Ratatöskr

Ratatoskr is a squirrel in Norse mythology who runs up and down the world tree Yggdrasil. His primary role is to act as a messenger between the eagle that dwells at the top of Yggdrasil and the serpent Níðhöggr that gnaws at its roots. The mythological texts describe Ratatoskr as being a bearer of insults and gossip, relaying taunts between the two creatures, thus contributing to the ongoing conflict and decay of the tree.

The name Ratatoskr itself is sometimes translated to mean "acorn-tooth" or "nut-gnawer," reflecting its association with a squirrel. The descriptions of Ratatoskr are found mainly in the Poetic Edda, specifically in the poem Grímnismál, and in the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson. While his depiction is brief, Ratatoskr serves as a symbolic figure representing the constant, often petty, strife that exists even within the cosmic order. His actions highlight the interconnectedness of different realms and beings within the Norse cosmology and the role of communication, even negative, in maintaining that balance.