Rune Oracle

Norse being

Auðhumla

The primeval cow

nourishmentcreationmotherhoodpatience

Also called Audhumla, Audumla, Auðumbla.

Their story

As the rime melted in Ginnungagap it also formed a cow, Auðhumla. Four rivers of milk ran from her udder and fed Ymir. She fed herself by licking the salty rime-stones, and as she licked, a man's hair appeared on the first day, a head on the second, and on the third a whole man, Búri, grandfather of Odin.

Best times to give to them

  • at a birth
  • midwinter
  • when giving thanks for food

What they like being given

  • milk or oat milk
  • a pinch of salt
  • bread

How to honour them

  1. Say thanks for food and those who provide it at a meal.
  2. Place a cow image on a creation or ancestor altar.

How they can help you

  • gratitude for nourishment
  • nurturing others
  • slow, patient work

Symbols

  • a cow
  • four rivers of milk
  • a salty block of ice

Found only in Snorri.

Sources

  • Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 6

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