Shop Ratatoskr, on a fine art print for your home

Ratatoskr is a squirrel from Norse mythology known for its role as a messenger on Yggdrasil, the World Tree. He scurries up and down the tree, carrying messages and insults between the eagle that perches atop Yggdrasil and the dragon Níðhöggr, who gnaws at its roots. Ratatoskr's actions stir up animosity between these two creatures, contributing to the tension and chaos within the Norse cosmos. His name roughly translates to "drill-tooth" or "gnaw-tooth." Despite being a minor figure, Ratatoskr's role highlights the theme of communication—and miscommunication—in the mythological world.