Máni facts for kids
Mani is a god in Norse mythology. He is known as the god of the moon. His name means "moon" in Old Norse. Mani was created by the gods to guide the moon across the sky. He has a sister named Sol, who guides the sun.
Contents
Mani, the Moon God
How Mani Was Made
In Norse myths, Mani was not born like other gods. He was created from the bright sparks that flew out of the fiery realm called Muspelheim. The other gods, known as the Æsir, gathered these sparks. They then shaped them into the moon.
Mani's Important Job
The gods gave Mani a very important job. They made him ride in a special cart across the sky every day. His task was to guide the moon on its path. His sister, Sol, had a similar job, guiding the sun. Together, they made sure the day and night cycles happened.
Why the Moon Changes Shape
Have you ever wondered why the moon changes its shape? Sometimes it's a full circle, and other times it's just a sliver. In Norse stories, Mani is responsible for these changes. He took two children from the human world, a boy named Bil and a girl named Hjúki. They follow Mani in his cart. When they cover parts of the moon, it makes the moon appear to change shape. This explains why we see the moon "waxing" (growing bigger) and "waning" (growing smaller).
The Wolf Who Chases Mani
Mani is always being chased by a giant wolf named Hati. Hati is a child of the fearsome wolf Fenrir. Hati's only goal is to catch and eat Mani. When Hati gets very close to Mani, it causes a lunar eclipse. This is when the moon seems to disappear or turn dark.
Mani's Fate at Ragnarök
The chase between Mani and Hati will continue until a great event called Ragnarök. Ragnarök is like the end of the world in Norse mythology. During this time, Hati will finally catch Mani. The wolf will then swallow the moon god whole.
Images for kids
-
"Far away and long ago" (1920) by Willy Pogany.
-
A 19th century depiction of The Man in the Moon from folklore in areas of Germanic Europe
See also
In Spanish: Máni para niños
