What is hraesvelgr?

Hraesvelgr is a giant eagle in Norse mythology, often described as perching at the end of the world and creating the winds with the flapping of its wings. Its name translates to "Corpse Swallower" or "Corpse Devourer" in Old Norse, suggesting a connection to death or destruction.

In some sources, Hraesvelgr is referred to as the "wind-thrall" or "wind-giant," highlighting its role in controlling the winds and weather. It is sometimes depicted as a massive eagle with a wingspan that stretches from the eastern horizon to the western horizon.

Hraesvelgr is mentioned in the Prose Edda, a collection of Old Norse mythology and poetry attributed to the medieval Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson. The eagle is said to inhabit the northern end of the world, in a realm known as the "Elivagar," where it generates the winds that sweep across the earth.

Overall, Hraesvelgr is a powerful and awe-inspiring figure in Norse mythology, representing the forces of nature and the mysteries of the world.