Artifact
Rati
The auger Baugi uses at Odin's urging to bore through the rock of Hnitbjorg.
Overview
Rati is the auger Odin gives Baugi. Its first hole is only Baugi's claimed breakthrough; Odin blows into it, gets chips in his face and knows the rock remains unpierced. Once the second bore goes through, he becomes a serpent and enters Hnitbjorg, making the tool the narrow entrance for the theft.
Key facts
The false hole exposed
When Odin blows into the first hole, chips fly back, showing Baugi has not pierced the rock.
Opens an entry
After the second bore goes through, Odin becomes a serpent and passes through the hole Rati opens.
Story appearances
- Odin and the Poetic MeadTool for boring rock
Rati first exposes Baugi's deceit, then opens Odin's hole into the mountain.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.