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Nótt (Old Norse for "night") is a primordial figure in Norse mythology representing the night itself. She is mentioned in several Old Norse texts, particularly the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (written in the 13th century), which remains a primary source for her mythology.
Nótt is married three times, and each of her unions produces significant offspring: first to Naglfari, with whom she has a son named Auðr (representing wealth or prosperity); second to Annar, with whom she has a daughter, Jörð (the Earth); and third to Dellingr ("the Shining One" or "Dawn"), with whom she has a son, Dagr (Day). Thus, through her lineage, the Norse cosmos ties together night, day, and earth.
In the mythology, Nótt rides across the sky on a horse named Hrímfaxi ("Frost Mane"), whose frothy bit creates the dew each morning. She is assigned by the gods to travel around the world every 24 hours, bringing night to humans and gods alike. Her movement is essential to the natural cycle, preceding her son Dagr, who rides after her and brings daylight.
Nótt’s characterization as both a giantess and a cosmic force reflects the Norse view of jötnar not merely as adversaries but as integral parts of the natural world’s order. Unlike later villainized portrayals of giants, early Norse myths often describe figures like Nótt with reverence, positioning her as an essential and ancient force rather than a malevolent being.
Sources:
Sturluson, Snorri. The Prose Edda (trans. Jesse Byock, Penguin Classics, 2005), particularly Gylfaginning.
Orchard, Andy. Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell, 1997.
Lindow, John. Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. Oxford University Press, 2001.