Also called Ratatosk, Drill-tooth.
Their story
Ratatoskr is a squirrel who runs up and down Yggdrasil. Grímnismál says he carries the words of the eagle above down to Níðhöggr below. Snorri adds that he carries insults between them, stirring up their enmity.
Best times to give to them
- when gossip is spreading
- when watching squirrels
What they like being given
- nuts for wild squirrels (unsalted)
- a rumour left unrepeated
How to honour them
- Next time you hear gossip, let it stop with you, and think of Ratatoskr.
- Put out unsalted nuts for garden squirrels and birds.
How they can help you
- watching your words
- honest communication
- playfulness
Symbols
- a squirrel
- the trunk of Yggdrasil
Known only from one Eddic stanza and Snorri.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Grímnismál 32
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 16