General description of Mundilfari
Mundilfari is a figure in the Germanic pantheon, often considered a giant or divine figure associated with time and celestial cycles. He is the father of Sunna (Sól), the goddess of the sun, and Mani, the god of the moon. The name Mundilfari is generally interpreted as meaning "the one who moves or governs the periods" or "the one who makes turn," indicating his link to the regular movement of celestial bodies and the passage of time. Although he is not one of the main gods, Mundilfari plays an important role as the ancestor of the deities who govern the sun and the moon.
Correspondence table of Mundilfari
| Stones | Obsidian, onyx, quartz |
| Planets | Saturn |
| Day | Saturday |
| Deities | Sunna, Mani |
| Creatures | Wolf, serpent |
| Plants | Yew, oak |
| Signs | Capricorn, Scorpio |
| Direction | East |
| Offerings | Water, bread, wine |
Symbols and appearances of Mundilfari
Mundilfari is rarely depicted visually in myths, but he is generally described as a respected and powerful figure, linked to astronomy and cycles of time. Symbols associated with Mundilfari include clocks, sundials, and other time-measuring instruments, symbolizing his connection to day and night cycles. Dark colors like black and gray are often associated with him, evoking the depth of the cosmos and the mystery of time.
Genealogy of Mundilfari
| Children | Sunna (goddess of the sun), Mani (god of the moon) |
Myths of Mundilfari
Myths about Mundilfari are rare and often linked to his children, Sunna and Mani. According to some traditions, Mundilfari named his children after the sun and the moon because of their beauty. This act angered the gods, who placed his children in the sky to drive the solar and lunar chariots. Although Mundilfari is not often mentioned in main mythological stories, his role as the father of these important solar and lunar deities gives him a special place in the Germanic pantheon, connected to concepts of temporality and celestial movement.
