and Máni are two ferocious wolves, Sköll ("Mockery") and Hati Hróðvitnisson ("Hate"), who wish to swallow the sun and moon, similar to the myth of Fenrir (Britannica Kids; Norse Mythology for Smart People).

It is said that during Ragnarök, both wolves will finally catch up to the pair and swallow them whole, fulfilling their plan (Ýdalir). However, after this takes place, Sól will execute one final action: birthing a nearly identical daughter who is to replace her as the new sun goddess (Ýdalir). The name of this daughter is widely contested. Some sources claim that her name is simply Sól, just like her mother, while others say that her name is Álfröðull, Sunna, or something else entirely (Ýdalir; Vikingr, 2024). Furthermore, it is uncertain whether this daughter figure is an independent being of Sól or instead a direct reincarnation of her. Regardless, Norse myths state that this new goddess will be one of the very few deities to survive the events of Ragnarök (Ýdalir; Viking Valhalla, 2023). Together with the other remaining deities, she will help build a new world of light and hope (Ýdalir; Viking Valhalla, 2023).

Other names:

The following are alternative names that have been used to refer to Lady Sól throughout history.

Sunna, Old High German (Vikings Valhalla, 2023).

Saulė, Baltic/Lithuanian (Ýdalir; Berloga Workshop, 2019).

Sulis, Celtic/Brittonic (Ýdalir; Berloga Workshop, 2019).

Surya, Hindu/Sanskrit (Ýdalir; Berloga Workshop, 2019).

Tsar Solnitse, Slavic (Berloga Workshop, 2019).

My personal connection:

I have been a very devoted follower of Lady Sól for years. I first learned of her back in 2021 when I saw a TikTok on my feed saying "this video is a sign that Sól wants to connect with you". Do I believe that video was a literal sign from Lady Sól? No, not really, and admitting that I found out about her through a TikTok is kinda embarrassing to me. However, it's undeniable that the TikTok directed me towards her, and I am very grateful for that.

I have always felt a very strong connection to her, which I find funny considering I used to totally be a moon fan when I was younger. I loved the darker, edgier side of things and honestly kind of bristled when it came to bright, optimistic icons like the sun. However, learning of Lady Sól and devoting myself to her truly marked a significant change in my life. I was undergoing a lot of hardship and pain, especially in 2021, and I felt that Lady Sól relieved my sorrow on multiple occasions, guiding me towards a brighter future. She aided me in becoming a better, stronger person, someone who can always maintain hope and optimism.

Although I regard the other Norse deities with respect and worship a handful of them, Lady Sól has always been my patroness.

My personal experience:

I have found Lady Sól to be an incredibly loving, warm, and motherly deity. In my experience, she has the capability of being both kind and soft as well as fierce and bold. When I think of her I always think of the phrase "the sun giveth and taketh". She is very sweet but will not hesitate to protect herself and those she loves.

I have also found Lady Sól to be quite drawn towards the "tough love" approach. She is not harsh, but she is honest and forward. If she believes you have the strength to persevere then she will push you to overcome any obstacles you face. When blindsided by a tragedy, it may feel like the end of the world for you, but Lady Sól will step in and essentially say, "hey, you're stronger than this hurdle. This is not the end. There is a bright future ahead and everything will be okay. Don't let this defeat you." As I mentioned before, I perceive her to be very motherly, so expect her to keep a watchful eye over you and persuade you to go down paths that she believes are in your best interest (as well as dissuade you from going down paths that are not in your best interest).

Associations:

The following are associations I personally attribute to Lady Sól.

Warm colors (red, yellow, orange)

Birds

Butterflies

Fire

Summer

Citrine

Sunstone

Stars

Sunflowers

The Sun tarot card

Sowilo rune (ᛋ)

Qualities:

The following are qualities and characteristics I personally attribute to Lady Sól. I believe these themes resonate the most with her and as such give her expertise in strengthening these qualities among her followers.

Hope

Optimism

Happiness

Resilience

Courage

Clarity

Strength

Passion

Conclusion:

I hope this helps people learn a bit more about this relatively unknown deity! There is unfortunately not a lot of recorded information regarding Lady Sól so she has often been overshadowed by other deities within the Norse pantheon. She is wonderful, however, and deserves far more recognition!

Sources:

"Norse Gods: Sól." Ýdalir. https://ydalir.ca/norsegods/sol/.

"Sol." Berloga Workshop. October 10, 2019, https://berloga-workshop.com/blog/81-sol.html.

"Sol and Mani." Britannica Kids. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Sol-and-Mani/313604.

"Sol and Mani." Norse Mythology for Smart People. https://norse-mythology.org/sol-mani/.

"Sol | Norse Mythology." Vikings Valhalla. December 14, 2023, https://vikings-valhalla.com/blogs/norse-mythology/sol-norse-mythology?srsltid=AfmBOorCKYkZ4zH_IVdZlNR4HSXCU7hPHXBWgQkWUgyfQuKZynAgscoz.